How to Clean and Care for The Hummingbird Velvet Ballet Flats

By Birdies | Published: 2026-10-24

Category: Tips & Care

Learn how to clean and care for your Birdies Hummingbird velvet ballet flats with step-by-step instructions that protect the plush fabric and jeweled details.

Quick answer

Clean your Birdies Hummingbird velvet flats with a soft brush or lint roller for surface dust, spot-clean stains gently with a damp cloth and mild soap, and always air-dry away from heat.

Why velvet flats need special care

Velvet is a delicate pile fabric that can crush, stain, or lose its soft sheen if treated like leather or canvas. The Hummingbird's ocean velvet and jeweled bow require gentle methods to preserve both the plush texture and the sparkly details.

The Barefoot Ballerina footbed with seven layers of cloud-like comfort is satin-lined and flexible, so you also want to avoid soaking the insole or using harsh chemicals that could break down the cushioning.

Step-by-step cleaning and care

Remove loose dirt: Use a soft-bristle brush or lint roller to gently lift dust and lint from the velvet surface. Brush in one direction following the nap of the fabric. Common mistake: rubbing back and forth can crush the velvet pile and create shiny patches.
Spot-clean stains: Dampen a clean white cloth with cool water and a drop of mild dish soap. Blot the stain—do not rub—then blot again with a damp cloth to remove soap residue. Avoid soaking the velvet; excess moisture can warp the footbed and loosen the adhesive holding the bow.
Dry naturally: Stuff the flats with clean white paper towels or a soft cloth to help them hold their shape. Let them air-dry away from direct sunlight, radiators, or hair dryers. Heat can shrink the velvet and distort the flexible footbed. Patience is key—drying may take 12–24 hours.
Restore the nap: Once dry, gently brush the velvet again with a soft brush or use a steamer held at least six inches away to lift any crushed areas. Avoid steaming the jeweled bow directly. Over-steaming can loosen the glue on the bow. If the nap doesn't lift, a fabric shaver (used lightly) can remove pills.
Protect between wears: Store your Hummingbird flats in a dust bag or box away from moisture and heavy items. For extra protection, apply a fabric protector spray designed for velvet before wearing them out. Test any spray on an inconspicuous area first—some protectors can darken or stiffen velvet.

Product spotlight

The Hummingbird - Ocean Velvet Jeweled Bow: The Hummingbird - Ocean Velvet Jeweled Bow features a plush ocean velvet upper with a jeweled double string bow and a satin-lined flexible footbed. The velvet pile and attached embellishment mean you must clean gently to avoid loosening the bow or crushing the fabric.
The Hummingbird - Ocean Velvet Jeweled Bow