I decided to give the armchairs in work a little clean with a brush and ‘damp’ cloth as they are dusty and dirty looking. But i fear i have made a huge mistake of using the steamer over them – i thought it would kill any bacteria as they have been in a garage for a long time.
The fabric has now gone funny and i’m terrified i can’t fix them – i think its like a velvet like material as when you brush it one way it goes one colour and vice verser. Now it has gon patchy and looks all marked – but its not its just coz the fibers won’t brush the same way.
I’m not sure if it is a velvet – i can’t describe what it is – the armchair looks old fashioned – Its gold with wooden legs and scrolly arms …??? if anyone knows the ones i mean.
Any suggestions as to what i can do????? Please help. 
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If it is real velvet, I think it is ruined. If it is brushed synthetic, I don’t know. It might have been fabric that needed dry cleaned. If you put too much water on it that might be why it reacted the way it did. Next time try to only use just the suds and in an area less noticeable before you try that again. Roxanne
Velvet is usually made of silk and silk can’t be steamed. What you describe is called nap and many different fabrics have a nap, including silk and cotton velvet. Steam will destroy the nap on silk, but not cotton. If the fabric looks destroyed, it was probably silk.
Best thing: Vacuum to get the dust and mites off and then slip cover the chairs.
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