Clean Up Oil and Grease Stains on Evening Gowns with Ease

Oily and greasy stains on an evening gown can be a huge letdown. Getting rid of them is possible, however - if you know right techniques and tricks.

Using Detergent and Water as a Solution

Fortunately, a small stain on an evening gown can be removed relatively easily if it is still fresh. If you notice the stain soon enough, you don’t need to use any special products to get rid of the oils or grease. All you need is a mild liquid detergent, some warm water and a soft cloth or brush. You should:

1. Dilute a tablespoon of detergent in half a litre of warm water, then use this mixture to dampen a soft cloth.
2. Blot the stained area with the cloth, from the outside inwards, using a light amount of pressure.
3. If the stain isn’t moving, try using a small brush instead.
4. Gently scrub the area using circular motions, starting from the outside and working inwards.
5. Once stain has been removed, rinse the fabric with warm water.

Treating Stubborn Stains with Shampoo

If your evening gown already has set-in stains, treating them with detergent and water won’t work. To get rid of them, you’re going to need a slightly more powerful solution - shampoo. You should:

1. Dilute one teaspoon of shampoo in two glasses of warm water.
2. Dampen a soft cloth with the mixture and blot the affected area of the fabric gently.
3. Leave the shampoo to sit for fifteen minutes, so that it can penetrate the fibres and break down the oils.
4. When the time is up, use the cloth to rub the stain in small circles, starting from the outside and working inwards.
5. Rinse the fabric with cold water when the stain has gone.

Finishing the Cleaning Process

Once you have treated the stain and removed the oils, you can finish the job with any of these methods:

• If the fabric is dry clean only, take your evening gown to the dry cleaner, who will be able to remove the last traces of the stain.
• If the fabric is machine washable, place it in the washing machine with some mild detergent.
• If you prefer to hand wash the fabric, use several drops of detergent and some warm water. Rub the gown between your hands until all traces of dirt and oil are gone, then rinse with cold water.

Conclusion

Oil and grease stains on an evening gown can be a real hassle, but they don’t have to ruin your evening. With the right knowledge and technique, you can get rid of those stains without too much effort - and ensure you look your best when you step out the door.

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