Cleaning Grease and Oil Stains from Silk: Step-By-Step Guide

There’s nothing like the look and feel of silk fabric, but it can be challenging to keep it looking its best. Grease and oil stains are especially difficult to remove, but with the right technique and supplies, it’s doable.

What You Will Need

• Stain remover
• Soft cloth or sponge
• Mild detergent
• Cold water
• Mild white vinegar
• Iron

Step 1: Blot Stain Immediately

If you spot a grease or oil stain on your silk fabric, the first step is to try and blot as much of the grease or oil out as you can. Take a soft cloth or paper towel and press it into stain, absorbing as much as possible.

Step 2: Pretreat with Stain Remover

Once you have blotted as much of the stain as possible, pretreat fabric with a stain remover. Follow the directions on product’s label for the best results, and be sure to test any product on an inconspicuous area of your fabric before using it on the stain. When pretreating, keep in mind that if the stain is oil-based, you will want to use an oil-based stain remover; if the stain is water-based, you will want to use a water-based product.

Step 3: Machine or Hand Wash

Once you have pretreated stain, it’s time to machine or hand wash fabric. If you are hand washing the fabric, start by filling a sink or basin with cool water. Add a few drops of a mild detergent to water and mix it up. Place the item in the water and let it soak for at least 15 minutes. After soaking, gently rub the affected area with a soft cloth or sponge to help loosen the stain. When finished, rinse the fabric with cold water and lay it out flat to dry.

If you are machine washing the fabric, start by setting machine to gentle cycle setting and using cold water. Add a few drops of a mild detergent to the water, and then place the item in machine. Let the machine run through the entire cycle and then lay the garment out flat to dry.

Step 4: Soak in Vinegar Solution

If the stain is still present after washing, don’t worry -- there are still a few more steps you can take. Start by creating a solution of one part mild white vinegar and two parts water. Place the item in the solution and let it soak for 30 minutes. When finished, remove the item and rinse with cold water.

Step 5: Iron the Stain

After rinsing the item, it’s time to tackle the stain with an iron. Make sure you set the iron to a low-heat setting to avoid damaging the fabric. Place a cloth over stain and press the iron down firmly. This should help to lift the stain from the fabric and make it easier to remove.

Conclusion

Grease and oil stains on silk can be a tricky thing to remove, but with the right technique and supplies, it is doable. Always start by blotting the stain and then pretreating with a stain remover before proceeding to machine or hand wash the item. If the stain is still present, try soaking the item in a vinegar solution and then using an iron to lift stain. With a bit of effort, you can get your silk garment looking as good as new.

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