The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Insect Repellent Stains from Silk Dupioni
Whether you wore your favorite silk dupioni shirt during a camping trip and now it's stained with insect repellent, or you recently bought silk upholstery that got stained with bug spray, here is the ultimate guide to removing the unsightly marks from your beloved material.
Updated 04 Mar 2023
By Peter Blackwood
Steps for Removing Insect Repellent Stains from Silk Dupioni
- Carefully scrape as much of the repellent as possible with a spoon.
- In a bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of mild liquid detergent with a cup of warm water.
- Dampen a clean cloth with the solution and gently dab the stain in an outward motion; do not rub or scrub fabric. Continue until the stain starts to lighten.
- Rinse the area with a damp cloth and cool water.
- Repeat Step 3 if necessary.
- If the stain persists, mix one tablespoon of ammonia with a cup of warm water and dab the stained area with a clean cloth.
- Rinse spot with a damp cloth and cool water and allow the fabric to air dry.
Tips for Preventing Insect Repellent Stains on Silk Dupioni
- Always check the label of your insect repellent to ensure it does not contain DEET or any other chemical that could damage fabric or cause discoloration.
- If possible, remove item before spraying yourself and then put it back on.
- Be wary of overspray. Even when you take precautionary measures, some insect repellent may still get onto the fabric.