What type of cleaner is best for removing oil pastel stains from silk?

Look for cleaners without any harsh chemicals or abrasives that might harm the fabric. A spot test is also recommended before applying the cleaner to a larger surface.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Oil pastel > Silk

How to Remove Oil Pastel Stains from Silk

Oil pastel stains can be a difficult mess to deal with, especially on delicate fabrics like silk. To help you out, here’s a guide on how to remove oil pastel stains from silk.

Updated 03 Mar 2023

By Peter Blackwood

Step 1: Act Quickly

Oil pastels are made from wax, which means that the longer they sit on fabric, the more chance they have to soak in. As soon as you notice an oil pastel stain on your silk fabric, begin by blotting excess pigment off with a paper towel or cloth. Don’t rub or scrub the surface of your silk, as this can cause damage to its delicate fibers.

Step 2: Spot Test

Before using any type of commercial cleaner or laundry detergent, it’s important to do a spot test with a small corner of your fabric. This will determine if the cleaning agents or laundry detergents interact negatively with the silk and cause greater damage. Apply a bit of cleaner or detergent and wait for a few minutes before washing it off.

Step 3: Choose a Cleaning Agent

Whatever commercial cleaner you choose, make sure it contains no harsh chemicals or abrasives that might harm the silk fabric. After choosing a cleaner and performing a spot test, apply it directly to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. This should soften the wax and make it easier to remove.

Step 4: Rinse

Rinse off the spot with warm (not hot!) water and blot the area again with a dry cloth. If there is any remaining pigment, repeat Steps 2-3 until the stain is completely removed. Don’t forget to rinse the area again with warm water after each application of cleaner or detergent.

Step 5: Let Air Dry

Once the area is saturated with clean water, let it air-dry or blot with a clean dry cloth. Make sure the spot is completely dry before using a hairdryer or allowing the fabric to get wet again. This will prevent the stain from appearing and soaking into the silk.

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