How to Remove Grease Stains from Delicate Clothing

Got a grease stain on a delicate that won't come out? Removing it is rather easy, if you know what you're doing

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Stained item
• Oil-based solvent
• Paper towels
• Warm water
• Steam

1. Find an oil-based solvent. Good ones can be found at art supply stores for cleaning oil brushes. Do get the best one you can find, solvents marked for cleaning Kolinsky brushes are good.

2. Test the solvent on an inconspicuous area of the item and wait 24 hours. If there is no change, the solvent is probably safe to use.

3. Fold several paper towels into an absorbent pad and place behind the stain. Apply the oil-based solvent while the item is absolutely dry. Once the stain is saturated with pure solvent, then dampen another paper towel with warm water and lightly dab. Repeat as necessary.

4. From a source of steam, either a steam iron or a steamer, lightly steam the area. DO NOT apply a hot iron directly to your delicate item.

5. Let air dry. If the stain is completely removed, problem solved. If the stain is not completely removed, take it to a dry cleaner along with the solvent you used. The dry cleaner needs to know what chemicals the garment has already been in contact with.

Tips & Warnings

• Get the finest oil-based solvent you can.
• Make sure that it's actually a grease stain before using anything. A water based solvent works better on a water based stain, and vice versa.
• ALWAYS TEST any solvent you plan to use on your clothing in an inconspicuous area before subjecting your delicate material to it.
• When in doubt, take the delicate item to a dry cleaner.