How to Lift Grease Stains From Silk

Grease stains on silk seem tricky, since a mere rinse cycle will do very little if not destroy the garment. If you have taken your silk piece for dry cleaning to no avail or are crunched for time, do not worry. There is a simple, cost-effective method for getting rid of such stains that requires a few household items.

Things You'll Need

• Oil solvent
• Talcom powder or corn starch
• Clear dishwashing detergent
• Clean toothbrush

Instructions

1. Dab off the stain as much as possible. Remove the garment from your body at the first opportunity.

2. Lay the afflicted garment on a clean surface. Isolate the stained portion from the rest of the garment. For example, if the stain is on the front of a blouse, place a plastic mat or cardboard barrier between the front and the back.

3. Blot the stain with the oil solvent. Then dab it with cool water and allow the garment to air-dry flat.

4. Cover the area with the absorbent and let it sit for about 30 minutes to an hour, if the first method doesn't work. If you are impatient and experienced in ironing, cover the absorbent with a paper towel and move the iron over the spot at few-second intervals. Prolonged heating may damage the garment, so be careful.

5. Remove the absorbent without spreading it and observe the results. If there is still a stain there, blot it with the dishwashing liquid, lather gently with a wet toothbrush, dab it with a paper towel and lay it flat to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Test the methods on a hidden area like an inseam to make sure the fabric won’t be damaged.

• Do not use a digestant. These are enzyme-based cleaners that will eat away at your silk more than they will at the grease.