How Do I Get Sweat Stains Out of Silk Sheets?

Silk sheets are luxurious, beautiful and comfortable.

Silk is a natural fiber and as such has a tendency to absorb stains. The acid and body oils in human perspiration not only leave stains on silk sheets, but those stains can also cause discoloration on your silk sheets. You can remove sweat stains from your silk sheets, as well as discoloration, using supplies from home. The best defense is to wash silk sheets as soon as you notice the stain. The quicker the perspiration stain is tackled, the easier it is to remove.

Things You'll Need

• Ammonia
• Bowl
• Sponge
• Measuring spoons
• White vinegar
• Measuring cups
• Fine washables laundry detergent

Instructions

1. Remove your sweat-stained silk sheets from the bed and lay them on a work surface with the sweat stains facing up.

2. Mix equal parts ammonia and water in a bowl. Wet a clean sponge with the solution and dab at the sweat stains on your silk sheets. Allow the ammonia solution to sit on the sweat stain for a couple of minutes to remove the stain and restore color.

3. Rinse the site of the sweat stains on your silk sheets with cool water.

4. 

   Using a sponge helps you clean delicate fibers, like silk, without causing damage.

   Tackle old sweat stains on your silk sheets using a mixture of 1 tbsp. white vinegar in 1/2 cup cool water. Sponge the diluted vinegar on the sweat stains to remove the alkaline from the sweat. Doing this will remove the discoloration and any remaining sweat stain and odor.

5. Launder your silk sheets, according to directions, using a fine washables laundry detergent.

Tips & Warnings

• Take your silk sheets to the dry cleaner's if you're worried you might ruin your sheets while removing the stain.

• Due to the wide variety of silk fabrics, always test an inconspicuous spot on your silk sheets before using any stain removal methods.

References

• Silk Sheets Guide: Removing Stains From Your Silk Sheets
• Silk Road Fabrics: Stain Removal