How to Get Black Rubbings Out of Silk

Act quickly and carefully when cleaning a silk dress.

Removing stains from clothing or fabric can be tricky, especially if it is a delicate or expensive material. Acting quickly and being careful are two musts when it comes to cleaning silk. Getting black marks or rubbings out of silk must be handled quickly to avoid permanent saturation. However, caution must be taken to avoid causing additional damage during the cleaning process. Using the following steps may help save your silky smooth fabric from ruin.

Things You'll Need

• Cornstarch or baby powder
• Soft-bristled brush

Instructions

1. Lay the silk fabric on a flat surface.

2. Shake a thin layer of cornstarch -- or a baby powder that has cornstarch as an ingredient -- over the black oil, grease or dirt stain. Allow the cornstarch to remain and absorb the stain for at least three minutes.

3. Use a soft-bristled brush to sweep away the cornstarch from the surface of the fabric.

4. If this method does not remove the stain completely, take the silk to an organic dry cleaner. Organic dry cleaning services use nontoxic, silicone-infused solvents that are safer for silk and other delicate materials.

Tips & Warnings

• Check garment labels for recommended cleaning methods.

References

• Life Tips: Removing Silk Stains
• Texere Silk: Cleaning and Washing