Oil / Grease on Silk
How to Remove Oil & Grease from Silk
Grease on your favorite silk blouse? Put down the water. Water sets oil on silk.
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Required Supplies
- Cornstarch or Baby Powder
- Dish Soap (Clear)
- Cardboard
The Logic Verdict
Powder is your best friend. Silk hates water. The goal is to draw the oil out of the fiber into a powder, rather than washing it off.
The Science
Oil is hydrophobic. Silk is delicate. If you rub wet soap on it, you will create a “water ring” that is harder to remove than the stain itself.
Step-by-Step Removal
- The Barrier: Place a piece of cardboard inside the shirt so the oil doesn’t bleed to the back.
- The Mound: Pile a mountain of cornstarch or baby powder onto the stain. Let it sit for 24 hours.
- The Dust Off: Gently brush the powder off. It should look yellow (that’s the oil).
- Repeat: If the stain remains, repeat the powder step.
- The Last Resort: Only if a shadow remains, mix a tiny drop of clear dish soap with water and dab (do not rub) the spot, then rinse immediately.
What NOT To Do
- Do not put it in the washing machine.
- Do not rub vigorously (silk fibers will break and look “fuzzy”).
Don't Panic When Spills Happen.
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