How To Get Stains Out Of Silk

We love natural fibres and silk is one of our favourites.
Read on to discover our 'How to' guide when stains occur

We've all had those moments where we look down and discover a stain or mark on our favourite silk clothing. Be it a splash of washing up water, a drop of wine from dinner, a smudge of make up before you've even left the house...

While it can appear delicate, silk is an incredible fibre with natural resilience. When well-produced, it is also environmentally friendly and the comfort and drape of silk clothing is hard to beat. Here's our guide to caring for silk and removing minor stains in a few simple steps.
Petar Petrov SnakeSkin Dress

First, it's helpful to know that contact with a lot of direct strong sunlight can discolour certain silks or fade printed silks, so ensure your garments are stored out of direct sunlight. While silk can easily be hand washed at home (or on some machines' gentle cycle), test the colourfastness of dyed or printed garments before washing, and ensure the care label is followed. We recommend using mild detergents when home laundering.

If stained, start by laying the garment on a flat dry surface and gently brush any excess stain off with a dry cloth.

Then, you can try covering the stain with a layer of dry absorbent powder such as talc powder, baking soda or cornstarch. This works particularly well for oil-based stains. We find talc powder works best, the added bonus... it will leave your garment smelling like a new born baby.
Mother Of Pearl - Floral Print

Next, gently lay a clean, dry (preferably white) tea towel over the covered area and place a heavy object (like a coffee table book) on top. Let it sit for a few hours. Brush the powder off and (hopefully!) the powder will have absorbed the stain. If any oil stain remains, repeat the process. It's best to work with fresh stains, but this process can be attempted on any older marks as well. It's recommended to then steam your garment after using this stain removal method, or to dry clean your garment to freshen it up and remove any remaining blemishes. Always use a trusted dry cleaner and ensure you tell them what caused the mark in the first place (if anything remains).
Petar Petrov Green Snakeskin Printed Dress

For deodorant marks try mixing two cups of lukewarm water with two tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar. Fill a clean spray bottle with the solution and spray the affected area. Gently work the mixture into the area, and then hand wash in mild detergent.