How to remove stains from silk garments

Silk is a delicate luxury that deserves careful treatment. With the right care, your silk pieces will stay beautiful for many years.

Download the PDF guide

Download stain removal guide

✨ Fun facts about silk

• It takes about 30,000 silkworms to produce 5.5 kg of raw silk.
• The finest silk comes from worms fed exclusively on mulberry leaves.
• Silk contains amino acids and is said to benefit the skin—especially in bedding.
• It’s temperature-regulating: cool in summer and warm in winter.

How to remove stains – step by step

1. Perspiration: Mix equal parts vinegar and water. Dab gently with a soft cloth and rinse with lukewarm water (30 °C).
2. Deodorant: Use diluted ammonia (2 parts water to 1 part household ammonia).
3. Coffee/tea: Dab with lukewarm water and gently rub in a little glycerin. Wait 30 minutes, then rinse.
4. Chocolate: Mix ethanol and ammonia 1:1, apply to the stain only, then rinse with lukewarm water.
5. Alcohol stains: Rinse immediately with lukewarm water. For tougher stains, apply glycerin, wait 30 minutes, and rinse.
6. Oil: Sprinkle talcum powder or cornstarch on the stain. Let sit for 20 minutes, then brush off and rinse with lukewarm water.

When in doubt, professional dry cleaning is always the safest solution.

Dos and don’ts

• Never use hot water—it can damage the fabric’s structure.
• Avoid chlorine and bleach—they ruin the fibers and color.
• Never use undiluted ammonia. Always dilute 2:1 with water.
• Don’t wring silk. Gently press water out with a towel.
• Keep silk away from direct heat—it can dull the sheen and weaken the fibers.
• Only iron damp silk and preferably from the inside.
• Don’t store silk in plastic—use breathable fabric or acid-free paper.
• Let silk air-dry away from sunlight and tumble dryers.

Extra tip

I’ve had success soaking silk in cold water with salt. See this article: → Remove blood stains with two household items

Glycerin for Stain Removal on Silk

Glycerin can be used to remove certain types of stains from silk, but it requires care and the correct method to avoid damaging the delicate fabric.

When Glycerin Is Effective

• Coffee and tea stains
• Alcohol stains

Method: Dab the area with lukewarm water, apply a small amount of glycerin, let it sit for about 30 minutes, then rinse gently with clean water.

Important Precautions

• Always test on a hidden area first
• Use only lukewarm water – never hot
• Dab gently, avoid rubbing
• Do not use bleach or chlorine

Silk is a delicate natural material, and improper treatment can cause permanent damage to the fibers. When in doubt, professional cleaning is recommended.

Glycerin is a mild and natural solution – but use it with care.