How to Remove Makeup from Silk

Silk is one material that is sensitive to cleaning and many kinds of laundry detergents, so washing out stains requires a delicate, precise touch. To get rid of tough makeup stains, there are some cleaning agents that you can use; however, to ensure you do not destroy the silk or stain it even more, always perform a wash-test on a small, inconspicuous portion of the material with the cleaning agent of your choice. Below are the materials that you need along with the step-by-step procedure on how remove various kinds of makeup stains from your silks.

Step 1 - Determine the Makeup Marks

The most common stains from cosmetics that come in contact with clothing materials are marks from lipstick, foundation, eyeliner, and mascara. Determine the type of makeup on your silk fabric so that the right cleaning agent may be used for maximum effectiveness.

Step 2 - Blot Fresh Makeup

If the stain on your silk fabric is still fresh, you can easily remove most of it. Clean the area lightly using a cotton ball dabbed in lukewarm water. Swab from the outside of the stain into the center to avoid spreading it further.

Step 3 - Try Denatured Alcohol for Lipstick

For stains caused by lipstick, use denatured alcohol to get them out. Wet a cotton ball with a small amount and lightly rub, starting from the outside and working in. The lipstick should be transferred onto the cotton ball, but if this does not happen, gently rub in a small circular motion with a toothbrush. Keep on blotting until the stain comes up.

Step 4 - Removing Liquid Foundation, Mascara, and Eyeliner Stains

To treat liquid foundation stains, and also those caused by eyeliner and mascara, the trick is to use hydrogen peroxide. This agent should be carefully tested as it can whiten the fabric it comes in contact with.

Hydrogen peroxide should be applied with a cotton ball, and by gently wiping the stains. Avoid scrubbing the area as this will spread the stain; just dabbing it should do the trick.

Step 5 - Removing Other Kinds of Stains

Other kinds of stains on silk materials may be treated using diluted household ammonia. This strong agent must be mixed first using a ratio of two parts of water to one part ammonia. It should be dabbed gently onto the makeup stain using a cotton or soft clean cloth. Since this is a strong agent, the use of protective rubber gloves is advised.

If none of these methods work and your stain is just too set in, your last option is to take the silk to a professional cleaner.