How to Get Stains Out of Satin (Complete Guide)


Once a stain has occurred on satin, act quickly to remove it and do not let it settle. Start off by using a soft cloth moistened with water to dab the stain out of the satin garment. Continue by making a cleaning solution that is one part water mixed with either one part lemon juice or one part white vinegar, and dabbing the stain. For grease and oil stains, use an absorbent powder such as baking soda, cornstarch, or talcum power. Apply the powder to the stain and place a heavy object, such as a book, on top of it overnight so that the powder can absorb as much of the stain as possible. 


This is: How to Get Stains Out of Satin (Complete Guide)

how to get stains out of satin banner image with a man wearing a pair of satin pajamas

This article will give you detailed instructions on how to get almost any kind of stain out of your satin fabric, clothing, or bedding


Contents:

You may also be interested in learning from our other "How To" guides related to satin laundry and satin care. Click on the links below to see the full step-by-step guides.

discount code for mens silk shirts
discount code for mens silk shirts

How to Get Stains Out of Satin

Use the methods and instructions outlined below to quickly and effectively get stains out of satin.


Most commercial satins are made from either silk or polyester fibers. The instructions below are applicable to silk satin, as well as polyester satin (synthetic satin)


To find out more about the difference between silk satin and polyester satin, please read Silk vs. Polyester.

Follow the instructions below to effectively get stains out of satin. 


Act Quickly


It is extremely important that you act quickly immediately after the stain has occurred on satin. The quicker you begin to treat the stain, the more likely it is that you will be able to remove it. Wet stains on satin are much easier to remove than dry stains, so act as quickly as possible!


Test for Colorfastness


In order to avoid accidentally removing the color from your satin garment while attempting to extract the stain, you must first test the satin fabric for colorfastness. Test for colorfastness by following the steps outlined below.


  1. Dampen a white cloth or towel with water.
  2. Blot/dab the cloth on an inconspicuous or hidden part of your satin garment.
  3. If you see color transferring from your satin clothing to the wet towel, then you should refrain from attempting to remove the stain from the fabric.
  4. If your satin garment is in fact bleeding color then it would be best to take it to your local dry cleaner. If your garment does not bleed color, then continue the at home stain removal methods. 

photo of a person using a damp white cloth to test the satin fabric for colorfastness

Dab the Stain


To begin extracting the stain please use a clean, damp cloth to dab the stain.


Use an absorbent textile such as a paper towel or a cotton cloth to draw out and extract as much of the stain as possible. Dab or blot the cloth onto the stain, and be sure to avoid any rubbing motion.


Use cold water to dampen to cloth and dab the stain. Do not use hot water to dampen the cloth as hot water can shrink satin.

photo of a person using a cloth to dab a stain out of a satin garment

Use a Water Based Cleaning Solution 


If you still cannot get the stain out, make a water based cleaning solution to strengthen your efforts. Follow these 4 simple steps to make a water based cleaning solution that is highly effective in getting stains out of satin


  1. Mix one part of lukewarm water (no hotter than 25°C/77°F) with one part lemon juice OR white vinegar.
  2. Dab the mixture on a soft white cloth and apply the solution to a small and inconspicuous spot on your satin garment to make sure the solution doesn't have any negative effects.
  3. Once you are sure the mixture is safe, continue to apply it to the cloth and begin to dab the stain you wish to remove.
  4. Once you have thoroughly dabbed the stained area, proceed to wash your satin using the appropriate methods as required by the item's care label. 

photo of lemon juice being mixed into a cup containing lukewarm water

How to Get Oil and Grease Stains out of Satin

Removing oil and grease stains from satin fabric can sound like a tall order, but luckily, by using an absorbent powder such as baking soda or talcum powder, the odds are pretty high that you will be able to remove the stain completely.


Use an Absorbent Powder


If you happen to get an oil or grease stain on your satin clothing you will likely need to apply an absorbent powder on the top of it in order to remove it.


To remove oil and grease stains from silk it is best to apply talcum powder, baking soda, or cornstarch to the stained area and allow it to sit overnight. Talcum powder is the most effective, however all 3 options work well to remove oil and grease stains from satin.


  1. Apply the Talcum Powder directly to the stained area.
  2. Completely cover the stain with Talcum Powder
  3. Cover the powder with a clean, dry cloth.
  4. Place a heavy object, such as a book, on top of the cloth so that the Talcum Powder can absorb as much of the stain as possible.
  5. Let the talcum powder sit on the stain overnight and brush the powder off of the stain the next morning.
  6. If any oil remains you can try to repeat the process once more.
  7. Once the stain has been removed proceed towash the garment as directed by the care label.
  8. If the stain remains, you may want to head over to your local dry cleaner to ask for assistance. 

photo of baking soda covering a stain on a satin shirt

How to Get Sweat Stains Out of Satin

Deodorant and sweat stains easily transfer on to clothing of all types, including garments made out of satin. Follow the steps below to get sweat stains out of satin clothing


  1. Mix 1 part lukewarm water with 1 part white vinegar or 1 part lemon juice.
  2. Fill a spray bottle with the cleaning solution from step 1.
  3. Spray the cleaning solution on to the sweat stains.
  4. Let the garment sit for 3 to 5 minutes.
  5. Wash the garment by hand, washing machine, or dry cleaning, according to the item's care label requirements. 

photo of a person spraying a cleaning solution onto sweat stains on a satin shirt

How to Get Stains Out of Satin FAQ

How do you get stains out of satin or silk?

Use a water based cleaning solution to gently dab the stain. Mix one part lukewarm water with one part white vinegar or one part lemon juice, and apply it to a soft cloth. Use the cloth to dab the stain. If this doesn't work, use an absorbent powder such as baking soda or talcum powder, and apply it to the stain to sit overnight. 

How do you get something out of satin?

Use a water based cleaning solution to gently dab the stain on the stain. Mix one part lukewarm water with one part white vinegar or one part lemon juice, and apply it to a soft cloth. Use the cloth to dab the stain. If this doesn't work, use an absorbent powder such as baking soda or talcum powder, and apply it to the stain to sit overnight. Use these tips to get something out of satin.

How do you clean satin fabric?

Clean satin fabric by hand washing in cool to lukewarm water mixed with detergent for delicates. Allow the satin to soak for 3-5 minutes before using your hands to agitate the garment in the water. Once finished, rinse under cold water, roll in an absorbent towel to remove excess water, and air dry out of contact with direct sunlight. 

Does satin stain easily?

Silk is a delicate and absorbent fabric that takes stains as easily as other natural fibers. Natural fibers such as wool, cotton, linen, and silk, are more absorbent than synthetic fibers, which means they have the ability to take on stains.