How Do You Remove Ink Stains from Silk

If you're wondering: how do you remove ink stains from silk, one thing you don't want to do is to soak it in hot water. This will set the stain rather than help to remove it.

Removing ink from silk can help you clean silk ties.

Nothing compares to the feel and look of silk, but the advantages to wearing silk go beyond mere aesthetics. Silk is the perfect all-weather fabric. It will keep you warm in the winter and cooler when the temperatures rise. Not only can it be worn year-round, but its natural protein structure makes it a hypoallergenic fabric, too. Other advantages to wearing silk include:

• Highly absorbent without feeling damp
• Soil resistant
• Resists odors
• Wrinkle resistant
• Tear resistant
• Dries quickly

Caring for your silks is relatively easy, but a few precautions should be followed to prevent damage to the fabric:

• Don't use chlorine bleach
• Don't dry in direct sunlight for long periods of time (may cause yellowing or fading)
• Avoid contact with alcohol. This includes hairsprays and perfumes, so apply before slipping into your silk blouse or dress.
• Don't use harsh detergents
• Don't wring or twist

For most silks, hand washing is recommended. If you live in an area with hard water, consider adding about a tablespoon of borax to lukewarm wash water along with a mild, non-alkaline soap. Don't soak your silks. Wash them, rinse, and roll in a towel to remove excess water.

If your garment is labeled machine wash, set the dial to the delicate cycle. The same precautions apply regarding detergents and bleaches. Use a mild detergent or soap and set the washer controls for the shortest spin cycle. For added protection, place your silks in a mesh bag before putting them into the washer.

Don't place your silks in the dryer. The heat can dull and/or shrink them. Instead, hang them to dry to help them hold their shape. If you insist on placing your silks in the dryer, use the air fluff setting and be patient. It will take time for them to dry.

Most wrinkles will fall out of silk fabric by hanging it in the bathroom with a hot shower running. If pressing is necessary, turn the garment inside out while still damp and press it with a cool iron. If the iron is too hot, it can cause the fabric to pucker or even burn.

Learning how to remove ink from silk garments can save your expensive wardrobe silks when the occasional accident happens. It's a sickening feeling when you see that splotch of ink on your silk and at first you may panic and ask how do you remove ink stains from silk? You may think your garment is ruined, but if you work quickly you may be able to remove that ink stain while it is fresh. For best results, though, you'll want to treat the stain at your earliest possible convenience.

The first thing to do is to blot the spot to stop the ink from spreading into the fabric. Blotting paper works best, but if you don't have that grab an absorbent paper towel. As soon as possible, take off the garment and soak it in cold water for a few minutes. Lay out a layer of absorbent paper towels onto a countertop or table and then spread the garment onto the towels. Set more paper towels directly on the stain and cover them with a heavy object. Leave it set for at least two or three minutes. The paper towels should absorb most of the ink. If necessary, repeat this process.

If you still have a stubborn stain, you can try the hairspray trick. Apply it the stain while the fabric is still wet. This should dislodge the remaining ink. Again use paper towels and a heavy object to absorb the hairspray along with the remaining ink. Follow by washing with a gentle detergent in lukewarm water.

When the hairspray trick doesn't get the ink out, one more thing to try is a vinegar and water solution. First, let your garment dry. Mix equal amounts of white distilled vinegar and water and soak your garment. Use a soft-bristle tooth brush to scrub the stain. Continue to soak and scrub until the stain has disappeared. When you're done, wash the garment in cold water.

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