The exemplary fabric of wedding dresses and other formal affair, silk taffeta is very delicate and easily stained. Perfumes, deodorant, makeup and hairspray threaten the fabric with permanent damage. Once set, it's very difficult to remove. That's why it's critical to clean the stain as soon as possible. Even a day's delay is too long to let a stain remain on a taffeta dress.

Take the taffeta dress to a dry cleaner's immediately after discovering the stain. Do not hand wash. Hand washing can permanently damage the silk by changing its look and feel.

Tell the dry cleaner about the stain and what the stain is, such as makeup, coffee, or another substance. Knowing the nature of the stain makes it easier to clean.

Inform the dry cleaner that the dress is silk. Not doing so may result in the dry cleaner placing the taffeta in with other materials like cotton that can damage your fabric.

Consider paying extra to have the dress cleaned at once if you are in a hurry or left the dress awhile before taking it to the dry cleaners. If a dry cleaner isn't available, follow the instructions in Section 2 to remove the stain yourself.

Moisten a towelette and dab the stain gently immediately upon discovering the stain.

Bathe the stain in warm water so long as the instructions on the dress's label permits hand washing.

Use a portable steamer to clean the stain out. Hold the steamer about 6 inches away or more for a few minutes. Dab the stain with a cloth.