How to Get Olive Oil Spots Out of a Silk Shirt

How to Get Olive Oil Spots Out of a Silk Shirt
Written By
Amy Wilde
Amy Wilde
Published: Oct 14, 2011
Updated: Jan 10, 2019
1 minute read
...
Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images

If you've gotten olive oil on your silk shirt, you may think the shirt is ruined. That's not always the case. Oil-based stains can be easily drawn into the weave of the fabric and get trapped, especially if you apply water to the stain. Yet if you attempt to draw the oil out as soon as possible, you'll give your shirt the best chance of surviving its encounter with olive oil.

Blot the oil stain lightly with an absorbent napkin as soon as it occurs to try to draw out any excess oil.

Lay the stained part of the shirt on a flat surface and sprinkle talcum powder or cornstarch over the stain. Leave the shirt for at least 20 minutes to give the powder a chance to absorb the oil.

Brush off the powder gently with a soft, clean cloth.

Repeat Steps 2 and 3 up to three times if necessary. If the stain still remains, take the shirt to a dry cleaner who specializes in silk garments.

Photo Credits

Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images

Amy Wilde

Amy Wilde has worked as a grant developer, copy editor, writing tutor and writer. Based in Portland, Ore., she covers topics related to society, religion and culture. Wilde holds a Bachelor of Arts in English literature and classical…

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