Removing Stains from Silk Upholstery

Have you ever noticed just how beautiful silk is? When used as a clothing fabric, it can turn almost any outfit into an exotic and elegant affair. If silk is utilized as an upholstery material these same properties can often be extended to an entire room. However, just as with silk clothing, silk upholstery will often require some extra special care. Removing stains from silk upholstery is one such situation.

Removing stains from silk upholstery usually doesn't require that you simply pull out a rag and begin wiping everything up. Instead there are a few specific steps that you will need to follow in order to get the best possible results. While some of these steps may not seem particularly important, in reality they are. Silk is a very unique material that has an interesting balance between delicate and tough. If you don't follow these steps exactly, you could end up damaging the silk even as you are attempting to clean it.

1. Vacuum. The first step in removing stains from silk upholstery is to vacuum the affected area. This will pick up and remove any loose soil, dirt, crumbs, or other debris that may still be on the stain. Best of all this will help to remove even those small items that you are not able to see very easily. So be sure that you do a thorough job, and not miss anything. In fact, it would even be a good idea to begin doing this on a regular basis so that there is no buildup that will allow stains to form more easily.
2. Identify the stain. After you have vacuumed the stained area you need to identify the stain if at all possible. The reason for this is that different stains require different techniques or materials to clean up. For example, oil based stains (such as perfume) need to be cleaned using cornstarch and a vacuum. Whereas, coffee and tea stains need to be cleaned using a bit of glycerine and some warm water. Water stains you have to mix eight drops of hydrogen peroxide with eight tablespoons of water. Whatever method you decide to use, be sure that you test it out in an inconspicuous location for any potential damage to colors and fabric.
3. Gently wash the stain. Once you have identified the type of stain, carefully begin cleaning the stain away. Usually this will require that you either pat or sponge the stained area clean. Continue to repeat the washing process until the stain is removed. Be sure that you rinse the area clean as well, using clean warm water and patting or sponging it into the stained area.
4. Pat the area dry. Now that you have removed the stain from your silk upholstery, begin to pat the area dry. Gently dab the area with a clean towel, and get it as dry as you possibly can. Do not scrub or rub since you could accidentally damage or warp the silk fibers. You will not be able to get the silk completely dry this way, but you will remove most of the moisture and allow a quicker drying period.
5. Allow the silk to sit overnight. Allow the upholstery to sit out overnight to dry. During this time, do not use the upholstery since it could very easily be re-stained in the dampened condition.