How to Get Pencil Marks Out of Satin
Pencil stains are not always as benign as they seem. Graphite is a soft and oily substance, similar to makeup, that becomes deeply embedded very quickly. Stained items should be washed immediately particularly delicately woven material such as a satin weave. Satin weave, or satin, is an umbrella term that encompasses a certain style of delicately woven material. Most satins are made with silk, and people use the two terms interchangeably, but modern satins are often made with a blend of other materials such as cotton and wool. This can change the way that you handle stain removal, so be sure to check the tag before proceeding and find out what's in your favorite blouse besides pencil residue.
Washable
Step 1
Dissolve the borax powder in 1 gallon of room temperature or cool water.
Step 2
Soak a rag in the solution.
Step 3
Place a piece of cardboard on your work surface to stabilize the material.
Step 4
Rub a white eraser with light pressure with the fiber of the fabric to avoid disturbing the weave.
Step 5
Brush away the eraser fibers.
Step 6
Place the damp rag on the stained area until saturated. Remove the rag.
Step 7
Blot the area with a dry, clean rag. As you blot the area, rotate the rag so that a different area of the rag touches the stain each time. If you use the same material over and over, you may transfer the stain to other parts of fabric.
Step 8
Repeat Steps 6 and 7 until the stain begins to fade.
Step 9
Rinse the stained area with clean cool water.
Step 10
Pre-treat the fabric with a stain remover.
Step 11
Wash the satin item as directed by the label.
Step 12
Examine the stained area. Dry the garment if the stain is gone. Proceed if the stain is still visible.
Step 13
Apply a tablespoon of laundry detergent and a 1/2 teaspoon of ammonia to the area.
Step 14
Rub the mixture into the stain gently with a clean rag or soft-bristle toothbrush.
Step 15
Moisten the tip of a clean rag with ammonia. Dab the area with the moistened rag. Saturate the area for 30 to 60 seconds.
Step 16
Rinse thoroughly with clean water and blot with a dry cloth.
Step 17
Wash the garment in the machine.
Step 18
Take the garment to a professional cleaners if the stain is still present.
Non-Washable
Step 1
Put on rubber gloves and a breathing mask.
Step 2
Moisten a rag with the pre-cleaning or spotting solution.
Step 3
Place an absorbent pad or rag under the stained area.
Step 4
Dab the stained area with the damp rag.
Step 5
Soak an absorbent pad in spotting solution and lay it over the stained area. Allow the chemical to rest as directed by the manufacturer.
Step 6
Poke the area with the bristles of a soft toothbrush to work the stain out without rubbing or grinding against the fabric.
Step 7
Blot the area with a clean, dry, absorbent pad or rag.
Step 8
Allow the fabric to air dry.
Step 9
Repeat Steps 1 to 8 if the stain is not visibly diminished. Take the item to a professional cleaner if the stain persists.
References
- "2,001 Amazing Cleaning Secrets"; Jeff Bredenberg; 2004
- "The Queen of Clean's Complete Cleaning Guide: Banish Dirt from Your Castle Orever with 2,047 Queen-Tested Tips"; Linda Cobb; 2002
- "Textiles and Clothing"; Ellen Beers McGowan, et al.; 1919
- "Greener Cleaner Indoor Air: A Guide to Healthier Living"; Mark R. Sneller; 2010
Tips
- Check the cleaning methods on an inconspicuous area of the fabric for colorfastness or damage before treating the stain.
Writer Bio
Sylvia Cini has written informative articles for parents and educators since 2009. Her articles appear on various websites. Cini has worked as a mentor, grief counselor, tutor, recreational leader and school volunteer coordinator. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Clark University of Worcester, Massachusetts.
Photo Credits
- Liquidlibrary/liquidlibrary/Getty Images
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