How do I remove oil or ghee stains from sarees and salwar suits without sending to dry cleaner?

Oil and ghee stains are common on ethnic wear — particularly on silk and georgette sarees worn at celebrations where food is served. Time is critical — fresh oil lifts much more easily than set oil.

Immediate action (within minutes of staining):

1. Do NOT rub — blot gently with a clean dry cloth to absorb surface oil
2. Apply baby talcum powder or cornstarch generously over the stain — it absorbs the oil
3. Leave for 15–30 minutes — the powder will draw oil out of fibres
4. Gently brush off the powder

Further treatment:

• For synthetic fabrics (georgette, polyester): Apply one drop of liquid dish soap directly on the stain, gently rub with fingertip in circular motion, rinse cold
• For silk: Use baby shampoo instead of dish soap — gentler on protein fibres
• For cotton: White chalk rubbed on fresh oil stain before washing also works

If stain is dried/set: Pre-soak in a mix of warm water and biological washing detergent for 30 minutes, then wash normally. Professional dry cleaning for valuable silk or heavily embroidered pieces.