How do I remove an oil stain from a kurta?

Cover it with talcum powder or cornflour for at least half an hour to absorb the oil, brush it off, then on washable cotton use mild liquid detergent and cool water.

Should I treat a stain on silk at home?

No. Blot it and take it to a dry cleaner quickly, telling them what the stain is. Home treatment on silk often leaves a water ring.

Care guide

How to deal with common stains on ethnic wear

4 min read · Updated 9 October 2026

First steps for oil, turmeric, make-up and food, and when to go to a dry cleaner.

Act quickly and gently

Blot a fresh stain with a clean cloth or tissue; do not rub, which pushes it deeper and can damage the weave. Work from the outside of the mark towards the centre. Always test any cleaner on a hidden seam first.

Oil and ghee

Cover the mark with talcum powder or cornflour and leave it for at least half an hour to absorb the oil, then brush it off. On washable cotton, follow with a little mild liquid detergent and cool water. Repeat rather than scrubbing hard.

Turmeric and curry

Rinse from the back with cold water and apply mild liquid detergent. Avoid hot water, which can set the colour. On washable cotton, drying the damp fabric in sunlight often helps a remaining turmeric mark fade over a few washes.

Make-up and lipstick

Lift off any excess without spreading it. On washable fabrics, a small amount of mild detergent or micellar water on a cotton pad, dabbed gently, usually removes foundation and lipstick marks on collars and dupattas.

When not to try at home

For silk, zari, velvet, heavy embroidery and anything labelled dry clean only, blot the stain and take the garment to a dry cleaner as soon as you can. Tell them what the stain is. Home treatment on these fabrics often leaves a water ring that is harder to remove than the stain.

Quick answers

How do I remove an oil stain from a kurta?: Cover it with talcum powder or cornflour for at least half an hour to absorb the oil, brush it off, then on washable cotton use mild liquid detergent and cool water.
Should I treat a stain on silk at home?: No. Blot it and take it to a dry cleaner quickly, telling them what the stain is. Home treatment on silk often leaves a water ring.