without seeing the dress or the exact location of the stain, if it doesn't come out, could you cover it with a belt or a brooch or other doo-dad? I'm not a decorative person, but a dress that is flattering can be so hard to find that I might be willing to give it a shot.

If you have a cleaners that you really like and trust, I'd start there. If you don't, I'd google some DIY stain removal techniques. Both water and oil stains are possibilities though and would have different approaches, I think.

Anonymous wrote:Can't help but want to make a Bill Clinton reference.

I think it worth a try to see if the cleaners can get it out.

OP here. It is a blue dress and thhat is the first joke that DH made. No heat applied yet (it was stored at my parents' house) so hopefully it will work! I said I'd either buy a new dress or shoes for the wedding, so I'm really hoping the stain comes out so I can get some new shoes!

Can't help but want to make a Bill Clinton reference.

I think it worth a try to see if the cleaners can get it out.

Is it polyester satin or silk satin? If polyester, I think the DITY approach is ok, but silk I would take to the dry cleaner.

Either way, might as well try cleaning it. You have nothing to lose at this point, as the dress is unwearable, and you have a month to buy another if the cleaning fails.

If you have not applied heat (and that includes storing in an un-air-conditioned space like an attic) then there is a chance. Heat will set stains. Fill a sink with cold water and a cap of Woolite or similar gentile wash product (we use E-Cover fragrance free). Let sit for about 10-15 minutes, then take a sponge, loofah or very soft used (and cleaned) old toothbrush, apply a little more of your gentle detergent and give the stain some gentle rubbing. If the stain has not set, at least some of the stain should start to lift. Rinse, and repeat but only let it soak about 5 minutes (you don't want to oversoak your satin). If you've managed to get the stain or some of the stain out, try washing as you normally wash and then hang dry. Do not apply any heat yet. After it dries, review the stain and see if you think there has been progress. If so, then repeat until you are satisfied with the cleaning, wash and dry as you normally do. Good luck.

I have a blue satin dress that I rarely get to wear because it is so dressy. I wore it almost 3 years ago to my cousins wedding and had planned on wearing it next month to another wedding. I pulled it out of storage today (my 24 year old self didn't think to get it cleaned after the wedding) and noticed a stain along part of the rouching (sp?). It looks like I must have spilled some liquid on it (its about a shade darker stain). I wear scrubs to work every day, so I cannot even remember the last time that sent something to the cleaners. Any hope of a 3 year old stain coming out? I really love this dress and I am incredibly picky when it comes to dresses (size 10 but DDD boobs, small waist, and really horrible looking legs makes dress shopping impossible) I really don't want to have to spend an entire day trying on dresses and realizing the only ones that look good on me are upwards of $300, which I really don't want to spend!