Take it to a good dry cleaners. Tell them it has soot on it. They are pretty good about getting out tough dirt and they will know what kind of fabric it is - or at least make a good guess. Washing it may make it worse.

That's good advice, although I'm not sure I can trust my local drycleaning shops. The only three in my area have all damaged my clothing at one time or another.

Someone said that dishwasher detergent will take out food stains because it breaks down the enzymes. Does anyone know if that might apply to dirt as well?

Any other suggestions will be greatly appreciated. The blouse is lovely and my dtr paid a lot of money for it.

Try ALL liquid detergent in the designer shaped bottle (not the one in the old standard bottle.) Don't know why, but when I've tried everything else, this is the one that works for me. You may try adding a little Clorox 2.

Headed to the store now for ALL and Clorox 2, saying, "Why didn't I think of that?" I've never used Clorox 2, so it didn't occur to me.

Thanks everyone for your help.

Well, it worked and worked beautifully. I found Spray n Wash Max Whites for stains on white things. I saturated the blouse with it, then washed it in Clorox 2. It looks brand new now, and I'm wearing it tonight.

Thanks again!