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Once your special day has passed, you’ll be pleased to know that you can clean and preserve your wedding dress from the comfort of your own home. It’s important to follow the correct procedures for washing, packing, and storing the dress, veil, and mementos to ensure they remain safe and stunning.
The majority of wedding gowns are made from light-hued materials that are prone to staining during the celebration due to activities like dining, toasting, dancing, and outdoor photography. Even if the dress appears clean at first glance, stains from sweat, food, beverages, and makeup can emerge later, making them significantly harder to clean.
After wearing a wedding gown, it is essential to have it cleaned, particularly before it is stored for an extended period. Take caution with the cleaning and storage practices you choose, as improper methods and containers can harm the dress. Special attention should be given to delicate embellishments such as lace, beads, bows, and buttons.
Properly cleaning and storing your gown and accessories can ensure they remain cherished heirlooms for potentially centuries.
Tips for Cleaning a Wedding Dress at Home
The process of ensuring your wedding dress remains in pristine condition starts the moment you begin your search. Once you discover “the dress,” consult with the sales associate about the appropriate cleaning methods, particularly if it features intricate embellishments like lace, beads, or sequins. If preserving the dress is a priority, consider adding a bustle to your gown.
If your dress is more understated and lacks intricate details such as beads, pearls, sequins, or fine buttons, it is likely made from a fabric that can be washed.
Here’s a guide on how to wash your wedding gown by hand at home, provided it doesn’t have a “Dry Clean Only” label.
Treat Stains with Spot Cleaning
Eliminate stains by utilizing a stain remover, a solution of white vinegar and water, a paste made from baking soda, or a small amount of gentle dish soap.
- Position a clean cloth or paper towel underneath the stained area to prevent the stain from seeping further into the fabric layers of the dress.
- Use a small amount of the cleaning solution.
- Gently dab at the stain.
- Moisten a fresh part of the towel.
- Gently blot the stain to remove it.
Neat Edges and Finishing Touches
- Prepare a clean bathtub or a spacious basin by filling it with warm water and a gentle laundry detergent suitable for delicate fabrics.
- Dunk the hem and train, letting it rest for several hours.
- If a deeper clean is required, softly brush the dress’s hem with a toothbrush and some detergent after it has soaked in the tub.
Wash the bodice.
- Combine warm water with a mild detergent to create a solution.
- Transfer the mixture into a spray bottle, or take a clean, unused toothbrush and immerse the bristles into the solution.
- Invert the bodice.
- Carefully clean every section of the bodice or the upper portion of the dress.
Rinse
- Empty the bathtub of the water that you utilized to wash the other sections of the dress.
- Fill it up with warm water.
- Immerse the dress in the water.
- Carefully mix it in the bathtub.
- Continue the process until the soap is completely removed from the garment.
- Avoid twisting the dress.
Air Drying and Steaming
- Place the dress on a strong rod, such as a shower curtain rod, as a hanger may not provide enough support for the gown.
- Let it drip and dry in the air.
- After the item is fully dry, utilize a garment steamer to smooth out any wrinkles or creases that may have formed during the washing process.
- Once you have steamed the gown, let it dry thoroughly in the air before storing it to avoid the risk of mildew.
Steps for Professionally Cleaning Your Wedding Dress
Seek out a reputable dry cleaning service that focuses on preserving wedding dresses. To identify the ideal cleaner for this task, consult with family and friends, or reach out to the bridal shop where you bought your gown for a reliable suggestion.
When you locate a suitable dry cleaner, make sure to highlight any stains as well as any loose buttons or trim. Additionally, if you have information about how the trim is secured to the dress, share that as well. Certain designers may use adhesives that could break down during the dry cleaning procedure.
If your cleaner is going to prepare your dress for storage, request to examine your gown before it is placed in an acid-free box to avoid any potential contamination. This way, you can avoid any unexpected issues when you eventually open the sealed box in the future.
Tips for Storing and Preserving Your Wedding Dress
When preparing the dress and accessories for storage, make sure that each item is thoroughly cleaned and completely dry prior to placing them away.
Select the Appropriate Storage Vessel
Wedding gowns should be kept flat in a suitably sized box. Opt for the largest container available, as minimizing the number of folds in the dress reduces the risk of fiber damage caused by creasing. It’s best to avoid hanging the dress, as this method of storage can lead to distortion and may cause seams to tear or rip due to the strain.
Avoid using standard cardboard boxes for your container unless they are specifically intended for archival purposes. If archival boxes are unavailable or if you’re worried about the box being damaged, consider opting for a plastic storage container instead.
The packaging should be constructed from cast polypropylene to ensure safety. Check for the #5 symbol inside the recycling triangle or the letters “PP” to confirm you have the right type of box. Using different plastic materials may lead to discoloration. Avoid keeping a wedding dress in a plastic bag provided by a dry cleaner.
Incorporate archival-quality tissue paper.
Additionally, it is essential to acquire archival tissue paper, ensuring it is marked as both acid-free and lignin-free. Lignin, a compound sourced from wood, can lead to yellowing of fabrics. This tissue paper is necessary for easing creases, wrapping separate items, and filling sleeves and headpieces to prevent them from being flattened.
Properly Package the Dress
Prior to beginning the boxing process, ensure your hands are thoroughly washed and dried. Avoid using any lotions or creams that may leave stains on the items. For optimal results, don a pair of clean white cotton gloves. Start by gently filling the shoulders and bust of the dress with acid-free tissue paper to maintain their shape.
Place the gown on a layer of tissue paper inside the box or container. Ensure that there is ample tissue padding around each fold to avoid deep creases. Having a helper to hold the dress while you add cushioning to each fold will make the process simpler.
Properly Organize Your Accessories
Items such as belts or headbands adorned with metal buttons or imitation gems and embellishments should be kept apart from fabric pieces to avoid unintentional harm from tarnishing. The same principle applies to leather products, including shoes and handbags.
Follow the same procedure for each accessory, including the veil. Avoid overloading the storage box. It’s advisable to keep heavier items, such as belts and shoes, in separate, smaller containers.
Select a Secure Storage Area
Select a cool, dark, and dry location for storing the gown. Steer clear of areas with extreme temperatures, such as attics, basements, and garages. Ensure the gown is kept out of both artificial and natural light to avoid harming the fabric. The best choice is an interior area, distanced from outside walls and any pipes that could leak, and elevated from the floor to protect it from pets.
Conduct an annual inspection.
Examine your wedding keepsakes at least annually. Check for any stains that might have developed and address them immediately. The sooner you tackle stains, the more effective the removal will be. After your inspection, gently fold the items in a new way using clean hands, and place tissue paper in between to reduce creasing and alleviate stress on the fabrics.
Things to Steer Clear of When Caring for a Wedding Dress
When it comes to cleaning your wedding gown, there are several pitfalls you should be careful to steer clear of:
- Don’t delay in getting your dress cleaned: Postponing the cleaning of your wedding dress can lead to permanent stains. Aim to have your dress cleaned as soon as you can, preferably the day after your wedding.
- Avoid using bleach for stain removal, as it can alter the color of the dress.
- Avoid hanging the dress without utilizing its loops: Failing to hang the dress correctly may distort its shape, which can be quite challenging to remedy once the damage is done.
- Avoid placing your dress in the washing machine, as it is too fragile and detailed to endure the process. Instead, opt for hand washing silk and other fabrics commonly used in wedding gowns.
Is it beneficial to have a wedding dress dry cleaned?
Depending on the style of the dress and the venue, you might be able to clean your wedding gown yourself, potentially saving between $150 and $300. However, this can be a time-consuming and challenging task. Opting for professional cleaning not only guarantees a proper job but also frees up your time. When choosing a dry cleaner, make sure they have expertise in handling wedding dresses.
How much does it typically cost to have a wedding gown dry cleaned?Typically, the cost of having a wedding dress professionally dry cleaned ranges from $200 to $300.When is the right time to have my wedding dress cleaned?Preferably, the day following your wedding is the best time to address this. Delaying for several weeks may result in stains becoming irreversible.Will dry cleaning a wedding dress cause it to shrink?
A malfunctioning machine could lead to issues. Prior to scheduling a visit to a dry cleaner for your wedding gown, it’s essential to conduct some research to ensure you choose a reputable cleaner with a proven track record in handling wedding dresses.
