How To Whiten A Wedding Veil?

Wedding veils, like wedding dresses, are often preserved as keepsakes. However, over time, they can become yellowed and discoloured. This is due to a variety of factors, including fabric rot, insect damage, improper storage, and oxygenation. While it may be tempting to try and clean a yellowed wedding veil yourself, it is a delicate process best left to professional cleaners, especially if the veil is made of silk. Professional cleaners have access to advanced fabric technologies and decades of experience in removing stains and discolouration. They can also advise on the best methods for storing your veil to prevent future damage. If you do choose to clean your veil yourself, it is important to first carefully inspect the veil for any signs of damage and to use a bleach-free, oxygen-based product.

DIY vs. professional cleaning

There are several factors to consider when deciding whether to clean and whiten a wedding veil yourself or send it to a professional. Firstly, if the veil is more than 20 years old, it is generally recommended to consult a professional for a thorough inspection to identify the various fabrics used and determine the best cleaning method. Professional preservationists have access to specialised tools and decades of experience in cleaning and whitening yellowed wedding veils. They can also assess whether the veil can be safely restored, which is not possible to test at home.

Another factor to consider is the fabric of the veil. Silk veils, for example, should never be bleached and should instead be treated by a textile conservator. Cotton lace veils can be washed at home, but drying them can be challenging. If the veil is made of tulle, illusion netting, or lace, it is recommended to lay it flat between two clean white towels when hand-washing to prevent tearing or uneven bleaching.

If you decide to clean and whiten the veil yourself, choose a gentle, oxygen-based bleach that is safe for the fabric, such as OxyClean™, Clorox 2®, or a similar product. Fill a bathtub or sink with warm water and mix in the cleaning agent, ensuring it is fully dissolved. Submerge the veil completely and let it soak for up to 2 hours, checking its colour every 30 minutes. Rinse the veil with cool water, then gently sandwich it between two dry white towels and roll them together to absorb excess moisture. Finally, let the veil air-dry completely.

On the other hand, if you opt for professional cleaning, the first step is to refrain from attempting any cleaning or soaking yourself beforehand. Send the veil as-is to the professional preservation company so they can properly assess the fabric and treat it accordingly. Professional companies have advanced fabric-safe cleaning technologies that are effective and gentle on delicate fabrics. They will also conduct a thorough inspection, ensuring that every bead, jewel, and adornment is securely in place.

Oxygen-based bleach

• Preparation: Start by carefully inspecting the veil for any signs of fabric rot or deterioration. If the veil shows any signs of fragility or brittleness, it is recommended to consult a professional for cleaning. If the veil is in good condition, choose an oxygen-based bleach product suitable for fabrics, such as OxyClean™ or Clorox 2®.
• Mixing the solution: In a bathtub or sink, mix the oxygen-based bleach according to the instructions on the package. Use warm water and ensure the solution is large enough to completely submerge the veil. If using a powder agent, pre-mix the powder with a small amount of very hot water to ensure it dissolves evenly before adding it to the tub.
• Submerging the veil: Before submerging the veil, remove any objects from the tub or sink that it could get caught on. Gently place the veil into the water, ensuring it is fully submerged. If needed, you can sandwich the veil between two clean white bath towels to add weight and keep it submerged.
• Soaking: Allow the veil to soak for up to 2 hours. Check the veil's colour every 30 minutes to ensure it reaches your desired level of whiteness. At the one-hour mark, gently swirl the veil in the water to help release any contaminants.
• Rinsing and drying: Drain the dirty water and gently rinse the veil with cool water. Place the veil between two dry white bath towels and gently roll them together to absorb excess moisture. Unroll the towels, remove the top towel, and let the veil air-dry completely on top of the bottom towel.
• Repeating the process: Once the veil is dry, check if it has reached your desired level of whitening. If needed, you can repeat the above steps up to 2-3 times, but it is important to exercise caution to avoid damaging the delicate lace fibres.

While oxygen-based bleach is generally gentle on fabrics, always follow the instructions on the product you are using, including dosage recommendations, to ensure the best results and avoid any potential fabric damage.

Silk veils

If you have a silk veil that has yellowed, it is best to take it to a professional cleaner who specialises in silk or other delicate fabrics. They will have the necessary knowledge and equipment to safely and effectively restore the colour of your veil.

If you are considering cleaning a silk veil at home, it is important to proceed with caution. First, carefully inspect the veil for any signs of damage, such as fabric rot or insect damage. If the silk appears to be in good condition, you can attempt to clean it by hand using a gentle detergent or soap. Fill a basin with cool water and add a mild detergent or soap. Submerge the veil in the water and gently agitate it with your hands. Rinse the veil thoroughly with cool water and then gently squeeze out the excess water. Do not wring or twist the silk, as this can damage the fibres.

When drying a silk veil, it is best to lay it flat on a clean, dry towel and allow it to air-dry. You can also use a hairdryer on a low setting to gently blow dry the veil, being careful not to apply too much heat to any one area.

It is important to note that silk is a natural fibre and can be sensitive to certain chemicals and detergents. Always test any cleaning products on a small, inconspicuous area of the veil before proceeding with the full cleaning.

Cotton lace veils

If your veil is fragile or brittle, or if you are unsure of its ability to withstand hand washing, it is best to take it to a professional. A vintage restoration specialist will be able to handle fragile veils, and a textile conservator can treat silk veils.

If you are certain that you are happy to risk any potential damage that may occur during the DIY veil cleaning process, you can attempt to whiten your veil at home.

First, lay the veil flat between two clean white towels, folding it if necessary to make it fit. This will prevent the fabric from tearing under its own weight while wet. Then, in a bathtub or sink, mix your chosen cleaning agent with enough warm water to completely submerge your veil. You can use a powdered oxygen-based bleach, such as OxyClean™, Clorox 2®, or a similar product. Ensure the powder is dissolved and the solution is well-mixed before gently placing your veil into the water, ensuring it is fully submerged.

You should wait 1 to 2 hours to allow the cleaning agent to work, checking the veil every 30 minutes to see if it has reached your desired level of whiteness. After this, drain the tub or sink and gently rinse the veil with cool water. Sandwich the veil between two dry white towels and gently roll them together to absorb excess moisture, before leaving the veil to air dry.

You can repeat this process a maximum of 2-3 times to reduce the risk of damage to the delicate lace fibres.

Stain removal

Stains on your wedding veil can be disheartening, but there are ways to remove them. Firstly, it is important to identify the type of stain and fabric. Protein-based stains, such as blood, sweat, milk, eggs, ammonia, or saliva, can be removed by dabbing with a Q-tip or a cloth dipped in a solution of 4 parts water, 1 part ammonia, 1 part peroxide, and 1 part dish soap. For fruit juice, tea, cola, liquor, or wine stains, flush with a solution of 3 parts water and 1 part dish soap, then apply a solution of 1 part water and 1 part bleach if the residue remains.

For grease stains, mix a solution of 1 part dish soap and 1 part white vinegar, then tap the stain lightly with a Q-tip or cloth dipped in the solution. For lipstick stains, test removal solutions before the wedding day, and always blot, never rub. For makeup stains, dab or brush with a damp cloth or makeup remover. For mascara stains, use eye makeup remover on a Q-tip, but be aware that this may leave a ring on the fabric.

If your veil is yellowed, you can attempt to whiten it. Check the fabric for any signs of deterioration or fabric rot. If the veil is made of tulle, illusion netting, or lace, lay it flat between two clean white towels before hand-washing. You can use a bleach-free product such as baking soda or vinegar, or an oxygen-based powder bleach. Follow the instructions on the bottle, ensuring the powder is fully dissolved, then soak the veil in the solution. Rinse the veil with cool water and gently squeeze out the excess water. Finally, lay the veil flat between two towels and allow it to air-dry.

If your veil is made of silk or has delicate beading, wax trim, or fragile fabric, it is best to consult a professional cleaner or a vintage restoration specialist.

Frequently asked questions