How To Clean Your Wedding Gown At Home

Wedding dresses are often the most expensive item of clothing a person will ever own, so it's important to know how to clean and store them properly. Wedding dresses are prone to stains from food and drink, and sweat stains can also be an issue. The best method for cleaning a wedding dress depends on the fabric and any embellishments the dress may have. Some dresses can be washed in a washing machine, but only if they are labelled as safe to do so, and it's recommended to use a wash bag to protect the dress. Some fabrics, such as polyester, can be hand-washed, but others, like silk, should be dry-cleaned. It's important to act quickly when it comes to cleaning a wedding dress, as stains can set into the fabric very quickly.

Spot-treating stains

General Guidelines:

• Stay calm and don't panic. Rubbing or scrubbing the stain can make it worse and may damage the fabric.
• Test any cleaning products on a small, inconspicuous area of the gown first to ensure they don't cause discolouration or damage to the fabric.
• Separate the layers of the gown to prevent the stain from spreading. Place a white towel or paper towel underneath the stained area to absorb any excess liquid and prevent it from transferring to other layers.
• Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the stain, as this can damage the fabric and set the stain further into the fibres. Instead, gently blot or pat the stain with a clean, white cloth or towel.
• For oily stains, absorb as much of the oil as possible with baby powder or cornstarch before attempting to treat the stain.
• Always follow the care instructions for your specific gown, as some fabrics and embellishments may require special treatment.

Treating Specific Stains:

Makeup/Foundation:

• Use a damp cloth or makeup remover to gently dab or brush away the stain.
• For mascara, use a Q-tip dipped in eye makeup remover. Be aware that this may leave a faint ring on the fabric.

Red Wine:

• Blot the stain with a white cloth or towel to absorb as much liquid as possible.
• Flush the stain with a solution of warm water and dish soap, working from the outside of the stain towards the middle to prevent spreading.
• Cover any remaining stain with baby powder, chalk, or baking soda.

Oily Grease or Food:

• Absorb as much of the oil as possible with baby powder.
• Use a cotton swab or cloth dipped in a solution of dish soap and white vinegar to gently dab or blot the stain.
• Flush the stained area with lukewarm distilled water.

Ink:

• Use a cotton swab or cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol to dab at the stain, working from the outside towards the middle.
• Blot the area with a white cloth to absorb the ink.
• Cover any remaining stain with baby powder, chalk, or cornstarch.

Blood/Protein-Based Stains:

• Try to gently dab off the stain with a Q-tip.
• If that doesn't work, create a solution of water, ammonia, peroxide, and dish soap. Use a white cloth or towel to absorb the stain, then gently tap on the stain with a Q-tip or cloth dipped in the solution. Rotate the cloth as the stain is absorbed.

Remember, it's always a good idea to consult a professional cleaner, especially for delicate fabrics like silk. They can provide guidance and ensure your gown is properly treated and preserved.

Washing the dress

Washing a wedding dress is a delicate process that requires attention to detail. Here is a step-by-step guide to washing your wedding gown:

• Soak the Hem: Start by soaking the dirty hem of the dress in a clean bathtub filled with warm, sudsy water. Use a gentle detergent and soak for a couple of hours. If there are stubborn stains, gently scrub them with a toothbrush dipped in detergent. Rinse the hem thoroughly after cleaning.
• Clean the Bodice: Turn the dress bodice inside out and spray the lining with a solution of dish soap and water. Use a toothbrush to gently scrub and remove perspiration stains from the underarm area.
• Clean the Separate Layers: If your dress has multiple layers of lining, inspect each layer for stains and clean them with a spot cleaner.
• Spot Clean the Outer Layer: Spray any remaining stains on the outside of the dress with the soap and water solution, being very gentle. Blot the fabric carefully, especially around laces and trims.
• Rinse the Dress: Fill the bathtub with warm water and place the entire dress inside. Swish the dress around to remove any remaining soap or detergent. Repeat this process several times until the water is clear and soap-free.
• Dry the Gown: Line dry the dress by placing a drying rack in the bathtub and hanging the dress over it. Alternatively, spread a clean towel over a shower enclosure and place the dress on top. Ensure you also place towels on the floor to catch any drips. Do not hang the dress on a hanger as the weight of the wet fabric can damage it.

Preserving your gown

Preserving your wedding gown is not just about keeping it pristine; it's about safeguarding cherished memories for years to come. Here are some tips to help you maintain your gown's beauty:

• Immediate Care: Have your dress professionally cleaned as soon as possible after the wedding to remove stains and prevent them from setting. The longer you wait, the more likely sunlight and oxidation can cause damage.
• Proper Storage: Invest in a high-quality, acid-free wedding dress storage box or bag. Avoid using plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and promote yellowing. Choose a storage container that is appropriately sized and made of cast polypropylene to prevent yellowing. Add archival tissue paper to soften folds and wrap individual pieces.
• Temperature and Environment: Store your dress in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, dampness, and fluctuations in temperature. Avoid extreme temperature areas like attics, basements, and garages. Keep the gown away from artificial and natural sunlight to prevent fabric damage.
• Regular Inspections: Periodically check your dress for any signs of discoloration, mould, or pests. Early detection allows for timely intervention. Wash your hands and handle the dress gently to prevent oils and dirt from transferring when inspecting or showcasing the dress.
• Handle with Care: When taking your dress out for inspection or showcasing, be gentle to avoid damaging the fabric. If you need to hang the dress, use a sturdy rod like a shower curtain rod instead of a hanger, which may be too flimsy.

Washing wedding dresses in full

If you're going to attempt washing your wedding dress at home, it's important to know what kind of fabric the dress is made of and to take the dress details into consideration. Some dresses may be appropriate for home-washing depending on the fabric and construction. For example, if your dress is made of polyester, you can hand-wash it.

• Disinfect and clean the bath: Start by disinfecting and cleaning your bathtub to prevent any residue from transferring onto your dress. Rinse the bath thoroughly, then fill it with cool water.
• Add stain remover and liquid detergent: Mix in some stain remover and a gentle liquid detergent.
• Place the dress in the bath and let it soak: Place your dress in the bath and leave it to soak. Avoid excessive heat as it could damage the fabric and/or melt any details such as beads or sequins.
• Use a toothbrush to remove excess dirt: Use an old toothbrush to gently remove any excess dirt. Be careful not to scrub too hard as this can cause holes.
• Wash the bodice: Turn your dress inside out and check for signs of staining or damage. If there are marks, use a spray bottle to spray the stain with a mix of detergent and water, then gently rub away the dirt with a soft-bristled brush.
• Rinse the dress: Empty the tub, then fill it with warm water to rinse the detergent off the dress. Gently swish the dress around to help remove the soap. You may need to repeat this process a few times before all of the soap is gone.
• Dry the dress: Hang the dress on a sturdy rod, such as a shower curtain rod, to drip and air dry. Do not hang it on a hanger as it will be too heavy. Once completely dry, use a garment steamer to release any wrinkles or creases from washing.

If you're unsure about washing your wedding dress at home, it's best to consult a professional dry cleaner, especially if your dress has intricate details or is made of a delicate fabric.

Wash the bodice

The bodice of a wedding dress is prone to perspiration stains, makeup, and food and drink spills. To clean the bodice, you will need to make a mixture of warm water and a gentle detergent. Put this mixture into a spray bottle or use a clean, unused toothbrush by dipping it into the solution.

Turn the bodice inside out and gently scrub all parts of it with the toothbrush. Be careful not to scrub too vigorously, especially if there is lace or trims. If there are perspiration stains in the underarm area, focus on these.

Once you have cleaned the bodice, drain the tub of water and refill it with warm water. Submerge the dress in the water and gently stir it around in the tub. Repeat these steps until the soap is off the dress. Do not wring the dress.

Hang the dress on a sturdy rod, such as a shower curtain rod, to drip and air dry. Once it is completely dry, use a garment steamer to release any wrinkles or creases from washing.

Frequently asked questions