How To Dry Clean Your Wedding Gown At Home

Wedding dresses are often dry-cleaned to keep them in shape and preserve the memories associated with them. However, not all dry cleaning methods are suitable for wedding gowns. Traditional dry cleaning methods use harsh chemicals that can damage delicate fabrics like satin, silk, chiffon, tulle, and lace. Therefore, it is important to choose a dry cleaner that specialises in wedding dress cleaning and preservation.

Before dry cleaning a wedding dress, it is crucial to inspect the dress for any visible stains and loose embellishments. It is also important to choose a reputable dry cleaner with experience handling delicate wedding dresses and to check care labels for fabric type and recommended cleaning methods. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid storing a wedding dress in plastic bags as this can lead to yellowing of the fabric.

Dry cleaning vs. professional wedding dress preservation

Wedding dresses are often made from delicate fabrics and adorned with intricate details such as lace, beads, bows, and buttons. As such, it is important to take great care when cleaning and preserving your wedding gown. While dry cleaning is a common method of cleaning clothing, it may not always be the best option for a wedding dress. Here is a detailed comparison between dry cleaning and professional wedding dress preservation:

Dry Cleaning

Dry cleaning is a process that uses chemical solvents to clean clothing without the use of water. While it can be effective for removing stains and dirt, it may not be the best choice for a wedding gown. Here are some considerations when it comes to dry cleaning a wedding dress:

• Safety of Delicate Fabrics: The delicate fabrics and embellishments on a wedding dress may be too sensitive for the harsh chemicals and outdated equipment used by some dry cleaners. It is important to ask about the process and chemicals used to ensure they are safe for your gown.
• One-Size-Fits-All Approach: Many dry cleaners follow a standard cleaning approach that may not address the specific needs of a wedding dress. They may not analyze stains or make necessary repairs, which could result in permanent damage.
• Impurities in Solvents: Some dry cleaning solvents may contain impurities that can redeposit onto the fabric, leaving an unpleasant smell or discolouration.
• Cost: The cost of dry cleaning a wedding dress can vary depending on the dress and the location, but it typically ranges from $150 to $300.

Professional Wedding Dress Preservation

Professional wedding dress preservation is a specialised service that goes beyond simple dry cleaning. It involves a detailed assessment of the gown, fabric analysis, stain treatment, and proper packaging for long-term storage. Here are the key features of professional preservation:

• Specialised Materials: Preservation uses highly specialised, acid-free materials to ensure the long-term stability of the fabric. This includes an acid-free box and lofting tissues to support the dress and prevent creases.
• Customised Treatment Plan: A preservation specialist will create a unique treatment plan based on the specific fabric, stitching, and details of your gown. They will address all types of stains, both visible and invisible, and make any necessary repairs.
• Gentle Solvents: Preservationists use gentle and pure solvents that are safe for delicate wedding gowns, such as the revolutionary SYSTEMK4 cleaning technology.
• Long-Term Protection: Preservation includes a final step of applying a protectant to the gown, which helps repel moisture and stains if the gown is worn again in the future.
• Cost: The cost of wedding dress preservation can range from $250 to $1,000, depending on the location and the level of work required.

Both dry cleaning and professional preservation can clean your wedding gown, but preservation offers a more specialised and comprehensive service. Dry cleaning may be suitable for simple gowns without intricate details, while preservation is ideal for ensuring the long-term preservation of delicate and detailed wedding dresses. The decision between the two ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget.

Choosing a dry cleaner

• Experience with wedding gowns: Look for a dry cleaner who has extensive experience working with wedding gowns. They should have the expertise to handle delicate fabrics and intricate embellishments. Ask about their experience, the number of dresses they handle annually, and the types of dresses they work on.
• Reviews from brides: Read reviews from other brides to learn about their experiences with the dry cleaner. Find out if they were satisfied with the results and if they would choose the same cleaner again.
• Cleaning process and techniques: Ensure the dry cleaner uses gentle and advanced techniques for wedding gown cleaning. Ask about their cleaning process and the solvents they use. Avoid dry cleaners that use harsh chemicals or petrochemicals, as these can damage the fabric and embellishments. Look for those who use specialised technology like SYSTEMK4, which is safe for delicate fabrics.
• Association memberships: Consider choosing a dry cleaner who is a member of the Association of Wedding Gown Specialists. Members are hand-selected and must meet specific requirements to remain in the association.
• In-house cleaning: Prefer a dry cleaner who performs the cleaning in-house rather than sending it to another company. This way, you can avoid paying a premium mark-up for the same service.
• Pricing and transparency: Discuss pricing beforehand and be wary of extremely low prices, as this may indicate a lack of specialisation. A good dry cleaner will be transparent about their pricing, which may vary depending on the fabric, detailing, and level of staining.
• Insurance: Ask if the dry cleaner offers insurance for your gown in case something goes wrong during the cleaning or preservation process. This shows that they stand behind their work and are confident in their process.
• References and portfolio: Don't hesitate to ask for references or a portfolio of their previous work. A reputable dry cleaner should be able to provide you with glowing reviews and examples of their successful wedding gown preservations or restorations.
• Storage and preservation: If you plan on storing your gown long-term, ensure the dry cleaner uses acid-free boxes and tissue paper to prevent yellowing and fabric damage. Ask to inspect your gown before it is packed for storage.
• Staff training: Inquire about staff training and certification. A good dry cleaner will have staff who are continually retrained and certified in the latest methods for stain removal, fabric care, and colour restoration.

Preparing your wedding dress for dry cleaning

Identify Stains:

Carefully inspect your wedding dress for any visible stains. Pay close attention to areas like the hemline, trim, and dress train, which are more susceptible to stains from brushing against the floor or outdoor photo shoots.

Hang and Air Out:

After identifying stains, hang your dress to allow it to air out. This step is important to prevent discolouration and ensure any odours dissipate.

Use a Garment Bag or Cotton Sheet:

Place the dress inside a garment bag or wrap it in a cotton sheet. This will protect the dress from dust and further discolouration. Avoid storing the dress in plastic, as it can cause the fabric to yellow.

Point Out Stains and Details:

When you take your dress to the dry cleaner, be sure to point out any stains you've identified. Also, inform them about any loose trim, buttons, or unique details. If you know how the trim is attached, mention it, as some adhesives can dissolve during the dry-cleaning process.

Choose the Right Dry Cleaner:

Opt for a dry cleaner with experience handling wedding gowns. Read reviews from other brides and choose a cleaner who uses gentle, eco-friendly solvents rather than harsh chemicals that can damage delicate fabrics and embellishments.

Ask Questions:

Don't hesitate to ask the dry cleaner questions about their process. Inquire about their experience, the chemicals they use, and whether they offer insurance in case something goes wrong.

By following these steps, you can ensure your wedding dress is properly prepared for dry cleaning and will be treated with the care it deserves.

The dry cleaning process

Inspection:

Before beginning the cleaning process, carefully inspect the wedding gown for any stains, dirt, or damage. Pay close attention to the hemline, trim, and dress train, as these areas are most susceptible to stains and dirt. Check all the layers of the dress, as well as any embellishments like lace, beads, bows, and buttons.

Choosing a Dry Cleaner:

Not all dry cleaners are equipped to handle wedding gowns. It is important to select a professional dry cleaner that specializes in wedding gown preservation and has experience dealing with delicate fabrics and intricate details. Ask questions about their training, the number of dresses they handle, and their overall experience.

Stain Treatment:

Before cleaning the entire dress, treat any stains with a suitable stain remover. Place a paper towel or clean cloth under the stained area to prevent the stain from transferring to other layers of the dress. Gently blot or pat the stain with the remover, being careful not to rub it into the fabric.

Soaking and Cleaning:

Fill a clean bathtub or large basin with warm water and mild laundry detergent suitable for delicate garments. Soak the hem and train of the dress, allowing it to sit for a few hours. Gently scrub these areas with a soft toothbrush and detergent if needed. Turn the bodice inside out and use a spray bottle with a gentle detergent and water mixture to clean it.

Rinsing and Drying:

After cleaning, thoroughly rinse the dress by submerging it in warm water several times to ensure all soap residue is removed. Hang the dress on a sturdy rod or rack to air dry. Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric. Once it is completely dry, use a garment steamer to remove any wrinkles.

Inspection and Packaging:

Before packing the dress, allow the customer to inspect it to ensure their satisfaction. Package the dress in an acid-free box with acid-free tissue paper to support and cushion folds, sleeves, and other delicate areas. Ensure the box is not sealed airtight, as this can damage the fabric over time.

Storage:

Store the boxed dress in a cool, dark, and dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Basements, attics, and garages are not suitable storage locations. A closet or shelf in the primary living area is ideal, as it provides a moderate temperature and humidity level.

Remember to ask the right questions when choosing a dry cleaner and always handle the wedding gown with care to ensure its preservation for years to come.

Post-dry cleaning care

After dry cleaning your wedding gown, there are several steps you can take to ensure it stays in good condition. Here is some advice on post-dry cleaning care:

Choosing a Storage Container

First, select an appropriately-sized container for your wedding gown. The container should be large enough to minimise folds in the dress, as creases can lead to fibre breakage. Flat storage is preferable to hanging, as hanging can cause the dress to become misshapen and put stress on the seams. Avoid using a cardboard box unless it is specifically designed for archival storage. If you are worried about a cardboard box getting crushed, you can opt for a plastic storage box made of cast polypropylene. Look for the #5 within the recycling triangle or the letters "PP" to ensure the plastic is safe. Never store your wedding gown in the plastic bag provided by a dry cleaner, as this type of plastic can damage the fabric.

Using Tissue Paper

Purchase archival tissue paper to soften the folds of your dress and wrap individual pieces. The tissue paper should be acid-free and lignin-free. Lignin is a chemical compound derived from wood that can cause fabrics to turn yellow. Use the tissue paper to stuff the sleeves and headpieces so they do not become crushed.

Boxing the Dress

Before placing the dress in the box, wash and dry your hands to avoid staining the dress. It is recommended to wear clean white cotton gloves. Begin by lightly stuffing the dress shoulders and bust with tissue paper to help them hold their shape. Then, lay the gown onto a layer of tissue within the box, ensuring that each fold is cushioned to prevent creasing. It is helpful to have an assistant hold the dress while you add tissue paper to each fold.

Storing Accessories

Store accessories like belts, headbands, shoes, and handbags separately from the dress to prevent accidental damage. Accessories with metal buttons or faux jewels should be stored separately to avoid tarnishing. Store heavier items in smaller individual boxes.

Choosing a Storage Location

Choose a dark, cool, dry space to store your wedding gown. Avoid extreme temperature areas like attics, basements, and garages. Keep the dress away from direct sunlight, exterior walls, and pipes. The ideal spot is an interior space away from pets.

Inspecting the Dress

Inspect your wedding gown at least once a year. Look for any stains and treat them promptly. After inspecting, fold the items differently and cushion them with tissue paper to minimise creases and stress on the fabric.

Frequently asked questions