Deborah Chan
Wedding dresses are often long and touch the floor, making stains inevitable. However, if your wedding dress smells musty, it could be due to dampness and bacterial overgrowth. To get rid of the smell, you can try hanging the dress in a spare room and spraying it with fabric freshener or a room scent spray. If that doesn't work, you can try dry cleaning it at home or taking it to a professional cleaner. If you decide to wash it yourself, make sure to read the tag and see what cleaning method is recommended for the fabric. You can also try spot cleaning the dirty parts with mild soap or a stain remover. If you choose to soak the dress in a bathtub, use cool or warm water and a gentle detergent, and avoid excessive heat to prevent damaging the fabric or melting any embellishments.
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What You'll Learn
Identify the fabric and embellishments
The first step in identifying the fabric of your wedding dress is to look at its sheen. Fabrics like Mikado, a type of silk, have a slight sheen and are lightweight yet insulating. Satin is another fabric with a sheen that is delicate and luxurious. It is a weaving pattern, not a raw material, and can be made from silk, nylon, or polyester. If your dress has a glossy sheen on the outside and a matte finish on the inside, it is likely made of silk or a synthetic alternative. Silk is often used for ball gowns or fit-and-flare styles.
If your dress is made of a stiff, transparent netting, it is likely made of nylon, silk, polyester, or a blend of fibers. Tulle, for example, is a type of netting that creates a voluminous silhouette and is often paired with lace, sequins, beading, or horsehair trim. Organza is another netting fabric similar to tulle but not as stiff, and it is traditionally made from woven silk.
If your dress is lightweight and soft, it may be made of chiffon, which is typically made from woven silk or rayon and is often used as an overlay or in layers due to its sheer and transparent style. Brocade and damask are also lightweight fabrics that can be made from silk or synthetic fibers and are distinguished by their raised designs.
If your dress is mid-weight and clings to the body, it may be made of crepe, a silk-blend fabric that drapes beautifully and is commonly used for sheath or fit-and-flare silhouettes.
Once you have identified the fabric of your wedding dress, you can move on to identifying any embellishments. Embellishments are like "sprinkles on ice cream," adding a rich texture and a unique touch to your dress. The most common embellishments include beads, appliques, crystals, embroidery, lace, ribbon, and sequins. Beads can be made of glass, crystals, gems, pearls, or other iridescent materials, and they can be glued or sewn onto the dress. Appliques are hand-cut or laser-cut pieces of fabric that are sewn onto the dress, with lace appliques being the most common type. Embroidery can be added on top of appliques or directly onto the dress fabric using metallic or colorful thread. Lace is another popular embellishment that can be used to create sleeves or change the neckline detail of a dress.
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Use a bathtub and gentle detergent
Wedding dresses are extremely long and touch the floor a lot, so stains are inevitable. If your wedding dress has a strong odour, it's likely that it has some tough stains. Here's how to use a bathtub and gentle detergent to clean it:
Firstly, clean the bathtub to prevent any residue from transferring to your dress. Rinse the bathtub thoroughly, then fill it with cool or warm water. Add a gentle liquid detergent, such as Persil Non-bio, or a detergent specifically designed for delicate fabrics, like Genie Express-Gel. You can also add a stain remover powder, such as Vanish stain powder, to the mix.
Once the bathtub is filled, submerge the dirtiest sections of your dress, such as the hemline and train, into the water. Let it sit for a few hours. If the odour is particularly strong, you may want to leave it to soak overnight.
When you take it out, if you think it needs additional cleaning, gently scrub at the spots with a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush and detergent. Be extremely careful not to overzealously clean, as you could damage the fabric.
Finally, empty the tub of the dirty water and refill it with warm water. Gently swish the dress around to remove any remaining soap. You may need to repeat this process a few times before all of the soap is gone. Once all of the soap has been separated from the dress, you can hang it to dry.
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Spot-treat stains with a toothbrush
Wedding dresses are often made from delicate fabrics and may feature intricate details, such as lace, embellishments, or tulle. This means that they require careful handling when it comes to cleaning and stain removal. While some dresses can be washed in a washing machine or by hand, others may require professional cleaning to avoid damage.
If your wedding dress has some stubborn stains, you can try spot-treating them with a toothbrush. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Start by identifying the stained areas that need spot treatment. Pay close attention to the dress's hemline and train, as these areas are more likely to come into contact with the floor and accumulate dirt.
- Prepare a cleaning solution. In a small container, mix a gentle liquid detergent with warm water. You can also use a specialised stain remover or a mild soap, being careful to follow any instructions on the product label.
- Dip a clean, soft-bristled toothbrush into the cleaning solution. You want the toothbrush to be damp, not soaking wet, to avoid applying too much liquid to the fabric.
- Working on a small section at a time, gently scrub the stained area with the toothbrush. Use gentle pressure and avoid rubbing too vigorously to prevent damaging the fabric or causing any embellishments to loosen.
- As you work, place a paper towel under the area you are treating. This will help absorb any excess liquid and prevent the stain from transferring to other layers of the dress.
- Rinse the toothbrush frequently in clean water to avoid spreading the stain. If the stain is particularly stubborn, you may need to apply a stain remover or a more concentrated amount of detergent directly to the affected area before scrubbing again.
Remember to always test any cleaning solutions on a small, inconspicuous area of the dress first to ensure they won't cause discolouration or damage to the fabric. For very delicate dresses or those with intricate details, it is often best to consult a professional cleaner who has experience handling wedding gowns.
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Dry cleaning pros and cons
Wedding dresses are often made from delicate fabrics and feature intricate details, such as lace, beads, crystals, and embroidery. This makes them difficult to clean, and professional dry cleaning is often recommended to avoid accidental damage.
Pros of Dry Cleaning
Dry cleaning is a convenient option for those who lack the time or expertise to clean their wedding dress at home. Professionals have the knowledge and skills to handle a variety of fabrics and intricate designs, ensuring optimum results without causing any damage. They can remove ground-in dirt, stains, and grime, making the dress look new and fresh, and potentially extending its life. Dry cleaning is particularly useful for large, heavy items that cannot be washed at home.
Cons of Dry Cleaning
The main drawback of professional dry cleaning is the cost, which may be significantly higher than cleaning the dress at home. Additionally, dry cleaning may not be the ultimate solution for all stains or dirt, and some types may require specific treatments that a professional cleaner can provide if informed beforehand. Another disadvantage is the time required to drop off and pick up garments from the dry cleaner.
Pros of Home Cleaning
Home cleaning can be more cost-effective than professional dry cleaning, and it offers the convenience of cleaning whenever desired without being bound by a cleaner's operational hours.
Cons of Home Cleaning
Home dry cleaning may not achieve the same high-quality results as professional services, and there is a risk of damaging the dress if proper knowledge and attention to detail are lacking. Home cleaning can also be time-consuming, especially when dealing with multiple items or heavily soiled garments.
The decision between professional dry cleaning and home cleaning depends on various factors, including cost, convenience, expertise, and the nature of the stains or dirt on the wedding dress. While professional dry cleaning offers superior results and expertise in handling delicate items, it comes at a higher price and requires additional time for drop-off and pickup. Home cleaning, on the other hand, provides cost savings and convenience but may not deliver the same quality and carries a risk of damage without the necessary knowledge and attention.
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Proper storage
Invest in a High-Quality Storage Box or Bag: Opt for a high-quality, acid-free wedding dress storage box or bag. Acid-free storage materials are essential to prevent your dress from discolouration and deterioration over time. Avoid using plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and promote yellowing. Instead, choose a breathable fabric bag or acid-free cardboard box.
Store in a Cool, Dry Location: It is crucial to store your dress in a cool, dry place. Avoid attics, basements, or garages, as these areas can experience extreme temperatures and high humidity levels. The ideal storage location is a climate-controlled room with consistent temperatures and low humidity. Keep the dress away from direct sunlight, as UV rays can cause discolouration and fading.
Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect your dress for any signs of discolouration, mould, or pest infestations. Early detection can ensure that any issues are addressed promptly. Carefully remove the dress from its storage and lay it out on a clean, flat surface. Check for any visible stains, spots, or damage. If you notice any problems, address them accordingly and consult a professional conservator if needed.
Handle with Care: Whenever you handle your dress, ensure your hands are clean and dry to prevent transferring oils and dirt onto the fabric. Be gentle when removing the dress from storage and avoid pulling or tugging on delicate fabrics or embellishments. If you need to transport the dress, keep it in its storage box or bag to protect it from dust and light exposure.
By following these storage instructions, you can rest assured that your wedding dress will remain in excellent condition for years to come, preserving the cherished memories associated with it.
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Frequently asked questions
First, check the tag on your dress to see what cleaning method is recommended. If it says dry clean only, take it to a professional cleaner. If not, you can try cleaning it yourself. Fill a bathtub with cool or warm water and a gentle detergent, and soak the dress. If there are stains, use a toothbrush to gently scrub them. Rinse the dress thoroughly, then hang it to dry.
A musty smell is caused by dampness and bacterial overgrowth. If your dress smells musty, try hanging it in a spare room and spraying the air with fabric freshener or room scent spray. If that doesn't work, take it to a professional cleaner.
It depends on the fabric and any embellishments on the dress. If the fabric is machine-washable (like cotton or polyester) and there are no embellishments that could get stuck or ripped, you can put it in the washing machine on a gentle cycle. It's also a good idea to use a wash bag for added protection.
You can use a stain remover or a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda. Apply the stain remover or mixture to the stain, then place a paper towel underneath to prevent it from spreading to other layers of the dress. If the stain is particularly stubborn, you can try using a bleach and water mixture, but be careful not to damage the fabric.
