Franklin Dean
Wedding dresses are often long and touch the floor, making them susceptible to stains and dirt. The cleaning process depends on the fabric and embellishments of the dress. Some brides opt for professional cleaning services, while others choose to clean their dresses at home. This involves soaking the bottom of the dress in a bathtub with warm water and gentle detergent, scrubbing with a soft-bristled brush, and rinsing. It's important to test stain removers on an inconspicuous spot first and to avoid leaving the dress hanging for extended periods.
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What You'll Learn
Identify the fabric and embellishments
Identifying the fabric and embellishments of your wedding dress is crucial to understanding how to clean it. Some fabrics and embellishments are more delicate than others and may require special care. Here are some common wedding dress fabrics and embellishments to help you identify yours:
Fabrics
- Silk: A regal and elegant fabric, silk is often used for dramatic ball gowns or fit-and-flare styles. It can range from highly structured and stiff to light-as-air and flowy, depending on how it is woven.
- Satin: Satin is a delicate, luxurious textile with a slight sheen, giving a classy and modern look. It is not a raw material but a weaving pattern created from fibres like silk, nylon, or polyester.
- Chiffon: An ultra-lightweight, soft, and sheer fabric often used as an overlay or in layers due to its transparent style. It is made from woven silk or rayon and is perfect for bohemian brides.
- Tulle: A stiff, transparent netting made from nylon, silk, polyester, or a blend of fibres. Tulle creates a voluminous, fairytale-inspired look and is often paired with lace, sequins, or beading.
- Crepe: A mid-weight silk-blend fabric that clings to the body, commonly used for sheath or fit-and-flare silhouettes. It has a tighter weave, providing enhanced warmth.
- Mikado: A type of silk that is thicker than other silk blends, such as chiffon. It is lightweight yet insulating and perfect for structured gowns.
- Organza: A sheer fabric similar to tulle but less stiff, traditionally made from woven silk. It is soft, lightweight, and perfect for creating a twirling effect.
- Brocade: Can be made from silk or synthetic fibres and is distinguished by raised designs woven into the fabric.
- Damask: Similar to brocade, but with a lighter weight. It has a dull jacquard pattern that is typically the same colour as the base material.
- Dotted Swiss: A lightweight and breathable fabric made of muslin, featuring evenly dispersed dotted motifs.
Embellishments
- Beads: Glass, crystal, gem, pearl, or iridescent beads are often glued or sewn onto wedding dresses to add richness and texture. Ivory and silver beads are common, but they can come in various colours and sizes.
- Appliques: Hand-cut or laser-cut fabric pieces sewn onto the dress. Lace appliques with floral designs are the most common, and beads sewn on top create "beaded appliques."
- Embroidery: Embroidered details can be added to appliques or other parts of the dress for extra richness and texture. Embroidery can be done with metallic or colourful threads.
- Sequins: Iridescent sequins add a decorative twinkle to the gown.
- Lace: Lace can be used as an embellishment to create an illusion neckline and sleeves, adding coverage to a strapless style.
- Ribbons and Bows: Ribbons and bows can be added as embellishments, especially at the bodice, straps, or waist sashes.
- Buttons: Buttons are a timeless embellishment that can be functional and decorative.
- Crystals: Swarovski crystals are a popular type of crystal jewel used on wedding dresses for their quality and shimmer.
- Pearls: Pearls are a modern and trendy embellishment, often mixed with crystals and beads.
These are just some of the most common fabrics and embellishments found in wedding dresses. Knowing the specifics of your dress will help guide your cleaning process.
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Spot treat stains
Spot treating stains is a good option if you only want to clean certain areas of your wedding dress, rather than the whole garment. This method can be particularly useful if your dress has intricate details, such as lace, beading or crystals, that could be damaged or melted by certain cleaning processes.
Before you begin, it's important to identify the fabric of your dress, as this will impact the cleaning process. For example, gowns made entirely of polyester are much more durable than those made of silk. You should also carefully read the care instructions on the dress's label to avoid ruining the dress.
Once you've identified the fabric and any special care instructions, you can choose an appropriate stain remover. Before applying it to the stain, test the product on an inconspicuous spot on the dress to ensure it won't harm the fabric. When you're ready to treat the stain, place a paper towel underneath to ensure the stain remover doesn't soak into other layers of the dress.
There are various stain removal products available, including stain pens, bars, and detergents. You can also soak the stained area in a bathtub or bucket filled with warm water and a small amount of gentle detergent. If the stain is particularly stubborn, use a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush to gently scrub the area.
Remember that it's important to act quickly, as stains can set into fabric fibres almost immediately.
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Wash by hand
Hand-washing your wedding dress is a delicate task that requires attention to detail. Firstly, it is important to identify the fabric of your dress, as this will determine the appropriate cleaning method. Some fabrics, like silk, are more sensitive and may require professional dry cleaning. However, if your dress is made of polyester, you may find that hand-washing is a better option for removing perspiration and food stains.
Before attempting to wash the entire dress, it is recommended to perform spot correction to prevent stains from spreading. You can use a stain remover and a clean, old toothbrush to gently treat the stained areas. Always patch-check your chosen stain remover on a small, inconspicuous area of the dress to ensure it doesn't cause discolouration or damage.
Once you've treated any noticeable stains, it's time to prepare your bathtub or a large bucket. Ensure the tub is thoroughly cleaned and decontaminated to prevent any residue or dirt from transferring onto your dress. Then, fill it with cool or warm water, depending on the fabric's care instructions. Add a mild detergent to create a soapy mixture, and consider including a stain powder for extra effectiveness.
Submerge the bottom of your dress in the water, allowing it to soak for at least 30 minutes or even overnight. If there are particularly stubborn stains, use a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush to gently scrub them away. Rinse the dress by moving it in and out of the water, and repeat this process two to three times to ensure all detergent is removed.
After rinsing, gently squeeze any excess water from the dress, being careful not to wring or twist it, as this could damage the fabric. Instead, consider rolling the dress in a clean towel to absorb moisture. Finally, allow the dress to air-dry, avoiding direct sunlight, which can cause yellowing.
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Dry cleaning
Before choosing a dry cleaner, it is recommended to consider online reviews and the experiences of friends and family members. You can also reach out to the bridal boutique you purchased your gown from as they likely have a list of recommended vendors.
If you are set on dry cleaning your wedding dress at home, it is important to know what kind of fabric the dress is made out of and to take the dress details into consideration. Some fabrics and embellishments are safe to machine-wash or wash by hand, while others are not. For example, beading and crystals can melt from the chemicals used by professional dry cleaners, so it is important to check the label for care tips.
When dry cleaning a wedding dress at home, it is recommended to use a mild detergent and avoid hot water. It is also important to separate layers to work only on affected spots and avoid rubbing the fabric against itself. Instead, gently brush or pat the stain remover into the fabric and then rinse.
Finally, when it comes to drying your wedding dress, it is important to hang it to dry and then carefully steam it with a steamer once it is completely dry.
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Soaking and scrubbing
Before attempting to clean the bottom of your wedding dress, it is important to know what kind of fabric it is made of and to take the dress details into consideration. Some dresses can be washed in a washer, a dryer, or by hand, but others may require dry cleaning. If your dress has intricate details such as lace, beads, or sequins, you may want to consider getting it professionally cleaned to avoid any damage.
If you choose to clean the bottom of your wedding dress yourself, one option is to soak and scrub it. Begin by filling a bathtub with warm water and a small amount of gentle detergent. Ensure that the bathtub is clean to avoid any residue transferring onto your dress. Submerge only the hemline and train, leaving the bodice out of the water to maintain the integrity of the dress. Let the bottom of your dress soak for at least 2 hours and up to 12 hours.
After soaking, use a gentle or soft-bristled brush to scrub the dirt out of the dress. A clean white sock can also be useful for scrubbing. Drain the bathtub and fill it again with clean, warm water to rinse the dress and remove any remaining detergent. You may need to repeat the rinsing process a few times to ensure that all the soap is out of your dress.
Finally, hang the dress on a padded hanger or lay it on a large drying rack to air dry. Once the dress is fully dry, you can steam it and store it in a cool, dark, and breathable place.
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Frequently asked questions
Fill a bathtub with warm water and a small amount of gentle detergent. Submerge the bottom of the dress and let it soak for at least 2 hours. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the dirt out of the fabric. Drain the tub and fill it with clean water to rinse the dress. Repeat this process until the bottom of your dress is clean.
If your wedding dress is made of silk, it is recommended to put it in a garment bag and dry clean it at home or at a laundromat.
You can use a stain remover to spot treat the stains on your wedding dress. Before applying the stain remover, place a paper towel underneath the stain to prevent it from soaking into other layers of the dress.
Depending on the fabric and embellishments, some wedding dresses can be washed in a washing machine. If your dress is simple and the fabric can withstand it, you can put it in a garment bag or duvet and wash it on a gentle cycle.
If your wedding dress has delicate elements such as lace, embroidery, beading, or buttons, it is recommended to get it professionally cleaned. Professional wedding gown care specialists have the expertise to handle and clean your dress properly, ensuring it is returned to you in excellent condition.
