Junior Rasmussen
Wedding dresses are often very precious and expensive, and they are also full of memories of a special day. Many brides want to preserve their wedding dress as a keepsake or an heirloom, or with the hope of selling it in the future. Preserving a wedding dress is therefore a crucial post-wedding task, and while it can be done at home, it is best done by a professional. This involves cleaning and treating the dress according to its fabric and details, and then storing it in an acid-free box in a cool, dark place.
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning your dress
Wedding dresses are often light-coloured fabrics that can easily be stained on the big day. Even if the dress doesn't look soiled, sweat, food and drink stains, and makeup stains can show up later and become much more difficult to remove. Every wedding gown needs to be cleaned after use, and before prolonged storage.
If you're looking to clean your wedding dress at home, it's important to first check for any special instructions on how to clean the dress, including how to clean any trim, beads, or sequins. Then, test your chosen stain remover on an inconspicuous spot on the dress to ensure that it will not harm the fabric. The bathtub is the easiest place to work with your dress, but if you don't have one, a large bucket will also work.
If your dress is made of chiffon or organza, it's best to dry clean it. Tulle should be hand-washed with soap flakes or gentle soap and warm water, and lace should be hand-washed with cold water and high-quality gentle soap. If your dress is not marked "Dry Clean Only" and doesn't have a lot of embellishments, you can wash it by hand. Use a stain remover, white vinegar mixed with water, a baking soda paste, or a few drops of mild dish detergent. Place a clean cloth or paper towel beneath the stained portion to keep it from transferring deeper into the dress layers.
After soaking for at least 2 hours, use a gentle bristle brush to scrub the dirt out of your dress. A clean white sock is also useful for scrubbing. Drain the bathtub and use the shower to rinse the dress. Then, rinse out the tub and fill it with cool water again, allowing the dress to soak a second time to ensure that all of the detergent is rinsed out.
Hang the dress on a sturdy rod, like a shower curtain rod, and allow it to drip and air dry. Once completely dry, use a garment steamer to release any wrinkles or creases from washing. After steaming, allow the gown to air dry completely before packing it away to prevent mildew growth.
While DIY methods can greatly aid in keeping your wedding dress clean and intact, it's recommended to take it to a professional for extra assurance that your dress will be perfectly preserved.
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Choosing a storage box
If you're looking to preserve your wedding dress at home, it's important to choose the right storage box. Here are some things to keep in mind:
First, avoid plastic storage boxes. Plastic bags or boxes can trap moisture, leading to mould, mildew, and odours. They can also provide an inviting home for bugs and pests, and the plastic itself may degrade over time, with particles falling onto the dress fabric. Similarly, cedar chests are not a good option, as they can produce damaging acidic gases.
Cardboard boxes are also not ideal for long-term storage. Regular cardboard contains acids that can cause discolouration and yellowing of the dress over time. However, if you do choose a cardboard box, make sure it's made with special pH-neutral board to avoid these issues.
Instead, opt for a higher-quality acid-free and inert storage box. Acid-free archival storage boxes will keep your dress in optimal condition by preventing discolouration and yellowing. You can purchase these boxes online and they come in various sizes to fit your dress perfectly. Replace the storage box and the paper inside every three years or so.
Finally, consider where you will store the box. Avoid attics and cellars, as these areas are prone to temperature fluctuations, air and water leaks, and vermin damage. Choose a cool, dark place away from humidity, such as a closet or under the bed.
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Avoiding common mistakes
Preserving your wedding dress is a great way to keep your dress in pristine condition for years to come. However, there are some common mistakes that people make when preserving their wedding dress. Here are some tips to avoid these mistakes and ensure your dress stays in perfect condition:
Do not wait too long to preserve your wedding dress. One of the most common mistakes people make is waiting too long to have their dress preserved. It is recommended to have your dress cleaned and preserved as soon as possible after the wedding, ideally within 30 days. This is because body oils, not just dirt or food stains, are the real enemies of your gown and can cause it to become yellow or begin to decompose over time.
Do your research when choosing a preservation method and specialist. Wedding dress preservation is a specialised process that requires a trained professional to spot the unseen. Avoid simply taking your dress to any dry cleaner that claims to specialise in wedding dress preservation. Instead, ask a lot of questions about their process, training, experience, and whether they can provide references or warranties for their work. Make sure they use a solvent that is gentle and pure enough for a wedding gown, as other solvents may contain impurities that can leave a strange smell.
Avoid hanging your wedding dress, as this can lead to stretching or warping. Instead, store your dress in a cool, dark place away from humidity, such as a closet or under your bed. Do not store your dress in an attic or cellar, as these areas are prone to temperature fluctuations, air and water leaks, and vermin damage. Keep your dress sealed in an acid-free archival storage box to protect it from dust, moisture, and oxidation. Replace the storage box and paper every three years or so.
Do not use harsh detergents, bleach, or a hot iron on your wedding dress, as these can damage the fabric. If spot-cleaning, use gentle, specialised products designed for your specific fabric type. Avoid storing your dress in a plastic bag or cedar chest, as these can trap moisture and produce damaging acidic gases, leading to further damage from mildew, bugs, and oxidation.
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Finding a specialist
Wedding dress preservation is a specialised process, and while there are some DIY options, none are as effective as getting a professional preservation treatment. Bridal gowns are delicate and intricate garments, and over time they are prone to yellowing, oxidation, and other forms of damage, especially if not treated and stored properly right after the wedding.
If you are looking for a specialist to preserve your wedding dress, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to find a specialist who has experience in handling and preserving wedding dresses. Ask about their training, how many dresses they handle each year, what kind of dresses they work on, and their overall experience. It is also crucial to inquire about their specific process for preserving wedding dresses. A reputable specialist will be able to walk you through their step-by-step process, including how they analyse and treat stains, and how they package the dress for storage.
Additionally, you should ask about the types of solvents they use to clean the dress. Ensure that they use gentle and pure solvents that are suitable for delicate gowns. Some companies use eco-friendly solvents, which can be an added benefit. Another important consideration is the type of storage box they provide. The best option is an acid-free archival storage box, which will protect your gown from the environment and prevent yellowing.
When choosing a specialist, it is also worth looking into their reputation and customer reviews. Check if they have any testimonials or reviews from previous customers, and look for mentions of the quality of their work, their customer service, and whether they deliver on their promises. You can also ask for references or check their ratings on reputable wedding websites.
Finally, consider the cost of the service. Wedding dress preservation can range from $249 to $1,000 or more, depending on the specialist's location and the level of work required. Be sure to get a clear quote before making any decisions, and factor this cost into your wedding budget if possible.
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Spot-cleaning tips
Spot-cleaning is crucial for removing stains from your wedding dress. Here are some tips for effective spot-cleaning:
- Always test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of the dress first to ensure it won't damage or discolour the fabric.
- When applying a stain remover, place a paper towel under the stain to prevent it from transferring to other layers of the dress.
- Gently dab at the stain with a white cloth soaked in your chosen cleaner. Avoid rubbing, as this may spread the stain.
- If you don't have a stain remover, you can use white vinegar or baking soda.
- For delicate materials like lace, try a soft soak-and-scrub approach with warm water and gentle soap.
- If the stain is stubborn, consider using a professional dry cleaning spot treatment.
- After treating the stain, let it air dry completely before deciding if another round of treatment is needed.
- Always treat stains as soon as possible to prevent them from setting in.
Remember, some fabrics and embellishments may require special care or professional cleaning. Be sure to consider the specific fabric and details of your dress before proceeding with any cleaning method.
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Frequently asked questions
Not all dry cleaners are created equal when it comes to wedding dress preservation. Ask a lot of questions about their training, experience, and the number and types of dresses they handle each year. Ask if they warranty their work, and if they can give you a reference to confirm their credentials. Also, make sure they use a solvent that is gentle and pure enough for a wedding gown.
First, have the dress cleaned at a professional dry cleaner as soon as possible. If you’re spot-cleaning, never use a harsh detergent, bleach, or a hot iron on your wedding dress. Then, purchase acid-free paper to wrap your wedding dress in, and seal it in an archival storage box. Replace the storage box and paper every three years or so. Do not hang your wedding gown, as this may lead to stretching or warping. Store your box in a cool, dark place away from humidity, like your closet or under your bed.
Do not store your wedding dress in a plastic bag, as this can lead to further damage from moisture, bugs, and oxidation long-term. Don’t store your wedding dress in your attic or cellar, as these areas are prone to temperature fluctuation, air and water leaks, and vermin damage. Keep your wedding dress out of contact with other clothing items to avoid acid transfer, friction, and staining.
