Franklin Dean
Wedding dresses are a symbol of love and joy, but they can become yellowed and discoloured over time if not properly cared for or stored. The good news is that yellowing is not permanent, and there are ways to prevent and restore discoloured dresses. This guide will explore the causes of yellowing in wedding dresses, practical solutions for restoring them to their original colour, and tips for preventing yellowing.
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What You'll Learn
Avoid plastic garment bags
While it may be tempting to store your vintage wedding dress in a plastic garment bag, it is best avoided. One of the leading causes of bridal gown yellowing is the plastic bags that many brides use for storage. Most plastics emit damaging fumes that promote yellowing. Even with proper care, some fabrics will yellow more than others, and it may be impossible to prevent all yellowing.
Plastic bags are not suitable for the long-term storage of clothing. They trap moisture inside, creating a hot and humid environment that encourages mould growth and can ruin your valuable garments. This is especially true if your storage area is already hot and humid, or has little to no ventilation. The effects of storing clothing in plastic bags in these conditions are detrimental, and you may find your dress has been damaged by mould or moths when you go to retrieve it.
Clothing needs to breathe, and proper air circulation is essential for maintaining the freshness and longevity of fabric fibres. Plastic bags inhibit this, and can cause severe damage to natural fibres such as cashmere and silk, as well as cracking damage to any leather items.
To ensure your wedding dress isn't subjected to phenolic yellowing, it is best to store it in a proper wedding dress storage box or have it professionally cleaned and preserved. Cotton storage bags are a good alternative to plastic, as they are breathable, sustainable, and allow fresh air to circulate around your clothes.
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Store in a cool, dry place
Storing a vintage wedding dress in a cool, dry place is essential to preserving the gown and preventing discolouration. Extreme temperatures can cause damage to the fabric, so it is best to avoid storing the dress in an attic or basement, as these spaces get hot, cold, or humid. Instead, opt for a cool place with consistent temperatures, such as a shelf in a closet, under a bed, or in a climate-controlled storage unit.
It is also important to keep the wedding dress away from direct sunlight and bright bulbs, as light and UV exposure can cause up to 70% of fabric discolouration in vintage textiles. Heat and moisture can also accelerate the oxidation process, so it is best to avoid storing the dress near heat sources or areas with high humidity.
Another factor to consider when storing a vintage wedding dress is odour. Cooking or smoking odours can permeate the fabric over time, so it is best to store the dress in a place where these odours are not present.
In addition to finding a cool, dry place to store the dress, it is also recommended to use acid-free tissue paper to cushion and protect the dress during storage. This will help to prevent any beads, sequins, or embroidery from snagging or scratching the fabric. The tissue paper will also help to maintain the shape of the dress and avoid creases.
Overall, storing a vintage wedding dress in a cool, dry place is crucial to preserving the fabric and colour of the gown. By avoiding extreme temperatures, sunlight, humidity, and odours, you can help to prevent discolouration and extend the lifespan of the dress.
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Opt for professional cleaning
Opting for professional cleaning is a great way to go when dealing with vintage wedding dresses, especially those with intricate details, silk veils, or satin trim. Professionals are equipped with the knowledge and tools to handle the specific needs of an old wedding dress, using gentle cleaning techniques and solutions that are safe for aged materials.
Before handing over your dress, it is important to research the cleaner and their methods. According to Heritage Garment Preservation, it is recommended that the cleaner does the cleaning themselves and doesn't send the dress to a wholesale cleaner. It is also important to ensure that the cleaner uses virgin solvent, meaning it is fresh and not reused.
When you take your gown to a professional, they will carefully inspect it and discuss your options with you. They will consider the fabric type, any known stains or issues, and the overall condition of the dress to determine the best course of action. Professionals can address fabric yellowing and fabric rot, which may occur in older gowns if left untreated. They can also tackle complex problems while preserving the integrity of the dress.
Specialized bridal restoration experts have the experience and techniques to restore antique gowns to their true colour without damaging delicate fabrics or dyes. They can remove stains and discolouration that ordinary dry cleaners may not be able to handle. This includes addressing phenolic yellowing caused by exposure to chemicals commonly found in plastics, as well as discolouration due to oxidation from sunlight and other light sources.
Overall, entrusting your precious vintage wedding dress to professionals can give you peace of mind and ensure the best possible outcome. With their expertise and specialized care, your gown can be properly cleaned, preserved, and protected from further yellowing.
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Try home remedies
If you want to try home remedies to get the yellowing out of your vintage wedding dress, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, check the care label on the dress for any specific instructions and to determine the material. Natural fabrics like silk and cotton are more prone to yellowing than synthetic materials.
One method is to create a mixture of gentle liquid laundry soap with lukewarm water and apply it to the fabric using a soft cloth or toothbrush. You can also try using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar on the discoloured areas. Alternatively, use a fabric stain remover with a damp cloth on the yellowed areas.
If the care instructions indicate hand washing, use a bathtub to clean the dress. Fill the tub with lukewarm water and add gentle liquid laundry detergent. Turn the dress inside out and gently swish it around in the water without scrubbing. Drain the tub and refill it with fresh lukewarm water, swishing the dress again to remove any soap residue. Repeat the rinsing process until the water runs clear.
Another home remedy is to soak the dress in an oxygen-based bleach solution, being cautious to avoid direct sunlight as this can damage the dress. Sunlight can, however, help brighten the fabric if the dress is laid out in a shady area after soaking.
It is important to avoid harsh chemicals or scrubbing as these can cause permanent damage, especially to delicate fabrics like silk. Always air-dry the dress and avoid using a dryer as heat can damage the fabric.
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Handle with care
Vintage wedding dresses are delicate and require careful attention to restore and preserve them. Firstly, it is important to identify the fabric of the dress. Natural fabrics like silk, cotton, satin, chiffon, and organza are more prone to yellowing and require extra caution. Silk illusion veils, for instance, were popular in the early 20th century but have a short shelf life and can dissolve in water.
Before attempting any cleaning methods, check the care label on the dress for specific instructions. If you are unsure or dealing with intricate details, it is best to consult a professional dry cleaner who specialises in wedding dress cleaning. They will use techniques suited to your fabric type and address specific stains without causing damage.
If you choose to proceed with home cleaning methods, there are a few options to consider. Soaking the dress in an oxygen-based bleach solution and laying it out in indirect sunlight can help brighten the fabric. However, be cautious as direct sunlight can further damage the dress. You can also apply a mixture of baking soda and vinegar or a mild detergent to the discoloured areas. Always use lukewarm water and gently swish the dress without scrubbing. Repeat rinsing until the water runs clear.
To prevent future yellowing, proper storage is essential. Avoid plastic garment bags as they can trap moisture and release vapours that promote yellowing. Instead, opt for acid-free, lignin-free tissue paper and breathable garment bags. Store your dress in a cool, dry, and dark location, free from direct sunlight and fluctuations in temperature.
Additionally, always handle the dress with clean hands to avoid transferring oils or lotions onto the fabric, which can gradually cause discolouration.
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Frequently asked questions
You can try handwashing your dress with a mixture of gentle liquid laundry soap and lukewarm water, or spot-treating yellowed areas with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, or a fabric stain remover. If the fabric is silk, satin, chiffon, organza, or lace, it is best to seek professional help.
To prevent yellowing, store your dress in a cool, dry, dark location that is free from direct sunlight. Avoid basements, attics, or areas with fluctuating temperatures. Always handle your dress with clean hands and use acid-free, lignin-free tissue paper. Avoid plastic garment bags, as they can cause yellowing.
No, do not use bleach. Bleach is a very damaging chemical for the delicate fabrics found in wedding dresses. Soaking your dress in an oxygen-based bleach solution is fine, but do not use regular bleach.
