Junior Rasmussen
Wedding dresses are often made from fabrics that are easy to stain, like white or ivory silk or polyester, and are extremely long, meaning they are likely to touch the floor and get dirty throughout the day. This means that even the cleanest-looking wedding dresses may hide some stains. Knowing the composition of the dress is essential for cleaning it properly, as various fabrics impact how a gown is cleaned, what solvents can be used, and the extent of the cleaning. For example, dresses made from polyester are much more durable than gowns made of silk. It is also important to take the details of the dress into consideration, such as any embellishments. Some dresses may require professional assistance, but most can be cleaned at home with just four simple items: stain remover, laundry detergent, a toothbrush, and a steamer.
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What You'll Learn
Identify the fabric and embellishments
Knowing the fabric and embellishments of your wedding dress is essential for cleaning it properly. Different compositions impact how a gown is cleaned, the solvents that can be used, and the extent of the cleaning. For example, gowns made entirely of polyester are much more durable than gowns made of silk.
The most popular wedding dress fabric is lace, which is delicate, feminine, romantic, and supple enough to work in every shape. Lace is usually woven from silk or cotton and comes in a variety of styles, including French laces like Chantilly (very detailed and open), Alençon (bold motifs with corded trim), and Venise (heavier and more textured). Mikado, a heavier type of silk with a shiny finish, has also gained immense popularity due to its thickness and structure. For summer weddings, lighter fabric materials such as organza, dotted Swiss, taffeta, and charmeuse are often preferred. In contrast, silk, brocade, velvet, and satin are more suitable for winter weddings. Embellished and heavy dresses typically require structured fabrics like satin, taffeta, and organza, whereas chiffon, tulle, and charmeuse work well with flowy dresses.
Wedding dress embellishments add richness and texture to plain fabrics. Common embellishments include embroidery, beading, sequins, glitter, fringe, feathers, and pearls. Beading can feature pieces of glass, crystals, gems, pearls, or other iridescent materials that have been glued or sewn onto the dress. Beads in ivory and silver colours are standard for wedding gowns, and they can vary in size and shape. Appliqués are another type of embellishment, which are hand-cut or laser-cut pieces of fabric sewn onto the dress. Lace appliqués are the most common, featuring floral designs. Appliqués can also be embellished with beads on top, known as "beaded appliqués," or additional embroidery using metallic or colourful thread. Buttons are a timeless embellishment, often used to fasten the back of a gown or the cuffs on sleeves, but they can also be decorative.
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Use a stain remover
Wedding dresses can be cleaned at home, but it is important to know what kind of fabric the dress is made of and to take the dress details into consideration. Some dresses may require professional assistance.
If you intend to use a stain remover, there are a few options to choose from. You can use a stain pen, such as the Dryel® On the Go Stain Pen, to treat stains on your wedding dress. Alternatively, you can use a stain remover bar, such as the Reina Spot Remover Bar, or a stain remover powder, such as Vanish Oxi-Action.
If you are dealing with a lipstick stain, it is recommended to test removal solutions before the wedding. Blot the stain, rather than rubbing it, and use a dry towel to avoid pushing the stain further into the fabric. If the stain is old, you may need to take it to a professional cleaner.
For makeup stains, dab or brush lightly with a damp cloth or makeup remover. If there are mascara stains, place eye makeup remover on a Q-tip and use a light touch. For grease stains, mix a solution of one part dish soap and one part white vinegar. Place a white towel or absorbent cloth under the fabric and lightly tap on the stain with a Q-tip or rag dipped in the solution.
If you are using a stain remover, it is important to place a paper towel or cloth underneath the stain to prevent it from soaking into other layers of the dress.
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Hand-wash with detergent
Hand-washing your wedding dress is a great option if you want to avoid dry cleaning. Knowing the fabric of your gown is essential, as various compositions impact how it can be cleaned. For example, gowns made entirely of polyester are much more durable than gowns made of silk.
If your dress is made of polyester, you can hand-wash it yourself. First, separate the stained layer of your dress with a paper towel, then pat the stain away with a safe stain remover. You can also use a toothbrush to gently scrub the hemline with liquid detergent. If the dress has a bodice, turn the material inside out, spray the lining with a dish soap and water solution, and use a toothbrush to work the solution into the fabric.
After treating the stains, soak the dirty hem first (not the entire dress), followed by the bodice and outer layers. Then, line-dry the garment. When you are satisfied with the cleaning, fill the bathtub with warm water and place the whole dress in the tub to rinse out any remaining soap. Repeat this process until the dress is soap-free.
If your dress has beads, sequins, or rhinestones, be careful when choosing a cleaning agent to ensure the fabric doesn't turn yellow or the beading gets damaged.
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Rinse and repeat
If the dress is made of polyester, nylon, or a similar fabric, rinsing and repeating the process of hand-washing with Oxi Clean should be safe. However, if the dress has delicate lace, beading, or embellishments, it is important to test a small area first to ensure that the fabric can withstand the treatment.
For heavily soiled areas, it is recommended to gently scrub with a toothbrush and a mixture of Oxi Clean powder and gentle liquid detergent. This process can be repeated, but it is important to be gentle and careful, especially around any intricate details or delicate fabrics.
After treating the stains, rinse the dress in warm water to remove any remaining soap or detergent. Repeat this process until the water runs clear and all soap residue is gone. Then, carefully remove the dress from the tub and lay it out to air dry.
Remember, it is always a good idea to test a small, inconspicuous area of the dress first to ensure that the fabric and embellishments can withstand the cleaning process.
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Air-dry or line-dry
Air-drying or line-drying your wedding dress is an important step in the cleaning process, as it helps to ensure that your dress remains in good condition. Here are some detailed instructions on how to air-dry or line-dry your wedding dress after cleaning it with oxygen-based products:
First, gently squeeze out any excess water from the dress. Be careful not to wring or twist the fabric, as this can damage the delicate fibres. Instead, gently press the dress between your hands or lay it on a towel and roll it up to absorb the moisture. If your dress has sleeves or intricate details, be especially gentle in these areas to avoid any stretching or damage.
Next, find a suitable place to dry your dress. Look for a well-ventilated area that is clean and dust-free. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can cause discolouration or damage to the fabric. A room with gentle airflow and consistent temperature is ideal. If drying indoors, consider placing a fan in the room to improve airflow and reduce drying time.
When drying, lay the dress flat on a clean surface or use a drying rack. This helps to maintain the shape of the dress and prevents wrinkles. If using a rack, ensure it is sturdy and that the dress is securely draped over it. You may also hang the dress, but be cautious as hanging a wet dress can stretch and distort its shape. If you must hang it, use a padded hanger to prevent creases and support the dress's weight.
For dresses with intricate details like lace, beads, or embroidery, pay extra attention to these areas during the drying process. Ensure that these details are laid flat and supported during drying to prevent any pulling or tangling. Use mesh bags or netting to protect delicate beading or embellishments, and gently adjust them as needed to promote even drying.
Finally, allow ample time for the dress to air-dry completely. Depending on the fabric and humidity levels, this could take several hours to a full day. Do not rush the drying process, as putting away a damp dress can lead to mildew or musty odours. Once the dress is entirely dry, you may proceed with any preservation steps, such as wrapping it in acid-free tissue paper and storing it in an airtight box.
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Frequently asked questions
First, inspect your dress for any stains, taking note of what they consist of. Then, separate the stained layer with a paper towel and pat the stain with a stain remover. Next, soak the stained area in a solution of Oxy Clean and water until the stain disappears. Finally, rinse your dress in a bathtub of warm water, repeating the process until all soap is removed.
You can check the designer's website for detailed information about the fabric of your wedding dress.
No, it is important to know what kind of fabric your dress is made of before choosing a cleaning method. For example, gowns made of silk are more delicate than those made of polyester.
You can use other stain removers such as Ariel stain remover, Vanish Oxi-Action carpet spot remover, or Dryel On the Go Stain Pen.
To properly store your wedding dress, press it and keep it in an acid-free chest with acid-free tissue paper.
