George Boyle
A wedding dress is one of the most important pieces of clothing a person will ever wear, so it's no surprise that many brides want to preserve its beauty. Proper storage is essential, whether you plan to sell your dress, pass it down to future generations, or simply keep it as a memento. To preserve your lace wedding dress, you should carefully remove any leaves or twigs, as well as any embellishments, before cleaning. You can then dry clean or spot clean your dress. When storing your dress, avoid using plastic covers or cardboard boxes as these can trap moisture and bacteria, leading to mould or mildew. Instead, use acid-free tissue paper or store your dress in a cloth garment bag or acid-free, lignin-free box. Choose a cool, dry, and dark location, such as a closet or guest room, and avoid heat sources, excessive moisture, and direct sunlight to prevent damage and discolouration.
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning lace wedding dresses
Cleaning a lace wedding dress can be a delicate task. Before cleaning, carefully remove any leaves or twigs that may have become attached to the dress during the wedding. It is also important to remove any additional embellishments on the gown before the cleaning process. For example, a removable brooch should be taken off to ensure it remains in perfect condition.
The cleaning process can vary depending on the type of lace and the extent of the staining. If the dress has a contrasting lining, separate the layers before cleaning. If the gown is made from lace and silk, refer to the care instructions for silk and silk crepe de chine dresses.
For spot cleaning, locate the sources of the spots, such as spilt food, sweat, or dirt. Check the hemline especially, as this area is more prone to staining. To clean a soiled hem, fill a tub with hot, soapy water and hang the dress over the edge for a few hours. A toothbrush and liquid detergent can then be used to gently scrub the hemline and restore its original colour. For sweat stains on the bodice, use a spray bottle filled with soap and water, followed by a toothbrush dipped in liquid detergent. Repeat this process for other stains on the dress. If the soap and water solution is ineffective, try using an OxiClean liquid until the stain disappears.
After spot cleaning, if you feel the dress requires a more thorough cleaning, take it to a skilled dry cleaner. Ghabbour, the owner of Loved Twice Bridal, notes that "gowns with details, such as embroideries and lace appliqués, can change the cleaning process, and experienced dry cleaners know how to get it done without experimenting on your gown." She also recommends considering online reviews and seeking recommendations from the bridal boutique where the gown was purchased.
While it is possible to clean a wedding dress at home, it may be preferable to seek professional assistance, especially for delicate gowns.
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Storing lace wedding dresses
Choosing the Right Storage Materials
Avoid using plastic dress covers or cardboard boxes as they can trap moisture and bacteria, leading to mould or mildew growth. Instead, opt for acid-free tissue paper and storage boxes specifically designed for preserving wedding dresses. Acid-free tissue paper helps protect the fabric and prevents creases, while acid-free storage boxes provide a breathable environment to maintain the dress's quality.
Storage Location
When choosing a storage location, look for a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a closet or a guest room. Avoid storing the dress near heat sources, excessive moisture, or direct sunlight as extreme temperatures can cause damage and discolouration. Keep the dress away from cooking or smoking odours, as they can permeate the fabric over time.
Hanging vs. Laying Flat
Lace wedding dresses with heavy beading or an open lace design should be stored flat to avoid stretching. When hanging a lace wedding dress, use the hanger straps for support and avoid plastic hangers. Consider using a breathable cloth garment bag, keeping the top slightly unzipped to allow the fabric to breathe and prevent discolouration.
Folding and Inspection
If you choose to fold your lace wedding dress, use acid-free tissue paper between the folds to prevent creases and fabric stress. Inspect your dress regularly for any issues such as yellowing, mould growth, or pest damage.
Short-Term Storage
For short-term storage before or immediately after the wedding, a cloth garment bag is a suitable option. Keep the bag slightly unzipped and store the dress in a dry, dark closet, avoiding cedar closets, basements, or attics.
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Removing stains from lace
Pre-treatment:
As soon as a stain occurs, it is important to act quickly. Blot any excess liquid and then gently dab the stain with a pre-wash solution or diluted detergent. This pre-treatment will prevent the stain from spreading or setting.
Soaking:
Fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of a mild detergent. Submerge the lace item and gently circulate the water through the stained areas. Allow the garment to soak for around 3-5 minutes. Then, drain the basin and refill it with clean lukewarm water to rinse the lace. Repeat this rinsing step to ensure all detergent is removed.
Stain-specific methods:
For tougher stains, specific methods can be employed:
- Baking soda: Sprinkle baking soda over the stain and gently rub it in with your fingertips. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before rinsing.
- Hydrogen peroxide and detergent: Create a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, a small amount of detergent, and water. Apply this mixture to the stain and scrub gently until the stain disappears. Rinse the item thoroughly afterward.
Drying:
After treating the stain, lay the lace item flat on top of a towel to air dry. Avoid hanging or drying lace in direct sunlight or using a dryer, as this can cause damage and discolouration.
Remember, always test any stain removal method on a small, inconspicuous area of the lace first to ensure it doesn't cause discolouration or damage. For intricate or heavily soiled lace wedding dresses, consider seeking professional cleaning services.
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Drying lace wedding dresses
Lace is an extremely fragile fabric and should always be hand-washed in cold water to avoid shrinkage and potential damage. Always air dry your dress and avoid dryers.
Before drying, use a dry towel to remove dirt, then dab the stain with a damp cloth. Be gentle to avoid pushing the dirt further into the fabric. Blot with water, ammonia, peroxide, and dish soap. Avoid rubbing the fabric as this could damage it.
If your lace wedding dress has embellishments, it is important to remove them before you begin the cleaning and drying process. This will protect them from damage and ensure they don’t get lost.
After washing, lay the dress flat or hang it using padded hangers to avoid creases or fabric distortion. Store the dress in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or humidity.
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Long-term preservation
The wedding dress is one of the most important pieces of clothing a person will ever wear, and proper storage is essential for long-term preservation. Here are some detailed instructions for preserving a lace wedding dress:
Firstly, carefully remove any leaves, twigs, or other embellishments from the dress. If your gown has a contrasting lining, separate the layers before cleaning. When cleaning a lace wedding dress, it is important to be gentle and avoid any processes that may damage the fabric, such as ironing. Consider spot cleaning the dress, and if it is made from lace and silk, refer to the care instructions for both fabrics.
When storing a lace wedding dress for the long term, avoid using plastic dress covers or cardboard boxes as they can trap moisture and bacteria, leading to mould or mildew growth. Instead, use acid-free tissue paper to wrap the dress and store it in a cloth garment bag or an acid-free, lignin-free box designed for wedding dresses. The acid-free tissue paper will help protect the fabric and prevent creases, while the box will provide a breathable environment to maintain the dress's quality.
Choose a storage location that is cool, dry, and dark, such as a closet or guest room. Ensure the area is protected from heat sources, excessive moisture, direct sunlight, and odours, as these can damage and discolour the dress over time. It is also important to minimise handling the dress to reduce the risk of structural stress and accidental damage.
To prevent deep creases from forming, fold the dress carefully with layers of acid-free tissue paper between the folds. This will help buffer the contours of the gown and prevent fabric stress. It is recommended to inspect the dress every six months to one year to check for any issues such as yellowing, mould, or pest damage.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to store your wedding dress flat instead of hanging it in a closet to prevent distortion. Use acid-free tissue paper to prevent harsh creases and fabric stress, and store it in an acid-free preservation box to maintain its pristine beauty. Avoid plastic dress covers or regular cardboard boxes as they can trap moisture and bacteria, leading to mould or mildew growth.
Before cleaning your lace wedding dress, carefully remove any leaves or twigs that may have gotten stuck to it. If your dress has embellishments, remove them before cleaning to ensure they remain in perfect condition. You can dry clean or spot clean your lace wedding dress.
Store your lace wedding dress in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a closet or a guest room. Humidity control is essential when preserving your dress. Avoid storing it near heat sources, excessive moisture, or direct sunlight, as extreme temperatures can cause damage and discolouration.
There is no such thing as "too soon" when it comes to cleaning your wedding dress. It is best to get your dress cleaned as soon as possible after your wedding to prevent stains from setting in.
