Junior Rasmussen
Stains on your wedding dress can be a nightmare, especially on a dress that holds so much meaning and has been carefully crafted. However, there are ways to remove stains and marks, and it is important to act fast. The first step is to stay calm and not panic, as rubbing at a stain will only make it worse. Blotting is the best way to treat a stain, and it is important to separate the layers of the dress to avoid the stain spreading. There are various household items that can be used to treat stains, such as dish soap, white vinegar, and baby powder. For more complex stains, it is best to seek professional help.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What to do first | Stay calm and act fast |
| What to use | White/clean paper/cloth towel, cloth napkin, Q-tip, laundry detergent, dish soap, white vinegar, lemon juice, club soda, baby powder, cornstarch, baking soda, toothbrush, peroxide, hairdryer, makeup remover, rubbing alcohol, chalk |
| What not to do | Rub the stain, use water on a silk dress |
| What to do after | Take the dress to a professional cleaner as soon as possible |
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What You'll Learn
Blot, don't rub
If you spill something on your wedding dress, the first thing to remember is to stay calm. It is important to blot and not rub the stain, as rubbing can spread the stain, distort sheer fabrics, and cause satin gowns to lose their shine.
To blot the stain, start by placing a white towel or napkin underneath the spotted layer of the dress to absorb the stain from underneath. Then, gently dab the stain with the towel or napkin. If the stain is particularly noticeable, like red wine, you can go back over it with a mixture of three parts warm water and one part clear dish soap.
For foundation stains, scrape off any excess makeup with a spoon and then blot with a dry towel. Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to help lift the stain and then let it air dry or use a hairdryer held at a safe distance. For deodorant stains, use a baby wipe to gently dab the stain, don't rub, and see if it comes off easily.
If you get a cut or scrape and blood gets on your wedding dress, remove the red mark by wetting the stained spot with a damp towel. Douse a Q-tip or a corner of the towel in peroxide, and lightly dab the area. For stronger stains, follow up with a few drops of laundry detergent or dish soap on a rag.
For lipstick stains, start by blotting the spot with soap and water. If the stain remains, try to cover it with flowers or add a brooch. For mascara stains, put eye makeup remover on a Q-tip and gently dab the stain.
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Treat makeup stains with a Q-tip and makeup remover
If you get mascara on your wedding dress, the best course of action is to put eye makeup remover on a Q-tip and start dabbing. It may leave a ring, but it will certainly be less noticeable than a black stain.
If you are dealing with foundation, scrape off any excess makeup with a spoon and then blot with a dry towel. Apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to help lift the stain and then let it air dry or use a hairdryer held at a safe distance.
Lipstick is one of the hardest stains to get out, but it's better to treat it immediately. Blot the spot with soap and water, and hope it comes out. Unfortunately, lipsticks are made of different ingredients, so you may not be able to remove the stain. If it's in a noticeable spot, try covering it with your flowers or adding a brooch.
Makeup stains are one of the most frequent stains that wedding dress cleaners see, so if you can't get the stain out, don't panic. Take the gown to a professional cleaner as soon as possible after the wedding. "The sooner they get it, the more likely they can get the stain out," says Laura Mease, owner of Laura's Couture Collection in Shawnee Mission, Kansas.
It's important to test the cleaner somewhere on the dress that won't be noticed to make sure the fabric doesn't get damaged. Always separate the layers of the gown so that the spot doesn't go underneath the layer, making it worse. Put a white towel underneath the spotted layer while removing the stain to absorb it from underneath. Remember to avoid rubbing the fabric so as not to tear the layers of the gown or make the mark even larger.
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Use a lemon-scented dishwashing detergent for makeup stains
Wedding dresses are prone to makeup stains, from foundation to mascara and eyeliner. If you find yourself in this situation, it is best to act quickly and treat the stain immediately.
First, separate the layers of your gown to prevent the stain from spreading to other layers. Then, place a white towel underneath the stained layer to absorb any excess product.
To remove makeup stains from your wedding dress, use a lemon-scented dishwashing detergent. Lemon-scented detergents contain limonene, which is highly effective at cutting through oils in makeup products. Add a couple of drops of the liquid detergent to a damp cloth and gently blot the stain. Avoid rubbing the fabric as this can damage the dress and make the stain larger. Instead, lightly dab or brush the stain with gentle force.
After treating the stain, dampen a clean section of the towel and dab the area to rinse it out. You can then allow the dress to air dry or use a blow dryer to speed up the process.
If you are unable to remove the stain completely, you can use white chalk or baby powder to hide the mark for the rest of the day. However, it is recommended to take your wedding dress to a professional cleaner as soon as possible after the wedding to ensure the stain can be properly removed.
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Soak up oil stains with baby powder
Oil and grease stains are some of the most common wedding dress stains, with pizza, burgers, french fries, olive oil, and salad dressing being the most likely culprits. If you find yourself in this situation, the first step is to stay calm and act as quickly as possible. Oil and grease harden at room temperature, so it's important to act fast.
To treat the stain, start by sprinkling enough baby powder on the stain to completely cover it. This will help to absorb the oil. Allow the powder to sit on the stain for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, use a spoon, blunt knife, or any other utensil that won't damage your dress to gently lift and scoop the baby powder off.
Next, create a cleaning mixture. In a small bowl, mix dishwashing liquid with a few drops of water to form a foamy solution. Dip an old toothbrush into the mixture and use it to scrub the stained area in circular motions.
Once you're satisfied that the stain is gone, wash the dress as per usual and let it air dry. If you're unsure about treating the stain yourself, it's best to leave it alone and seek the help of a professional cleaner as soon as possible.
In addition to baby powder, there are other methods you can use to treat oil stains. For instance, you can use a mixture of one part dish soap and one part white vinegar, or you can use rubbing alcohol. However, always remember to test any cleaning solutions on a small, inconspicuous area of the dress before proceeding with the treatment.
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Use a baking soda paste for sweat and deodorant stains
If you're looking to remove sweat and deodorant stains from your wedding dress, a baking soda paste is a great option. Baking soda, also known as bicarbonate of soda, is a mild alkali that can help to dissolve and lift away stains without damaging the fabric. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use it:
- Mix baking soda and water in a small bowl to create a thick paste. The exact ratio can vary, but a good starting point is a 3:1 ratio of baking soda to water. Adjust as needed to achieve a spreadable consistency.
- Before applying the paste, test a small, discreet area of the dress to ensure it won't cause any discolouration or damage to the fabric. This is especially important for delicate fabrics like silk, satin, or lace.
- Using a soft, clean cloth or your fingers, gently apply the paste directly onto the stained areas of the dress. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing, as this can spread the stain and distort the fabric.
- Allow the paste to sit on the stain for at least 20 minutes. The longer it sits, the more effective it will be at breaking down the stain.
- After the paste has had time to work, gently dab the area with a damp, clean cloth to remove the paste. Avoid rubbing, and work from the outside of the stain towards the centre to prevent spreading.
- If the stain is particularly stubborn, you may need to repeat the process. Alternatively, you can try using a different treatment, such as white vinegar or lemon juice.
- Once the stain is removed, gently blot the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue. Then, allow the dress to air dry.
It's important to note that while baking soda is generally safe for most fabrics, it's always a good idea to test it on a small area first. Additionally, be sure to avoid using chlorine bleach on sweat stains, as it can react with the proteins in sweat and make the stains worse. Instead, opt for oxygen bleach if needed, being sure to check that it's safe for the fabric of your dress.
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Frequently asked questions
Lipstick stains are one of the hardest stains to get out. Start by blotting the spot with soap and water, but be aware that you may not be able to remove the stain completely. If it's still visible, try to cover it with your flowers or add a brooch.
Put eye makeup remover on a Q-tip and start dabbing. It may leave a ring but it’s better than a black stain.
Grass stains are almost impossible to remove at the last minute, so it’s best to leave them alone until after the wedding. Trying to treat the stain yourself might create a bigger and deeper smear, so let a professional cleaner take on the job.
If the bloodstain is fresh, gently blot it with a cotton swab and cool water or even a little bit of saliva. If there’s still some discoloration, use hydrogen peroxide diluted with water. Gently dab the stain to loosen it, and switch back to plain water to finish the job.
