Junior Rasmussen
Wedding dresses are often kept as keepsakes or heirlooms, so it's important to know how to store them properly. Whether you plan to sell your dress, pass it down, or simply want to preserve its beauty, proper storage is essential to maintain your gown's beauty and integrity. Before storing your wedding dress, it is crucial to get it professionally cleaned to remove any stains, dirt, sweat, and oils, which can cause discolouration and damage over time. You should also avoid using plastic dress covers or cardboard boxes, as these can trap moisture and bacteria. Instead, store your dress in a cool, dark place within your primary living quarters, such as the top shelf of a closet. To prevent permanent creases, it is recommended to inspect and refold your dress every six months to a year.
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What You'll Learn
Clean the dress before storing it
Even if your wedding dress appears clean, there may be dirt, bacteria, or stains that can cause yellowing or discolouration over time. It is therefore essential to get your dress professionally cleaned before storing it. Look for a professional dry cleaner that specialises in wedding gown preservation. Ask family and friends for recommendations or call the bridal boutique you purchased your gown from. When you find the right dry cleaner, be sure to point out any stains and any loose trim or buttons.
If you're spot-cleaning, never use a harsh detergent, bleach, or a hot iron on your wedding dress. If you're hanging the dress to dry, use a sturdy rod, like a shower curtain rod, as a hanger is too flimsy for the gown. Once 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.
To maintain your gown’s integrity, look over the wedding gown for any loose threads, embellishments, or buttons missing. If you fix these issues before you store your wedding dress, it will help prevent any further damage.
Before you start boxing, wash and dry your hands. No lotion or creams should be used that can stain the dress. For best results, wear clean white cotton gloves.
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Store it in a cool, dry place
Storing your wedding dress in a cool, dry place is essential for maintaining its integrity. Extreme temperatures can damage the fabric, so it's best to choose a location with moderate temperatures and humidity levels. Avoid attics or basements, as these areas can be prone to moisture, leaks, and pests. Instead, opt for a closet in your primary living quarters, preferably on the top shelf, as this area is less likely to experience drastic temperature changes.
It is also crucial to keep your wedding dress away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and cooking or smoking odours, as these can discolour or permeate the fabric over time. If possible, store your dress in a room or space that is not frequently accessed, reducing the risk of accidental damage. Additionally, ensure that the storage area is clean and has never been invaded by insects or mould.
When storing your wedding dress, it is recommended to use acid-free tissue paper to wrap the dress. This will help cushion and protect the dress during storage, preventing any beads, sequins, or embroidery from snagging or scratching the fabric. You can then place the wrapped dress in a premium wedding dress box or a breathable garment bag made of cotton or acid-free wrapping paper. Avoid using plastic dress covers or regular cardboard boxes, as they can trap moisture and bacteria, leading to discolouration and fabric damage.
To further protect your wedding dress, consider using silica gel bags or desiccant bags to absorb any moisture. These bags should be replaced every six to twelve months to ensure their effectiveness. Additionally, inspect your dress regularly, ideally every six months to a year, to check for any signs of damage or pests. By following these steps and storing your wedding dress in a cool, dry place, you can help ensure that it remains in excellent condition for years to come.
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Avoid plastic containers
While it may seem like a good idea to store your wedding dress in a plastic container, it is actually not recommended. Plastic containers or bags emit fumes that can yellow or discolour the fabric. This is due to the molecular-level decomposition of the plastic. The fumes can also give the dress a distinct fragrance that may be hard to remove.
Plastic containers are watertight on the outside, but any condensation within the container will quickly breed mould and mildew. This is because plastic containers are unable to circulate air, which can lead to a buildup of moisture and a stale atmosphere inside. This is especially true if the dress is not completely dry before being stored.
The organic materials that wedding dresses are made of slowly break down and are constantly deteriorating. The microscopic mould and mildew spores that naturally circulate in the air are fed by the moisture trapped within the fabric, breaking down the delicate fibres.
To avoid this, it is recommended to store your wedding dress in a dry, cool environment. If possible, it should be stored away from clothes that are worn regularly to avoid exposure to dirt, oil, or liquids.
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Regularly inspect the dress
Regular inspections are an important part of storing a wedding dress for two years. The frequency of these inspections depends on various sources, with some recommending every six months, every year, or every two to three years.
During these inspections, carefully remove the dress from its storage and check for any signs of damage, pests, or permanent creases. If you notice any issues, address them promptly to ensure the dress stays in excellent condition. For example, if you notice any creases, you can use a portable steamer to remove them instead of ironing, as ironing can damage the fabric.
It is also important to refold the dress along different lines each time you inspect it to prevent permanent creases from forming. If the dress is stained, take it to a professional cleaner as soon as possible.
In addition to regular inspections, it is recommended to store the wedding dress in a place where it won't be disturbed frequently, reducing the risk of accidental damage. Choose a cool, dark, and dry place with moderate humidity, such as the top shelf of a closet in your primary living quarters. Avoid storing the dress in the basement or attic, or anywhere that experiences drastic temperature or humidity changes.
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Use a portable steamer to remove creases
Wedding dresses are often stored for future generations, so it's important to take the necessary steps to ensure they are kept in excellent condition. One way to do this is by using a portable steamer to remove creases.
Portable steamers are an effective way to remove creases from your wedding dress without damaging the fabric. They are safe to use on most common wedding dress fabrics, including satin, silk, chiffon, polyester, and tulle. Steaming is generally safer than ironing, as irons can burn or melt certain fabrics, such as polyester or acrylics.
There are a variety of portable steamers available on the market, ranging from lightweight and inexpensive travel-size models to more powerful midsize and handheld options. Some recommended options include the Conair Turbo ExtremeSteam Handheld Fabric Steamer (GS38R or GS59X), the Beautural Portable Clothes Steamer, and the Jiffy ESteam. These steamers are known for their portability, ease of use, and ability to adjust to different fabrics.
When using a portable steamer, it is important to follow certain techniques for the best results. Firstly, cover the steamer head with a piece of fabric, such as a cotton cloth or a handkerchief, to absorb any water droplets. Then, glide the steamer slowly and directly onto the creases of the gown. This method will ensure that your dress is wrinkle-free.
Additionally, it is recommended to steam your wedding dress from the inside out. By steaming the inside first, you can avoid the hassle of turning the garment inside out after steaming, which can sometimes add more wrinkles. If you don't have access to a steamer, you can try the "poor man's way" of steaming by hanging your dress in the bathroom and running a hot shower for at least 20 minutes to create a steam-filled environment. However, this method may not be as effective for removing major creases.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to store your wedding dress in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as the top shelf of a closet in your primary living quarters. Avoid attics and basements as these are prone to temperature changes and moisture.
It is important to get your wedding dress professionally cleaned before storing it to remove any stains, dirt, bacteria, or sweat. You should also avoid using plastic covers as these can trap moisture and bacteria. Instead, wrap your dress in acid-free tissue paper and place it in a premium wedding dress box.
It is recommended to check on your wedding dress every six months to a year to inspect for any signs of damage or pests. This will allow you to detect any issues early on and take the necessary steps to address them.
Yes, make sure to wash your hands or wear clean, white cotton gloves before handling your wedding dress to avoid transferring oils onto the fabric. Additionally, try to keep your dress away from cooking or smoking odours, heat sources, and pets to prevent any damage.
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