Deborah Chan
Wedding dresses are often one of the most important and sentimental pieces of clothing a person will ever wear. However, they are also one of the easiest to stain. Many brides are unsure of whether they should clean their wedding dress and, if so, how they should go about doing so. This text will explore the different options available to brides when it comes to cleaning their wedding dress, including both professional and DIY methods, and the pros and cons of each.
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning a wedding dress yourself
Wedding dresses can be expensive, so it's understandable that you might want to save some money by cleaning it yourself. However, it's important to keep in mind that wedding dresses are delicate and intricate garments, and if not cleaned and stored properly, they can become yellowed, oxidized, or damaged.
Before cleaning your wedding dress, it is important to know what kind of fabric the dress is made of and to take the dress details into consideration. For example, gowns made entirely of polyester are much more durable than gowns made of silk. If you are unsure of the fabric of your gown, you can check the designer's website for detailed information. Additionally, some dresses may have specific care instructions, such as "hand wash only", so be sure to read the tag before cleaning.
If your dress is fairly simple and the fabric can withstand it, you can put your dress in a garment bag or duvet and wash it in the washer on a gentle cycle. However, if your dress has a lot of beading or crystals, you may want to avoid this method as they can melt from the chemicals used by professional dry cleaners.
For more delicate fabrics like silk, you can put your dress in a garment bag and dry clean it at home or at a laundromat if it is a large, voluptuous dress. Another option is to hand wash your dress in the bathtub using cold water and a gentle detergent. It is important to note that you should not soak the entire dress, especially if it has multiple layers. Instead, focus on spot-treating the stains. When applying stain remover, place a paper towel underneath the stain to prevent it from soaking into other layers of the dress.
While it is possible to clean your wedding dress yourself, there are risks involved, and some stains may be too complex to remove at home. If you are unsure or uncomfortable with any of the methods mentioned above, it may be best to consult a professional cleaner.
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Dry cleaning vs hand washing
Wedding dresses are one of the most important and sentimental pieces of clothing a person will ever wear. However, they are also one of the easiest items to stain. While taking your gown to a professional cleaner is always an option, you can also clean it yourself.
Dry cleaning is a process done to preserve the integrity of a wedding dress. It is carried out by professional dry cleaners who have been trained to clean wedding dresses. If your dress is made of a delicate fabric, dry cleaning might be a good option. However, if your dress has details such as embroideries and lace appliqués, you may want to opt for hand washing instead, as dry cleaning can experiment with the gown. Additionally, beading and crystals can melt from the chemicals used in dry cleaning.
Hand washing is a delicate process done by hand to avoid staining or damaging the wedding dress. It is tailored to your specific wedding dress, so it's done precisely how you want it. Hand washing allows your gown to maintain its colour and integrity, so you can wear it repeatedly in the years to come. It is also a good option if you want to preserve your dress for years to come. However, hand washing may not be suitable for large, voluptuous dresses, as it may be difficult to find a space large enough to do so.
Steps for Hand Washing
If you decide to hand wash your wedding dress, it is important to first know what kind of fabric the dress is made out of and to take the dress details into consideration. You will need stain remover, laundry detergent, a toothbrush, and a steamer. If your dress is heavily soiled, you may also need a bathtub, cold water, and a gentle liquid detergent.
First, treat any stains with a stain remover. Then, fill your bathtub with cold water and submerge the bottom of your dress in a mix of gentle liquid detergent and water. Use a gentle swishing motion to clean the dress, then drain the tub and swish the dress in clean water a few times to rinse it out. Finally, lay the dress out on a towel to air dry, and once it is completely dry, carefully steam it with a steamer.
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Stain removal
Wedding dresses are one of the most important and sentimental pieces of clothing you'll ever wear. However, they are also incredibly easy to stain. Knowing the material of your gown is essential for properly cleaning it. For example, gowns made entirely of polyester are much more durable than gowns made of silk. Beading and crystals are also sturdier than lace, which is more delicate.
Before attempting to clean your wedding dress, it is important to read the tag and see what the manufacturer recommends. If the tag says "dry clean only", it is best to take it to a professional cleaner. If your dress is made of silk, it is especially important to take it to a professional dry cleaner with experience with wedding dresses.
If your dress is hand wash only, you can spot clean the dirty parts with mild soap and a toothbrush. If you have a lace dress, you can dampen the spot and then place baking soda on top of the stain for at least five minutes. Once the time is up, rinse the area with cold water and then dab the spot with a clean towel or cloth. You can also try using a stain pen, such as the Dryel® On the Go Stain Pen, or a stain remover, such as Oxi Clean White Revive or Oxi Clean Versatile Stain Remover Powder.
For fruit juice, tea, cola, liquor, or wine spills, try flushing the stain immediately with a solution of 3 parts water and 1 part dish soap. If the residue doesn't come out, apply a solution of 1 part water and 1 part bleach. For grease stains, mix a solution of 1 part dish soap and 1 part white vinegar, and lightly tap on the stain with a Q-tip or rag dipped in the solution. This will push the stain through to the cloth or towel underneath.
If you are dealing with a grass stain, it is best to leave it alone, as grass stains are usually at the bottom of the dress and likely won't be noticed. Trying to remove the stain yourself may lead to stretching and affect the hem and length of the dress.
Remember, it is important to act quickly when dealing with stains, as they can set in fabric fibres almost immediately.
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Wedding dress preservation
Wedding dresses are often made of delicate fabrics and adorned with intricate details and embellishments. Therefore, they require special care to safeguard them from the elements and mishaps that can occur through improper storage or cleaning.
If you choose to preserve your wedding dress at home, it is important to know the fabric of your gown, as this will impact how it is cleaned and what solvents can be used. For example, gowns made of silk are more sensitive and require different care than those made of polyester. You can then spot-treat stains with a stain remover, applying it only to the dirty areas while placing a paper towel underneath to prevent it from soaking into other layers of the dress.
On the other hand, professional wedding dress preservation services offer a convenient and secure way to preserve your gown. They have the expertise and technology to properly clean and store your dress, ensuring it remains in pristine condition. Some services offer museum-quality storage, acid-free packaging, and lifetime warranties. They may also include minor repairs, steaming, pressing, and professional folding techniques.
Whether you choose to preserve your wedding dress at home or through a professional service, it is important to consider the fabric, details, and proper techniques to ensure your gown is well-preserved for years to come.
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Common cleaning mistakes
Wedding dresses are often made from delicate fabrics and feature intricate details, making them challenging to clean. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when cleaning your wedding dress:
Not acting quickly enough
It is important to get your wedding dress cleaned as soon as possible after the big day. Stains from food, drinks, and body oils may not be visible at first but can cause permanent discolouration and fabric deterioration over time. These invisible stains can turn into yellow spots and cause the dress to look aged.
Using the wrong cleaning method
Before cleaning your wedding dress, it is crucial to understand the type of fabric and the embellishments used. Different fabrics require different cleaning methods. For example, silk and rayon are water-sensitive fabrics, and using the wrong cleaning method can result in permanent marks or damage to the finish. Beading and crystals can melt due to the chemicals used in professional dry cleaning, so it is important to choose a cleaning method that is suitable for the specific fabric and details of your dress.
Improper storage
Improper storage of your wedding dress can lead to damage. Hanging your gown by the shoulders instead of using the ribbons attached to the side seams can cause strain and damage to the dress. Storing your dress in an attic or basement can also be harmful due to extreme temperatures or the risk of water damage. Plastic bags are not suitable for long-term storage as they can expose the dress to plastic fumes, leading to yellowing over time. Instead, it is recommended to store your gown in an acid-free container that protects against light and air.
Choosing the wrong cleaner
Not all dry cleaners are equipped to handle wedding dress cleaning and preservation. Regular dry cleaners may use harsh solvents that can damage delicate bridal gowns. It is important to choose a reputable dry cleaner that specialises in wedding gown cleaning and preservation, as they will use special pH-balanced cleaning solutions that are gentle on the fabric.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is necessary to clean your wedding dress, even if it looks clean, as there may be invisible stains that will set in, oxidize and darken in the months to come.
While it is possible to clean your wedding dress yourself, it is recommended to send it to a professional cleaner as soon as possible after your wedding. This is because wedding dresses are delicate and intricate garments and are prone to yellowing, oxidation, and other forms of damage if not treated and stored properly.
To clean your wedding dress at home, first, check the tag to see what cleaning method is recommended. If it says dry clean only, it is best to take it to a professional. If it says hand wash only, you can spot clean dirty parts with mild soap and a gentle detergent. If there are stains, separate the layers of your dress and apply a small amount of stain remover to the affected area. Never rub the stain remover into your dress, simply pat gently to protect the fibres. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a hairdryer.
Wedding dress preservation is a specialized cleaning and treatment plan to ensure your gown looks pristine for years to come. It involves using highly specialized materials that are typically acid-free, such as acid-free paper and boxes, to store your dress. Preservation is not a DIY job and should only be undertaken by a professional.
