Franklin Dean
Wedding gowns are often made from delicate fabrics such as silk, polyester, cotton, rayon, and nylon, and may feature intricate beading or sequins. As such, they require special care and attention when it comes to cleaning and preservation. While dry cleaners use chemicals such as perchloroethylene (perc), Exxon DF-2000 (hydro-carbon), and petroleum distillates, these can cause fabric colours to fade and may not be suitable for all dress details. Instead, preservationists use water, biodegradable soap, and natural cleaning agents such as sodium bicarbonate to gently clean and preserve wedding gowns, ensuring they remain in pristine condition.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chemicals used | Perchloroethylene (perc), Exxon DF-2000 (Hydro-carbon) |
| Fabric | Silk, polyester, cotton, rayon, nylon, synthetics |
| Storage | Acid-free archive box, acid-free tissue paper, cool, dark place, no plastic bags |
| Timing | As soon as possible after the wedding |
| Cleaning | Dry cleaning, spot-cleaning, no harsh detergents, bleach, or hot iron |
| Handling | Clean hands, powder-free latex gloves, white gloves |
| Other | Avoid exposure to heat, humidity, light radiation, and excessive heat |
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What You'll Learn
Perchloroethylene (perc) is the most commonly used chemical
When choosing a dry cleaner for your wedding gown, it is recommended to select one that specializes in bridal gown preservation and performs the cleaning in-house. This ensures that your gown is handled with the care and attention it deserves and avoids potential issues with wholesale commercial dry cleaners, such as washing your gown in a large machine with other dresses or the possibility of it getting lost.
After professional cleaning, the next step in preserving your wedding gown is to wrap it in acid-free tissue paper and place it in an acid-free archival preservation chamber or box. Acid-free materials are crucial to prevent the chemical breakdown of the fabric, which can lead to yellowing and other forms of damage. Additionally, avoid storing your gown in a plastic bag, as this can trap moisture and lead to long-term damage from oxidation, bugs, and moisture.
When storing your wedding gown box, choose a cool, dark place away from humidity, such as a closet or under your bed. It is essential to avoid attics or basements, as these areas are prone to temperature fluctuations, air and water leaks, and vermin damage. To further protect your gown, you can place a few little packets of dessicant in the corners of the storage box to absorb any excess moisture.
While it is not necessary to regularly refold and repack your wedding gown, it is a good idea to inspect it periodically. Sudden stains, element exposure, and other issues can arise, and early treatment is crucial to maintaining the gown's condition. When removing the dress from the box, remember to clean your hands and ideally wear white gloves to prevent any oils or salts from your skin from damaging the delicate fabric.
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Hydro-carbon is a new petroleum-based solvent
Wedding gowns are delicate and intricate garments that require careful preservation to maintain their pristine condition over time. One of the emerging chemicals used for this purpose is Hydro-carbon, a new petroleum-based solvent that has gained popularity in the dry-cleaning industry.
Hydro-carbon, also known as Exxon DF-2000, is a relatively new entrant in the market for wedding gown preservation. Its usage has been driven by the search for more environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional solvents like perchloroethylene (perc). Hydro-carbon is formulated to be less flammable and safer for both the environment and human health. This attribute makes it a preferred choice for dry cleaners who wish to adopt more sustainable practices.
Hydro-carbon is particularly well-suited for wedding gowns adorned with beads and sequins. Unlike perc, which can damage or melt these decorative elements, Hydro-carbon is designed to be safe on such embellishments. This quality ensures that the intricate details of a wedding gown are preserved without compromising the overall integrity of the dress.
While Hydro-carbon excels in protecting beads and sequins, it is slightly less effective at degreasing when compared to perc or other solvents. However, its reduced fire restrictions make it a competitive option in the market. As a result, many dry-cleaning businesses are transitioning to Hydro-carbon as their preferred solvent.
To ensure the best preservation of your wedding gown, it is advisable to engage the services of a professional dry cleaner who specialises in bridal gown preservation. Look for a dry cleaner who performs the cleaning in-house rather than outsourcing it to a wholesale commercial dry cleaner. This ensures that your gown receives individualised attention and minimises the risk of damage or contamination from other garments.
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Avoid harsh chemicals or detergents
Wedding gowns are delicate and intricate garments, and they are prone to yellowing, oxidation, and other forms of damage if not treated and stored properly right after the wedding. It is important to professionally clean and preserve your wedding dress as soon as possible after your wedding day. Even if your wedding gown seems to be in good condition, there may be invisible stains that will set in, oxidize, and darken in the months to come.
When looking for a dry cleaner to preserve your wedding gown, it is best to find one that specializes in bridal gown preservation. Find a dry cleaner that will clean your gown in-house rather than sending it out to a commercial dry cleaner. This will prevent the possibility of your dress being washed in a large machine along with other gowns and also the chance of it getting lost. Perchloroethylene (perc) is the most commonly used chemical in the dry-cleaning process. This is because it is superior to other solvents for removing dirt and grease and is kind to fabrics such as rayon, acetate, or silk. However, if your dress has beads or sequins attached, the dry cleaner will need to protect these as perc may damage them. Exxon DF-2000 (Hydro-carbon) is a relatively new petroleum-based solvent that is quite safe to use on dresses with sequins and beads, although it is slightly less effective at degreasing than perc.
If you are looking to avoid harsh chemicals or detergents, it is important to note that there are alternatives to using chemicals to preserve your wedding gown. You can use acid-free tissue paper to prevent any beads, sequins, or embroidery from snagging or scratching the fabric. The tissue paper helps to cushion and protect the dress during storage. Instead of using plastic dress covers or regular cardboard boxes, which can trap moisture and bacteria, leading to mould or mildew growth, you can use an acid-free, lignin-free wedding dress storage box designed specifically for preserving wedding dresses. Lignin is an organic substance found in wood pulp that can damage the material of your gown. The acid-free tissue paper will help protect the fabric of your wedding dress and prevent creases, while the acid-free storage box will provide a breathable environment that maintains the wedding dress's quality. Make sure the container is large enough to accommodate the wedding dress without compressing it.
Additionally, you can store your wedding gown box in a cool, dark place away from humidity, such as your closet or under your bed. It is also important to keep your wedding dress away from any cooking or smoking odours, as they can permeate the fabric over time. While long-term storage is intended to preserve your wedding dress, it is essential to check on your dress regularly. Every six months, take the time to inspect the dress for any signs of damage or pests. If necessary, refold the dress along different lines to prevent permanent creases.
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Acid-free materials and storage are key
Wedding dresses are delicate and intricate garments, and over time they are prone to yellowing, oxidation, and other forms of damage, especially if not treated and stored properly right after the wedding. The best way to clean and store your wedding dress is to have it preserved by a wedding dress professional and kept in an acid-free archive box.
Acid-free materials are key to preserving your wedding gown. Acid can cause discolouration and weaken the fibres of the dress. Even so-called "acid-free" cardboard boxes can re-acidify over time, as cardboard absorbs moisture, which will promote the growth of mould and mildew within a storage chamber. It is therefore important to use a chemically inert polymer that is non-absorbent, providing more complete moisture protection and resisting fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
Acid-free tissue paper is also important for wrapping the dress and stuffing the bodice to preserve its shape. This process is called interleaving and is only necessary if your gown has embellishments that may scratch the folded fabric. If your dress is plain, you can simply line the box with acid-free tissue.
Proper storage is also key to preserving your wedding gown. It is important to store your wedding gown box in a cool, dark place away from humidity, such as a closet or under a bed. It is also important to note that sealing the box traps moisture in, promoting mould and mildew growth, so the box should never be completely sealed. If you use a translucent box, be sure to keep it out of direct sunlight, as sunlight can discolour white or light fabrics.
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Store in a cool, dark place
When storing your wedding gown, it is important to choose a cool, dry, and dark location. Sunlight can cause gowns to fade, and humidity can cause mildew to form. Attics and cellars are not suitable storage locations due to temperature fluctuations, leaks, and vermin damage. Instead, consider storing your gown box in a closet or under your bed.
It is also essential to keep your gown away from cooking or smoking odours, as these can permeate the fabric over time. If you plan to hang your gown, use a padded hanger to prevent snags and support the weight of the dress, and avoid wire or wooden hangers. Additionally, hanger straps can help keep the gown supported and prevent it from sitting in unnatural positions.
When storing your gown in a box, use acid-free tissue paper to wrap the gown and place tissue paper between the folds to avoid creasing. If the gown has sleeves, stuff them with tissue paper to hold their shape. You can also use unbleached muslin to wrap the gown. Be sure to remove any cardboard inserts, bodices, and supports that can create strain on the fabric and contain acid that can cause yellowing.
Regular inspections of your gown are crucial. Every six months, check the dress for any signs of damage or pests. If necessary, refold the dress along different lines to prevent permanent creases.
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Frequently asked questions
The most commonly used chemical is perchloroethylene (perc), which is a superior solvent for removing dirt and grease and is gentle on fabrics such as rayon, acetate, and silk. Other chemicals used include Exxon DF-2000 (hydrocarbon), a new petroleum-based solvent safe for dresses with sequins and beads, and acid-free tissue paper, which is used to wrap the dress for preservation.
The first step is to have the gown professionally cleaned, preferably by a dry cleaner specialising in bridal gown preservation, as soon as possible after the wedding. The gown is then wrapped in acid-free tissue paper and placed in an acid-free archival preservation chamber or box. The box should be stored in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a closet or under the bed, to prevent damage from temperature fluctuations, humidity, and pests.
Preserving your wedding gown is essential if you want to keep it in pristine condition for years to come. Wedding gowns are delicate and intricate garments prone to yellowing, oxidation, and other forms of damage, especially if not properly treated and stored. Preserving your gown can also make it a beautiful heirloom, suitable for upcycling, resale, or donation.
Yes, there are some DIY methods for preserving your wedding gown at home. However, none are as effective as professional preservation. If you choose to preserve your gown at home, it is crucial to avoid using harsh detergents, bleach, or hot irons, as these can damage the fabric. Instead, spot-clean the gown and store it in an acid-free box with acid-free tissue paper in a cool, dry place.
