Lyla Dejesus
Wedding dresses are often made from delicate fabric and materials, so it's important to know how to wash them properly. Whether you choose to wash your wedding dress at home or take it to a professional cleaner, it's crucial to consider the fabric and embellishments of the dress, as well as the extent and location of any stains. While some dresses can be safely washed in a washing machine, others may require hand washing or dry cleaning. Knowing how to care for your wedding dress will ensure it stays in the best possible condition.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning options | Cleaners/laundry service, hand-washing, washing machine, dry cleaning at home |
| When to use a professional service | If the dress is delicate, has embroidery or lace appliqués, or if you are unsure about how to clean it |
| When to hand-wash | If the label says hand-wash only, or if the dress is made of a fabric that is sensitive to dry cleaning chemicals, such as silk |
| When to use a washing machine | If the fabric is machine-friendly (e.g. cotton or polyester) and there are no embellishments that could get stuck or rip |
| When to dry clean | If the dress is heavily soiled or if there are stains that require special attention |
| General tips | Always check the label, know the type of fabric and any details/embellishments, perform spot cleaning/stain treatment before washing the whole dress, use mild detergent, avoid hot water and machine drying |
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What You'll Learn
Washing wedding dresses at home
Wedding dresses can be made from delicate fabric and materials, so they require proper care and attention when washing. While many dresses should be dry-cleaned, some may be suitable for home-washing, depending on the fabric and construction. It's important to check the label of your wedding dress before hand-washing to ensure you don't damage it. This will give you information on the recommended detergent, ideal water temperature, and things to avoid.
If you're going to wash your wedding dress at home, use a gentle yet efficient detergent. Don't wash a wedding dress in a washing machine unless it's labelled as safe to do so. If you're washing the whole dress, you'll probably want to do so in the bath. Start by disinfecting and cleaning the bath to prevent any residue from transferring onto your dress. Rinse the bath thoroughly, then fill it with cool water. Mix in stain remover and some gentle liquid detergent. Place your dress in the bath and leave it to soak, then rinse thoroughly. Avoid excessive heat throughout this process as it could damage the fabric and/or melt detailing such as beads or sequins. If there are particular problem areas, use an old toothbrush to remove excess dirt, but remember not to scrub too hard as this can cause holes.
Minimal stains can be removed at home, while others require special professional attention. Using a stain remover and a clean old toothbrush, patch-check in a small, unnoticeable area to see how the stain remover reacts to the fabric. Separate layers to work only on the affected spot. Apply the stain remover, then brush gently, avoiding rubbing the fabric against itself. Rinse by running water through it.
If you're going to wash the entire dress, make sure to use a mild detergent or the type specified in the instructions. The hem is the dirtiest part, so soak it first for at least one hour to make it easier to deal with the dirt. Once the dirt has softened, use a toothbrush to remove as much of it as possible. Rinse gently. Remove the water from the tub, and add water and detergent again. Submerge the wedding dress in the tub and leave it to soak for at least 10 minutes. Make sure that every inch is treated with soap. Gently use the brush and soap-and-water mixture where needed, but make sure not to scrub too hard to prevent ruining the dress. Fill the tub with water. Rinse the dress by moving it partially in and out of the water. Rinse off as much detergent as you can.
Once you've rinsed the soap from the dress, hang it to dry on a curtain rod, as the dress will likely be too heavy for a hanger. Once the dress is completely dry, steam it carefully with a steamer and store it properly.
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Dry cleaning
One such dry cleaner is Parkway Custom Dry Cleaning, which has been in business since 1926 and is one of North America's foremost experts on wedding dress cleaning, preservation, and restoration. They offer hand-cleaning, air-drying, and hand-finishing services for both simple bridal dresses and elaborate wedding gowns. They also provide pick-up and delivery services in the metro Washington, DC area, including Maryland and Northern Virginia.
Another option is White Star in Chattanooga, which has a knowledgeable and experienced team that understands the significance and importance of your wedding dress. They offer professional wedding dress dry cleaning and preservation services, inspecting the dress for soils, stains, seams, and embellishments before cleaning and preserving it with museum-quality materials, such as acid-free tissue and muslin wrap.
Tide Cleaners is another option, offering competitive pricing starting from $250. Their experts examine your wedding gown to identify visible and invisible stains and create a customized treatment plan. They use a GreenEarth® solvent to remove stains and protect your gown from mold, mildew, and oxidation. After cleaning, they preserve your dress in an acid-free box with a picture window, allowing you to display your gown and keep your precious memories safe.
It is worth noting that some stains, such as hem soil, yellow spillage, and general discolouration, may not be removable by dry cleaning alone. In such cases, wet cleaning may be required. This method involves bathing the dress by hand with a neutral organic detergent designed for fragile fabrics. However, wet cleaning should only be attempted by well-trained staff as shrinkage and significant texture changes can occur if done improperly.
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Hand washing
Handwashing your wedding dress is a delicate task that requires attention to detail. Firstly, it is critical to check the label on your wedding dress to ensure you use the correct products and methods without damaging the fabric. Wedding dresses are often made with intricate details and delicate fabric, so it is important to be cautious.
Before washing the entire dress, it is recommended to perform spot correction to prevent stains from spreading. You can use a stain remover and a clean, old toothbrush to treat minor stains. Always patch-check your stain remover in a small, unnoticeable area to ensure it does not react negatively with the fabric. If the dress has multiple layers, separate them to work on one layer at a time. Gently apply the stain remover without rubbing it into the fabric.
When handwashing the entire dress, use a mild detergent or one specified in the care instructions. Soak the dirtiest parts of the dress, such as the hem, for at least an hour to loosen any dirt. Then, gently scrub these areas with a toothbrush and rinse them with water. Empty the tub and refill it with clean water and detergent. Submerge the entire dress and let it soak for at least 10 minutes. Ensure that every inch of the dress is treated with soap, gently scrubbing any remaining stains with a soft-bristled brush and a soap-and-water mixture. Rinse the dress by moving it in and out of the water, ensuring that all detergent is removed.
After rinsing, gently remove excess water without wringing or twisting the fabric, as this can damage the dress. You can gently squeeze the fabric or pat it with a towel. Hang the dress to dry, preferably on a curtain rod, as it may be too heavy for a standard hanger. Once dry, carefully steam the dress with a steamer and store it properly.
While handwashing is an option, it is important to consider the fabric and embellishments of your dress. Some dresses may require professional cleaning due to their delicate nature. Wedding dresses with intricate details, such as embroidery and lace appliqués, are often best left to experienced dry cleaners.
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Spot cleaning
To start spot cleaning, gently dab at the stain with a white cloth soaked in your chosen cleaner. Never rub, as this might spread the stain. If your dress has multiple layers, separate them to avoid the stain seeping onto other layers. Place a paper towel under the stain to prevent it from spreading to other layers.
If you are spot cleaning the bodice, turn the dress inside out and spray the stain with a mix of detergent and water. Then, gently rub away the dirt with a soft-bristled brush.
If you are dealing with a particularly stubborn stain, you may want to consider professional spot treatment.
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Professional cleaning services
Wedding dresses are often made from delicate fabric and materials, and their preservation requires proper care and attention. While it is possible to clean a wedding dress at home, it is not always recommended, and some dresses require professional assistance.
If you are unsure of where to go, the bridal boutique where you purchased your gown is likely to have a list of recommended vendors. Online reviews and the experiences of friends and family members can also be useful.
Some companies offer wedding dress cleaning and preservation kits, guaranteeing that your dress will not yellow or fade. These kits can be purchased online and shipped, and some include insurance for your peace of mind.
It is important to note that wedding dresses are not like other types of clothing, and professionals often frown upon the choice of hand-washing at home. However, it is always useful to know how to clean such formal clothing.
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Frequently asked questions
Wedding dresses can be washed at home or by a professional cleaner. If you choose to wash it yourself, you can use a bathtub or a washing machine, depending on the dress's fabric and construction.
First, check that your dress's fabric is washing machine-friendly (ideally cotton or polyester) and that there are no embellishments that might get stuck and rip. If in doubt, use a wash bag. Then, place your dress in a garment bag or duvet and put it in the washer on a gentle cycle.
First, clean and disinfect the tub to prevent any residue from transferring onto your dress. Then, fill the tub with cool water and add a mixture of stain remover and gentle liquid detergent. Soak your dress in the water and use an old toothbrush to gently scrub away any remaining dirt. Finally, rinse your dress thoroughly and hang it to dry.
Wedding dresses with embellishments such as embroideries and lace appliqués are best taken to a professional cleaner. Additionally, if your dress is made of a delicate fabric such as silk, it may be safer to seek professional help.
