If there’s one garment in your wardrobe that must stay clean at all costs, it’s got to be the wedding gown. With so much sentimental value wrapped up in one tricky-to-wash piece, it’s essential to learn how to clean a wedding dress before attempting it.
As you might expect, there’s a right way to do this, and quite a few wrong ways. From handling stain removal on the big day to preparing for storage, keep reading to become a wedding dress cleaning pro!
How to Clean a Wedding Dress
Emergency Wedding Dress Stain Removal
If you’re reading this section, odds are you’re in quite the pinch. First thing first: don’t panic! Many brides have stained their dresses before you, and many will after you. With patience, most stains can be lifted.
Before you begin, be sure to separate the layers of the dress to isolate the stain. Next, here’s how to clean a wedding dress stain by type:
Blood, sweat, milk, and saliva: avoid chemical cleaners, and start by dabbing it with a Q-tip. If the stain persists, place an absorbent towel on the other side of the dress fabric. Then, use a fresh Q-tip to dab the stain with 4 parts water, 1 part ammonia, 1 part peroxide, and 1 part dish soap.
Fruit juice, wine, tea, liquor, or soda: as soon as possible, flush the stain with 3 parts water and 1 part dish soap. If that leaves behind a residue, gently dab it with 1 part water and 1 part bleach.
Oil stains: place an absorbent towel under the fabric, and use a Q-tip to tap it with 1 part dish soap and 1 part white vinegar. Flip the towel as you go, and flush the stained area with lukewarm water when you’re done.
For lipstick, mascara, dirt, and foundation stains, check out this article!
Washing an Entire Wedding Dress
Most wedding dresses must be professionally cleaned. However, in rare cases, it may be possible to hand wash a wedding dress. Always refer to the care tags of the dress before attempting to wash a wedding dress on your own.
If your entire dress is in need of a refresh (perhaps you’re donating it or breaking it out for vow renewals), follow these steps:
Clean your bathtub and remove any chemical residue.
Fill it with cool water.
Mix in a gentle liquid detergent (make sure you’re not using too much) and a dash of stain remover.
Submerge your dress, and leave it to soak for 30 minutes.
Remove any excess dirt or particles with a gentle scrub from a toothbrush
To dry the dress, lay it between two dry towels and gently press down to remove excess water.
Always opt for air drying or line drying over a machine dryer, but don’t leave it out in direct sunlight!
How to Clean a Wedding Dress Before Storage
Ready to put your gown in storage? Before you seal it up long-term, it’s essential to get it dry-cleaned by a professional. If you don’t, any smells or lingering stains will become permanent.
Don’t worry, dry cleaning is completely safe for your precious dress. This blog explains the process!
Though we’re well known for our beloved laundromat in Thornton, CO, WaveMAX also offers professional dry cleaning services. If you’re in a rush, we can even stop by for a pick-up. Head to www.denverwashandfold.com to learn more.
