How to clean and store a wedding dress after the big day

Why should the dress be cleaned soon?

A gown that looks clean after the wedding usually is not. The hem has brushed the floor all evening, and there are often marks from make-up, perfume, food and drinks. Some of these, especially clear drinks and perspiration, are invisible at first and turn yellow or brown weeks or months later. Once that happens they are much harder to remove.

What should I do in the first few days?

• Hang the dress by the inner hanger loops, not by delicate shoulder straps.
• Do not rub or wet any stain. Rubbing spreads it and can damage the fabric.
• Keep it out of a sealed plastic cover, which traps moisture.
• Note where the marks are and what caused them, and tell the cleaner.

How is a wedding dress cleaned?

Every gown is different. The fabric, the lining, the lace, the beading and the way they are attached all affect the method. A careful cleaner inspects the dress first, treats the hem and the visible stains, and then chooses a cleaning method the fabric and the details can take.

How should I store it afterwards?

Store the dress only when it is clean and completely dry.

• Choose a cool, dry, dark place inside the home. Avoid storerooms and anywhere that gets hot or humid.
• Use a breathable cotton garment bag, or an acid-free box with acid-free tissue between the folds.
• Avoid ordinary plastic covers and coloured tissue paper.
• Take it out once a year to check it and to refold it along different lines.

Can an old stain still be treated?

Sometimes. Older stains are less predictable, but many improve with careful treatment. Send a photo and tell us how long the dress has been stored, and we will tell you honestly what to expect.