Complete Guide to Washing and Maintaining Your Wedding Dress

Maintenance MethodsWedding DressBefore and After the Wedding

Your wedding dress requires very delicate care. Many individuals rent this dress, so it must be returned. Therefore, it must be kept in good condition not only during the ceremony but also afterward.SelmaDermaWe will explain the strategies for maintaining a wedding dress before, during, and after the ceremony.

Wedding Dress CareBefore the Ceremony

Transport:

It is best to place the wedding dress in a special box in the back seat of the car. Ensure there is enough space around the dress, avoiding any pressure on it.

Hanging:

Be very careful when hanging this dress. You can hang it behind a door, but ideally, it should be kept in a compartment or bag to avoid dust and dirt. Never hang the dress from a ceiling fan or light fixtures, as this could cause burns or tears.

Only Iron When Necessary:

Also, ensure the fabric can withstand steam. If you can’t steam it yourself, hand it over to a trusted expert and remember to set the iron on a low temperature.

Maintaining the Wedding Dress on the Big Day

1. Before putting on the dress, apply any perfumes or hair sprays so they don’t stain it later. Be sure to avoid any marks while putting it on.
2. After putting on the dress, ask your bridesmaids to bring your shoes for you.
3. If you must apply any spray or perfume after the dress is on, definitely place a clean towel or cloth over the dress first.
4. Dry any stains with a hairdryer and a towel, and you can also lightly iron damp spots.
5. Avoid having excess makeup on your face before putting on the dress, and wait until your foundation and powder settle before getting dressed.LipstickAnd apply the dress only after lipstick and other makeup have settled. If any makeup comes into contact with the dress, wait 15 minutes before cleaning.
6. Never clean drink stains with water, as it will spread the color. Instead, dry them with a hairdryer and a towel.
7. You can use a bit of your saliva to clean a small blood stain. Saliva contains enzymes that can help lighten and dry it, provided the stain is minimal.
8. If any part of your dress is torn, ask your bridesmaids to hold it for you while you walk.

Maintaining the Wedding Dress After the Ceremony

• Hang the dress as mentioned or quickly place it in a special bag.
• If you purchased the dress, do not leave it in a plastic bag or wardrobe for too long, as this can cause it to smell bad and its color may turn from white to yellow.
• If there are any stains, clean them that very night and don’t wait too long.
• Store the dress in a place with stable and moderate temperatures. Typically, under a bed or in a closet is perfect; never place it in an attic or basement.

Essential Items to Bring on Your Wedding Day

• Baby Powder
• Thread and Needle
• Pin
• A clean white towel

Important Points About Silk Wedding Dresses

• Avoid severe temperature changes in places like attics or basements and keep the wedding dress away from such environments.
• Do not expose them directly toSunlightat all.
• Do not compress it too much. Silk dresses wrinkle quickly, but if hung, they can often smooth themselves out. For heavier silks, you can use an iron if necessary.

How to Remove Stains from Various Parts of a Wedding Dress

First, identify the dirty spots

Inspect the wedding dress carefully, particularly the hem, to locate any stains, as this area often drags on the ground. Also check the different layers of the dress, like the underskirt, for any stains that may be present.

Test a suitable cleaning agent

Select a fabric-safe detergent for removing stains and washing your wedding dress at home. After choosing the detergent, test it on a small, inconspicuous area first before using it on all the stains.

Use a paper towel for assistance

Use a clean paper towel to separate different layers of the dress and place it under the stained fabric to prevent stains from transferring to other parts of the wedding dress, then proceed to clean the stains.

Clean the stains with a stain remover

To avoid damaging the fabric of the wedding dress and to preserve its original condition, do not apply the cleaning agent directly on the dress. Instead, use a soft, clean white towel dipped in the detergent to treat the stains. Repeat this until the stain is removed.

Dry the stained area

For drying the treated and still damp area, use a hairdryer, and never leave the dress outside to dry, as moisture can cause rings to form on the fabric.

How to Remove Stains from the Bodice of a Wedding Dress

Mix some water and detergent to spray on the stained area of the bodice and gently scrub with a toothbrush to remove the stain.

Tip:

If the methods mentioned above fail to remove the stain, use a strong cleaner by mixing a portion of the cleaner with water and soaking the stained part in it. However, always test the cleaner first to ensure it won’t damage the fabric.

Tips for Removing Stains from a Silk Wedding Dress

1. Avoid using strong detergents as they can damage the silk fibers and diminish its properties.
2. If sweat stains are old, they retain their acidity. Mix a tablespoon ofVinegarwith a cup of water, then add a little alcohol and baby shampoo to it, applying the solution to the stained area while using a hairdryer to assist in drying.
3. For blood stains that saliva can’t handle, use one part hydrogen peroxide with nine parts water. You can then use a hairdryer and a towel to remove any remaining stains. It would be best to place a towel under the fabric to catch any spreading stains.
4. Remove lipstick stains with three tablespoons of alcohol and three drops of baby shampoo. It’s best to do this as soon as possible after contact with the lipstick.
5. Remove perfume stains using a sponge that is half soaked in hydrogen peroxide and half in water, then dry with a hairdryer.

How to Wash a Wedding Dress in a Bathtub

After treating the stains, place the wedding dress in a tub filled withwarm waterto rinse out the detergents used for stain removal. Do not scrub the dress; merely immerse it in and out a few times.

Drying the Wedding Dress After Washing

To dry the wedding dress after removing it from the tub, lay a towel across your shoulder and place the dress in a way that its weight is evenly distributed on both sides of the towel. Never hang the wedding dress to dry on a line as the wetness makes it heavy, and it will lose its form.

After laying the dress on the towel and gently absorbing the moisture until it feels lighter, hang it for a few hours to maintain its shape and reduce wrinkles.

Ironing the Wedding Dress

After washing and drying your wedding dress at home, it’s time to iron it. To do so:

Lay a piece of clean fabric under the ironing board.

To prevent damage from ironing, place a cotton cloth over the dress before pressing to avoid burning it and causing yellowish stains from the heat.

Tips for Proper Wedding Dress Care

1. Wash stains immediately from the dress as they become harder to clean once they set.
2. Take your wedding dress to a dry cleaner who specializes in cleaning formal wear.
3. If your dress suffers tears or damage, have a tailor fix it for you.
4. Inform the cleaner about all stains and decorations on the dress before washing.
5. Pay attention to the labels on the dress, as wedding dresses are made from different fabrics and require different cleaning methods.
6. After cleaning and drying, place your dress in special garment boxes.
7. Annually, take your dress out of its box to air it out to prevent mildew.
8. Keep your dress in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.