How to Clean a Wedding Gown

Most brides feel that after so much planning, the actual wedding goes by in a flash. Suddenly, it's time to put away all your wedding memories including your wedding gown. However, clean your wedding gown before you pack it away.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Examine your wedding gown to see if any of the trims, hems or detailing have come loose. Resew or restitch any items that need repair.

2. Brush off any dirt or floor lint from your wedding gown. Use a soft, barely damp washcloth to hand clean any spots around the hem. Make sure that water and mild soap will not spot or stain the wedding dress fabric.

3. Wash your gown by hand only if its fabric is washable. Lay the gown flat to dry rather than putting in a drier. If the wedding gown has many ornate trims and beads, don't wash the gown.

4. Take your wedding gown to a professional dry cleaner that specializes in wedding gowns. It's best to check with your bridal salon for recommendations on cleaning. Ask the salon about dry cleaning options that include chemicals to preserve your wedding gown. The preservation procedure will treat your gown, hand press it and pack it in acid-free tissue paper before sealing it in a storage box.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't use bleach on your wedding gown or any laundry products that contain bleach. Bleach will burn delicate fabrics.