How to Remove Wrinkles From a Formal Gown
Understanding how to care for clothing intended for use as formal wear is important prior to any major event. Formal gowns require gentle handling in order to remove undesired creases and wrinkles. The approach chosen depends largely upon the type of material used for the gown. In many cases, some form of moist heat is needed. Wrinkles are more quickly removed from most formal gowns when they have only recently been formed, rather than having had time to "set" firmly into the material. In spite of this, wrinkles that are the result of improper packing or storage can also be removed safely with the correct technique. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Formal gown
- Table (or other flat surface, like an ironing board)
- Spray starch or wrinkle remover
- Small washcloth, hand towel, or a piece of heavy cotton fabric
- Paper towels
- Hand-held fabric steamer (not a steam iron)
Instructions
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Invert the gown so that the interior of the fabric is visible. Stretch the wrinkled area slightly to smooth out the wrinkled crease as well as you can and place the material over the flat surface that you have chosen.
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Mist spray starch over the surface of a washcloth.
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Place a paper towel over the wrinkled portion of the gown. Then place the moistened washcloth (with the damp side down) over the paper towel. These layers will protect the gown from scorching and excess moisture, while being just porous enough to permit the steam to release the wrinkle.
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Turn on the fabric steamer, using the lowest effective setting for the material of your gown.
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Use a light, rotating motion to steam out the wrinkle through the washcloth and the paper towel. Check every three to five seconds to see if the wrinkle is smoothing out to your satisfaction by lifting the steamer and looking beneath the washcloth and the paper towel. When the fabric is no longer creased, place the gown on a padded clothes hanger to cool.
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Tips & Warnings
Once the wrinkle has been removed, the fabric may be hot for several minutes. Wait until the material cools before getting dressed so that you do not burn yourself. While the material is cooling, avoid touching the treated area with your bare hands. The warm fabric may also be slightly damp, making it more vulnerable to stains from your skin's natural oils. These marks become visible when the fabric dries.
Do not touch the fabric of the gown directly with heat. You may risk scorching the fabric. Avoid using steam on silk. The moist heat can cause permanent crinkling.
