How To Store, Preserve & Clean Wedding Dress

When it comes to wedding dress cleaning, it can be difficult to know how to clean it without causing any damage. It’s normal for brides to want to learn how to clean it properly, as it can be either kept for memory’s sake or passed down to future generations. In this article, we explain everything you need to know to store, preserve and clean your wedding dress the right way:

Steps to Cleaning a Wedding Dress Properly

Cleaning a wedding dress is important to preserve it for a long period of time. The essential steps for wedding dress cleaning are as follows: 

Step 1: Inspect the Wedding Dress

The first step to cleaning a wedding dress is a thorough inspection. This means you should check for any stains or damage on the dress. If you notice any stains or damage, note the location down. 

This step will help you decide whether you can clean it yourself or hire a professional to do it for you.

Step 2: Spot clean the Wedding Dress

If you manage to spot a minor stain on the dress, you can spot clean it before sending it for dry cleaning or cleaning it yourself. 

This can be done with a gentle fabric cleaner. Before removing the stain, perform a spot test to see if it will cause any discoloration or damage to the fabric. If it’s safe to use, then clean the stains with a soft cloth and blot them instead of rubbing them away. 

Step 3: Hand Wash or Dry clean the Wedding Dress

If you plan to handwash the wedding dress, fill the tub with cool water and add a small amount of mild, gentle detergent. Gently submerge the dress in the water and let it soak for a few hours. After that, gently scrub away the dirt or stains, if any, with a toothbrush or a white cloth. Then, rinse it with cool water to remove any detergent residue. 

You can also take the wedding dress for dry cleaning and let the professionals handle it. However, you need to have a budget for it.

Step 4: Dry and Store the Wedding Dress Appropriately

Don’t twist or wring the dress to remove the water. Instead, lay the wedding dress flat to let it air dry. Be sure to lay it down on a clean and dry surface. 

Once the wedding dress is fully dried, use a cool iron and press the dress. Then, store it in an acid-free garment bag in a cool and dry environment. 

Understanding Different Fabric Needs Before Cleaning

Before storing, preserving or cleaning your wedding dress, you need to understand the different fabric materials. Each of the fabrics has its own needs. Learn more about the common fabric below:

• Satin, Silk: You should only hand wash this fabric in cold water with a mild detergent and leave it to air dry or dry clean it.
• Chiffon, Organza, Tulle: For this fabric, you can dry clean or hand wash with soap in warm water. Let it air dry, but not under direct sunlight.
• Lace: Hand wash this fabric in cold water using a gentle soap. Soak in the water for up to 30 minutes before rinsing and let it air dry.

Read: A Guide to Different Types of Wedding Dress Fabrics

Tips to Preserve Your Wedding Dress 

Here are some of the best wedding dress preservation tips to follow when storing them:

• Clean any stains on the wedding dress: If you find any stains on your wedding dress, get it cleaned immediately to prevent permanent stains.
• Send for Cleaning Immediately: Once you’ve gotten out of the wedding dress during your big day, get it professionally cleaned immediately to ensure it’s free from stains and dirt.
• Perform Inspection Regularly: Check for stains or discoloration occasionally and refold or clean if necessary.
• Fold the Dress Properly: You should always fold it horizontally while storing it and place acid-free tissue between each fold. This method helps to prevent creasing.

Selecting Appropriate Wedding Dress Storage Conditions

Aside from cleaning your wedding dress, choosing the right storage conditions also helps to ensure it doesn’t lose its quality. Here are some of the tips to consider for wedding dress storage:

Cool & Dry Environment

The best way to store a wedding dress is in a cool and dry area to prevent mold from growing. 

Ensure There is No Direct Sunlight

The wedding dress should not have direct sunlight shining on it, as it can cause fading or yellow stains.

Dust-free & Clean Area

The area should be free from dust mites, dirt and pests to avoid getting damage on the fabric.

Choose a Breathable Garment Bag

This ensures moisture doesn’t get trapped inside to avoid mold growth.

How to Store Your Wedding Dress in Long-term

If you wish to learn how to store a wedding dress long-term, here are some of the recommended ways to do so:

Fold it Carefully

Avoid hanging your wedding dress for a long period of time. Instead, fold the dress properly using acid-free paper to ensure the shape lasts long. 

Seal the Wedding Box

You should seal the preservation box properly to ensure no moisture can enter the box. 

Clean the Dress Thoroughly

Ensure that the dress is cleaned thoroughly before storing it away. It’s best to get them professionally cleaned to remove any dirt and stains.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Storing Wedding Dresses

To save you the trouble while storing wedding dresses, here are some of the common mistakes to avoid while storing them: 

• Storing in plastic bags: When you store the wedding dress in plastic bags, mold can grow as moisture is trapped inside the bag. 
• Using standard hangers: Wooden or regular wired hangers can cause the wedding dress to lose shape over time.
• No professional cleaning was done: If you haven’t had your wedding dress professionally cleaned in a long time, it may be discoloured or stained. 
• Storing in damp areas: You shouldn’t store your wedding dress in humid or damn areas as it encourages mold or mildew to grow.
• Not using acid-free paper: Acid can cause fabric deterioration and creasing while folding the dress.
• Opening the preservation box: Once you seal it, it should not be opened, or the wedding dress can be exposed to humid air.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve learned everything about wedding dress cleaning, you can keep your dress looking beautiful for many years. If you’re still planning a wedding dress for your big day, consider checking out our wedding gown collection in Singapore to pick out stunning dress that meets your wedding theme. 

If you’re looking to rent a wedding dress in Singapore, LaBelleCouture is your bridal shop to be in Singapore. We have different kinds of wedding gowns to rent, beautiful colors and styles that fit your shape and theme! You will not have to worry about cleaning your wedding dress at the end of the day, we will handle all the cleaning upon returning!