7. Gown Cleaning and Preservation Summary

Cleaning Summary
If your wedding gown and/or lining is silk, rayon, or acetate but does not have beads or sequins you should be able to safely clean your gown with percloroethylene (perc.) That will be a plus if your dress is really dirty (look at the hemline!) Of the different dry-cleaning solvents available, Perc. is the best degreaser. If your dress is silk, rayon, or acetate, but has beads and sequins, the Stoddard formula or DF-2000 solvent will be the safest.

Select a drycleaner who uses virgin solvent on wedding dresses. Virgin solvent will get your dress cleanest and will not leave an odor. Also, find a cleaner who has a lot of experience with wedding gowns. Bridal shops will often give your best advice on finding a good cleaner.

Be sure to point out any stains on your gown to the dry-cleaner. Also, notify the dry-cleaner of any spills on the dress, even if they don't show. Dry-cleaning fluids will not remove sugar stains (such as wine or soda), so the dress needs to be pre-treated.

If your dress and lining are polyester, with or without beads and sequins, wet cleaning should be safe and will get your dress the cleanest. Check your label carefully, and look for a hand wash or dry-clean only label, or the symbol indicating water washing. If in doubt, test clean an inconspicuous area of the dress. You should be able to safely hand wash most polyester gowns if you are careful.*

Preservation Summary
Keeping your wedding gown in the best overall condition should be the primary concern in preserving your bridal gown. You will need to protect it from:

• Yellowing
• Permanent creasing
• Mildew and mold
• Oxidation spots
• Light
• Dust

Boxing your gown in a box made of acid-free board (not just acid-free coated) is superior to having it sealed in a box because you can refold it every 2 or 3 years, which will help protect it from permanent creases.

Bagging your gown in an acid-free bag offers the best protection against permanent creasing and mildew development and does not need the maintenance that boxing requires.

Both boxing and bagging will protect your gown from dust and light. All preserved gowns should be kept in a climate controlled environment. Inspecting your gown periodically will ensure that it remains in good condition. Oxidation spots generally show up within the first year. The sooner these or other problems are discovered, the more likely they are to be remedied.

*Disclaimer: Check the care label carefully. The manufacturer's directions should take precedence. Our advice is given in good faith but is without warranty.