How To Clean A Stained Wedding Dress?

A wedding dress is very special for the couple and is cherished throughout life. It is made from rich yet delicate material and needs to be taken care of and preserved lifelong. But there are times when the wedding dress is stained due to multiple reasons that can not only damage the dress but also hurt the sentiments attached to it.

In this blog, we will discuss the different types of stains commonly found on wedding dresses, essential household ingredients needed for cleaning the wedding gown, how to preserve the wedding dress after washing, and when to opt for professional cleaning.

A] Different Types Of Stains

• Make-up: Foundation stains are the most common stains that are found on the edges of the neckline. Removing those stains at that very moment might make the stain worse.
• Food: While eating you might spill the oil or gravy on the dress. This leaves behind an oil-based stain which is difficult to remove with water. As much as you try to remove the stain it spreads and stains the fabric more.
• Wine: There is a lot of excitement, nervousness, and mixed emotions during the wedding. This can lead to the spilling of wine. Wiping or rubbing the stain can worsen the stain.
• Coffee: Coffee acts as a stress buster at wedding times. But again a little disorientation can spill the coffee on the dress.
• Grass and dirt: Wedding dresses are generally made long enough to hide the footwear making the dress touch the ground, collecting all the dirt, dust, and grass stains. These are water-based stains that can be removed easily with good detergents.

There are different stain marks which are either oil-based or water-based requiring a different technique to remove. Removing stains from wedding dresses is best done by professional dry cleaning services.

B] Essential Household Ingredients For Stain Removal

• Baking soda: Baking soda absorbs all the oil and is good for removing food and oil stains. It can also remove sweat stains.
• Vinegar: Vinegar has a high acidity that helps to break down stains and remove sweat stains or stains caused by perfumes or deodorants.
• Lemon: Lemon juice also helps to break down stains. Apply and let it remain for some time and wash the stain or dab the stain with a wet cloth.
• Detergent: A lemon-based detergent is one of the best stain removers for clothes, it is used to remove dirt, dust, and grass stains from the fabric.

C] Do This Before You Start Cleaning

The wedding dress is made of delicate fabric and has lots of embellishments on it. Thus, it is not advisable to machine wash or even hand wash the wedding dress. Always check the label of the dress for any specific cleaning instructions like gentle wash, cold water wash, do not iron, or do not use harsh detergents. It is best to test the cleaning method on a small inconspicuous patch to avoid damaging the fabric. Remember to clean the fabric from the edges towards the centre to prevent the further spread of the stain.

D] How To Clean Wedding Dress At Home?

If the stain on the dress is not tough and can be removed at home, follow these instructions for how to wash a wedding dress.

• Fill the clean sterilized tub with enough water to soak the whole dress easily and add a good detergent
• Soak the dress for at least 30 minutes to lift the stain
• Scrub the stained area gently with a soft brush without damaging the fabric or embellishments
• Rinse the whole dress in the tub and do not wring the dress
• Air-dry the dress and store it in a dry place

You can use stain removal pens for small stains on the dress. Use the back of the spoon to remove the pile of food spilled on the dress before cleaning. Use cotton swabs to dab on the stains rather than brushing the tough stains.

E] How To Preserve Your Wedding Dress After Wash?

Wedding dresses are worn mostly once in a lifetime but stored lifelong as a heirloom and passed on to the next generations. For the dress to remain intact it needs to be stored properly. Firstly, if you have spilled any liquid, pat dry it with a towel or a tissue rather than rubbing it. Get the stain removed, air dry the dress, iron it, and fold it delicately. It is best to get the dress cleaned by a professional cleaner. Once folded, wrap the dress in acid-free tissue or cotton cloth to keep it dry, and prevent mildew and mold infestation and yellowing of the fabric. If possible wrap the dress and store it in a box that will save the embellishment from any damage. Store this box in a cool and dry place to prevent foul odour and yellowing of the dress due to moisture. 

F] When to Opt for Professional Dress Cleaning 

Small light stains can be removed at home but how to get stains out of a wedding dress if the stains are tough? Certain fabrics like silk, crepe, satin, georgette, or wool can not be wet washed. The wedding dress, if it has intricate embellishments, bright colours, uses net fabric, or is stained, needs a professional dry cleaning. It is best to know the type of fabric and extent of the stain before you give the dress for professional cleaning.

Conclusion

There can be incidents where the wedding dress can be stained or some mishap can happen. Removing stains from wedding dresses becomes a headache. It is best to know these cleaning hacks and tips to preserve the dress for a long time. Always remember to hire one of the best dry cleaning services in Mumbai for long-lasting results. Preserving a wedding dress has sentimental value and the right technique to clean and store the dress enhances its longevity.