How can I clean my wedding dress before the wedding?

Question

I bough a dress in a very cheap price it is very pretty but is dirty even though had a tag (so it was new) and has to be tailor a little bit, the tailor is going to be a little pricy but I can pay it, the problem is the cleaning part: the tag on the dress reads: No dry clean, spot clean only, so I would like to know if is ok to put on the washing machine on delicate cycle or do i need to go to a dry cleaners, i would like to do it myself because the cleaners are incredibly expensive. Any suggestions

Answer 1

Love, this is your wedding dress. Your. Wedding. Dress. You're wearing this when you walk down the aisle. Do not, do not, do not put in your own washing machine!

You need to take it to a dry cleaners. More importantly, they need to know what they're doing with wedding dresses. If you can, find someone in the area that specializes in cleaning wedding dresses. Many places do terrible things to them. I was a bridesmaid in a wedding where they actually burnt a lot of the sequins of the bodice of her dress.... not good.

Once the dress is clean, be sure you're keeping it either in a plastic hanging protector or, better yet, wrapped in a white bed sheet. All you need to do is cut a hole at the top so the hanger can come through the top. The white sheet keeps the dress from going yellow; some of the chemicals in the plastic protectors can cause the dress to discolor quickly.

Do not put the dress on any floor before first covering it with a clean, white bed sheet- whether you're trying it on at home, in for alterations, getting dressed for the big day, etc. One your wedding day, try to hike the dress up off the floor as much as you can until your altar return photos are finished. You don't want grey and brown splotches on the hem of your dress visible!

Best wishes and Congratulations!

Answer 2

Don't put it in your washing machine!!!

I agree wholeheartedly with everything LovrsDrmr said EXCEPT for taking it to the dry cleaners. Such an unusual instruction. I wonder if it is because of the fabric content, or the decorative pieces on the dress or what? If it truly appears to be new, that is, not soiled by body oils, then I would do what the tag says as my first option. I would spot clean with coolish water and a thin wash cloth., then blot dry. If that doesn't do it, I would add Ivory soap to the water, blot, rinse and blot again. If it's better but not gone, repeat.

Then (I know most folks don't have the opportunity, but...) I find hanging things on a clothsline to be a great whitener and freshener. Clear and breezy is the best, daytime only, a couple of days if you can.

If that does not work, I would consult more than one drycleaners, and perhaps a bridal shop. If you have the fabric content tag, perhaps you can learn more online. Good luck and best wishes!!

Answer 3

Dry cleaning solution is DIRTY because it is used and recycled--and can create an off-color dress.! It can also damage the beading/sequins on the dress causing them to melt or discolor. Today, most wedding dress fabrics are polyester-based and can be safely washed--either in the tub (check directions out online) or inside a duvet in a commercial washing machine. .

Answer 4

Sorry, I would take it to the cleaners just to be on the safe side...you put it in the washer, and you might end up buying a whole new dress...

Answer 5

DONT put it in the washing machine!! why dont you visit your local dry cleaners and get their advice? they will probably be more than willing to give you their expert opinion...and that alone will not cost you anything - dont take any chances honey - you dont want to spoil your big day...good luck and hope it all goes well.

Answer 6

that's high priced to get your gown clean and it rather is not proper if replaced into wiped clean best after your wedding ceremony or a year down the line. If there are any stains i might have it dry wiped clean. If there are grass stains on the backside of the gown have it dry wiped clean. The airborne dirt and dust that collects on the backside of the gown by potential of walking on a carpet or floor turns black so which you will possibly desire to have that gown wiped clean besides. after all of that above, you are able to sell the gown at 30%-40% of the retail cost as this is the going cost. I even have new and gently worn dresses in my shop that I actually are turning out to be from brides who've the two replaced their minds in getting married or brides who merely desire to have yet in a diverse way of advertising their gown. as quickly as I settle for the dresses I ask if it rather is been wiped clean or how long has it been in the closet. you would be shocked on the somewhat some solutions i'm getting yet you would be extra shocked at merely how cleaners clean wedding ceremony dresses and then shield them. enable's merely say you're no longer getting your funds's properly worth.........

Answer 7

This is your wedding dress we're talking about. Take it to the cleaners and ask their opinion.

Answer 8

I suppose this is your second wedding .....becoz the first time you had a new dress. Ever tried the cleaners

Answer 9

I understand about the cost thing - try a mister clean magic sponge (you can use this on fabics) try in a spot you won't see first. Just clean the spots that are soiled - good luck and congrats!

Answer 10

even though the cleaners are expensive,i'd still rather have them clean it,than risk screwing it up yourself