How to Clean and Preserve Your Wedding Dress

Some say weddings are planned in Heaven and executed on Earth. Who knows the facts? However, this is your magical day. Blessings for your day! 

As a fun fact, some say that on occasion, something should happen wrong to make it more memorable. It can be adverse weather, lost ritual items or food spilling on your dress. There is no doubt that you are exhausted after all the fun and emotions you have experienced. After all, that was your dream day, and you deserve a well-deserved rest. Your mind interrogates how to clean and preserve your wedding dress right?  It is, however, too long to clean and store your bridal costumes during the rest of the process. 

You must have toiled hard, dealt with different sellers, and bargained on the price (a typical Indian mindset) before choosing your wedding dress. Cleaning and storing your wedding outfit requires the same effort, which can be exhausting. When it comes to cleaning, it’s always best to give it to a professional; after all, it’s such a sentimental dress. At Quiclo, we’re dedicated to handling your wedding dress with the same care and effort you put into choosing it.

If you are a DIY type, we respect your choice, and to help those newly married couples, here is a guide on how to clean and preserve your wedding dress.

Preparing For Cleaning

Before you start cleaning your dress, it’s important to understand the type of fabric it’s made of and check for any stains or damage. It’s advisable to consult a professional who can provide expert advice on removing stains and preserving your dress properly.

Fabrics That Can Be Stored

Indian weddings can be overwhelming, and it’s easy for your wedding dress to get stained or damaged. Unfortunately, not all types of fabrics can be cleaned without damaging the fabric. Here is a list of fabrics that will make your wedding dress special and cleanable:

1. Banaras

Banaras silk, known as Katan silk, is one of India’s finest and most durable silks. It has a rich legacy of quality and longevity. It also adds a luxurious touch to any bridal outfit. It is made by twisting different silk threads in the warp and weft to create a resilient and robust fabric.

Cleaning Tips: Using detergents on this delicate fabric is a firm no. Detergents can break the yarns. If you wish to clean stains or marks on your banaras lehenga,  simply soaking it in freshwater is the best way. 

2. Satin

You can’t go wrong with satin for longevity. Satin tends to resist wrinkles and gives you the benefit of storing it for a more extended period. Like most synthetic fabrics, satin is blent with various other fabrics to provide a rich texture.

Cleaning Tips: Oxygen-based cleaners are the most suitable for Satin cloths to remove stains. Add a scoop of cleaner to a spray bottle, spray it on the stain, and let it sit there for a limited time.

3. Velvet

The luxe and refined looks add gorgeousness to the bride, making it suitable for all body types with a rich texture and flattering fit. Moreover, the silky soft touch and glare due to the pile weaving have made velvet more suitable for bridal costumes. Moving to store velvet, synthetic blend velvets are easy to store and last for a prolonged period.

Cleaning tips: Never use fabric softener or bleach over your wedding lehenga. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label before removing stains. It’s better to hand it over to professionals for cleaning. Other fabrics like georgette, polyester and other synthetic materials can also prolong for several years, and cleaning can be done without damaging the fabric.

How to Clean Your Wedding Dress?

We suggest a professional cleaning service when it comes to sentimental attire. But we understand if you are a do-it-yourself person. When you are ready to DIY clean the outfit, ensure your fabric is not made of delicate materials like silk because we don’t want your sentiments hurt. Here are a few cleaning methods:

1. Stain Removal

If you spot a stain or mark on your dress and don’t want complete cleaning, it is advisable to remove the stain instead of washing the complete dress. You will need a tub, stain remover, gentle detergent, and an old toothbrush.

1. Apply gentle detergent to the stain. If your dress has multiple layers, ensure to split the layers before applying detergent.
2. Gently pat the stain remover to remove stains and protect the fabric.
3. Rinse it thoroughly and dry it with a hair dryer. (Allowing the dress to dry naturally can leave marks)

Note: Try cleaning the hidden stains first, which are difficult for people to notice, and if it works, try it on other spots.

2. Complete Washing

Rather than just removing stains, you can also give a full bath to your suit. You will require a giant tub that accommodates your full dress, gentle liquid detergent, stain remover, and an old toothbrush.

1. Start by cleaning the tub to avoid residue. Rinse it thoroughly and fill it with cool water.
2. Add stain remover and gentle liquid detergent to the tub.
3. Allow your dress to soak, and then rinse it thoroughly.
4. If there are some stains or marks left, use the toothbrush to remove but don’t scrub too hard it can damage the details.
5. Avoid drying in direct sunlight.

Note: Don’t use the washing machine unless it is mentioned as safe on the label.

How to Preserve your Wedding Dress?

1. Folding the Lehenga

Folding your wedding lehenga properly is vital if you intend to store it flat instead of hanging it. When the opulent embellishments are folded incorrectly, they may crease and fall off.

2. Using Tissue Sheets

To avoid creases, you can use tissues while packing. These sheets prevent embellishments from tearing. However, occasionally, the beadwork might fade or pull out threads.

Note: When selecting tissue sheets, double-check that they are acid-free.

3. Avoiding Plastic Bags

It is also wise to never store your lehenga in a plastic bag. Instead, you might store it in an archive box. If you are concerned that your bridal gown will oxidise, opt for polypropylene storage boxes to keep your fabric safe and adequately preserved.

4. Separate Storage for Each Component

There are usually more than two garment components in an Indian bridal ensemble. It is highly recommended that you store your wedding lehenga/saree and blouse separately. It would help prevent your bridal ensemble from fraying or causing the fabric to wear out.

Let the Professional Handle – How to Clean and Preserve your Wedding Dress

Your wedding dress will be the most sentimental garment. Don’t let it ruin by some random dry cleaner. Here at Quiclo, we begin with an expert specialist’s assessment, checking for damages (if any), fabric stitching, and designer works, to create a unique treatment for your sentimental outfit. So why take a risk with dry cleaning? We are here to offer top-notch laundry services.

Download the Quiclo app from Appstore or Play Store, or call us on 080-68322433 to book your appointment now.

Additional Tips

1. Avoid hanging your dress: Hanging your dress for long periods can cause the fabric to stretch and lose its shape. Instead, store it flat in a box or a garment bag.
2. Protect your dress from light: Exposure to sunlight, especially direct sunlight, can cause the colour of your dress to fade. Store it in a dark place or cover it with a light-blocking cloth to protect it from light.
3. Handle with care: When handling your dress, always use clean, dry hands or wear gloves to avoid transferring oils or dirt to the fabric. Don’t pull or tug on any part of the dress, especially delicate parts like beads or lace.
4. Regular inspections: Regularly inspect your dress to ensure no signs of damage or discolouration. Catching any issues early can help you address them before they become more serious.
5. Avoid storing it with other clothes: Storing your wedding dress with other clothes can lead to odours and stains. Store it separately in its own box or garment bag.
6. Consider resealing the preservation container: If you’ve stored your dress for a long time, consider resealing it to ensure no moisture or pests have gotten inside.

By following these additional tips, you can help ensure that your wedding dress stays in great condition for years. Remember, proper care and storage are key to preserving your dress, so take the time to do it right.

Wrapping Up

Cleaning and preserving your wedding dress is a crucial task that requires care and attention. While it may seem like a daunting task, with the right tips and tricks, it can be done easily. Just remember to avoid dry cleaning disasters and try not to scrub too hard when removing stains. In the end, you’ll just have to blame it on the “memorable” mishaps that make for scream-worthy wedding stories. After all, who doesn’t love to laugh over a stain on the dress or a missing item? So get ahead, enjoy your magical day, and let Quiclo handle the cleaning and preservation. Let your wedding dress be passed on with the same cherished memories to your generations.

FAQs

1. Can I clean my wedding dress myself?
Yes, you can. But be cautious about the instructions on the label of your dress before doing anything. Handing it over to a professional to clean your most sentimental garment is always better.

2. How do I store my wedding dress at home?
Fold and place mulmul sheets between the layer and put them in a muslin bag. For additional safety, place the muslin bag in a sturdy box. Secure the box in a cold and dry place.

3. Can I store my wedding dress in a plastic bag?
Storing a wedding dress in a plastic bag can cause damage to the garment. It is better to store it in a muslin bag.