Care Instructions

A Complete Guide to Caring for Your Gown:
Before, During & After Your Wedding Day

 

When your gown arrives you:

HANG your gown as high as possible when you get home, perhaps a door frame. Leave in the bag to prevent dust or bugs from landing on your gown. Open the bottom of the bag and spread the train out to avoid wrinkles ~ lay a clean sheet on the floor if the bag is not big enough.

AVOID hanging your gown from a light fixture or ceiling fan. Accidental burns & damage can occur.

STEAM your gown ONLY if your gown needs it and the fabric can handle it! When traveling long distances with your gown, it may need to be touched up. If you cannot have it professionally pressed when it arrives to your location, make sure you use a white, flat sheet as a pressing cloth between the clean sole plate of your iron and your gown. A low heat setting with no steam for chiffon, organza, crepe, georgette, and Chantilly lace. Medium heat for satin, Mikado, Alencon lace, and stretch fabrics. Higher heat may be used on cotton and linen, but must be done quickly & with the pressing cloth.

 

On your wedding day:

APPLY perfume and hair spray before putting on your wedding gown as the mist from such products may cause stains. Use care in dressing to avoid staining your gown.

STEP into your gown and have your bridesmaids put your shoes on for you.

COVER your gown with a towel before applying any touch-up products such as hair spray or lipstick.

POLISH nails at least a day before your wedding.  Wet nail polish on a silk garment can remove color, damaging the fabric permanently.

WATERMARKS: softly blot & dry with a clean towel.  If possible lightly press with a hand iron when dry.

MAKEUP, LIPSTICK, or any OILY SPILL:  lightly coat with CORNSTARCH or BABY POWDER to absorb the oil.  Do not rub the area!  Wait 15 minutes and gently remove the excess powder from fabric.  This technique will mask unsightly spots & prepare the area for professional care after your wedding day.

WINE & BEVERAGE STAINS:  do not apply water or other liquid that might disperse stain.  Blot area dry with a towel & apply powder as for oily stains.

BLOOD:  for minor blood stains, apply your own clean saliva with a dampened Q-tip.  The enzymes will safely break down the stain,  Blot to dry.

ASPHALT: It deteriorates the fibers of your gown while grinding the tar into the fabric and cannot be removed. Have your bridesmaids hold up your skirt & train when walking on a driveway or street.

 

Spot Cleaning Tips for Silk

Always proceed with caution when cleaning silk and use a test method on an inconspicuous area first. If in doubt consult a reputable dry cleaner.
Never use a wet method of cleaning; generally use a moist sponge or cotton ball gently blotting the stained area until cleansed.

  • Avoid strong detergents ~ this will harm silk fibers and cause it to lose its silky properties.
  • Red Wine: Large areas ~ immediately sponge out the area affected with club soda. Then dab the area with a mixture of cool water and ammonia, blot dry. (SMALL stains, see method above)
  • Perspiration Stains: New perspiration stains are acid based while older stains become alkaline. Use a two part stage to remove these stains. 1. Add one tablespoon of vinegar to a half a cup of water. Blot the stained area with a cheese cloth or cotton ball & dry. 2. use a mixture of alcohol and baby shampoo (see below) going over the same area. Rinse using a blotting method to remove solution.
  • Blood: Large stains ~ one method uses one part hydrogen peroxide to 9 parts water. Remove solution by blotting area using a towel dampened with warm water. Use a clean towel to dry. Always have an absorbent towel underneath any spot cleaning with silk so that it does not penetrate into the other fabrics. (SMALL stains, see method above)
  • Lipstick: Large stains ~ a mixture of 3 tbsp. alcohol and 3 drops of baby shampoo works the best to remove makeup. The key is to remove the stain as soon as you find it. (SMALL stains, see method above)
  • Perfume Stains: Sponge with equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water to a cheesecloth pad and then sponge fabric lightly. Blot dry.