How To Wash And Steam A Wedding Dress At Home, Is It Possible To Use A Washing Machine, How To Smooth A Veil

2024 Author: Bailey Albertson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-17 22:26

Wedding dress care: how to do everything right before and after the celebration

Any woman wants to look great on her wedding day, so she chooses an outfit carefully. Sometimes it happens that before this exciting event it has to be cleaned or after the holiday various contaminants are found on the wedding dress. And a dilemma arises: wash, clean, steam it at home or go to dry cleaning.

Content

• 1 Cleaning a wedding dress at home

  • 1.1 When and how to clean a wedding dress

  • 1.2 Choice of detergent according to fabric and finish

    • 1.2.1 Types of fabrics for wedding dresses and how to care for them - table
    • 1.2.2 The choice of cleaning methods depending on the color of the fabric and the complexity of the finish - table

  • 1.3 Cleaning products for wedding dress

    • 1.3.1 How to clean sweat marks with saline solution
    • 1.3.2 How to wash a dress hem at home
    • 1.3.3 Steam and soapy water
    • 1.3.4 Washing powder
    • 1.3.5 Dishwashing liquid and hydrogen peroxide
    • 1.3.6 Baby powder
    • 1.3.7 Ammonia
    • 1.3.8 Gentle stain removers
    • 1.3.9 Hydrogen peroxide
    • 1.3.10 What stains can be cleaned with milk
    • 1.3.11 Steamer

• 2 How to wash a dress at home

  • 2.1 How to hand wash a wedding dress
  • 2.2 Washing a wedding dress in the bath
  • 2.3 Washing a wedding dress by weight
  • 2.4 Washing in a washing machine
  • 2.5 Video: preparing a dress for washing

• 3 How to properly dry a wedding dress after washing

  3.1 Properly drying a wedding dress - gallery

• 4 How to iron and steam a wedding dress

  • 4.1 Table: type of fabric and method of steaming

  • 4.2 Steaming methods

    • 4.2.1 How to iron a wedding dress
    • 4.2.2 Steam bath
    • 4.2.3 Steaming with a pot of boiling water
    • 4.2.4 Steaming with a steam generator
• 5 How to wash and iron a veil

Cleaning a wedding dress at home

Numerous fittings of wedding dresses lead to the fact that they need to be freshened up or cleaned before the holiday. You can remove minor stains and steam the dress yourself, but the success of cleaning depends on the material. A dress made of organza, chiffon, silk, tulle is allowed to be cleaned only from simple dirt and stains. Trust a professional if your attempts are unsuccessful, as further efforts will lead to disastrous results. If the joyful chores are over, then the dress can be cleaned and even washed by hand or in the machine. It is advisable to start removing stains as quickly as possible. You can start washing the entire wedding dress immediately in situations where:

• you need to refresh the outfit;
• extensive contamination must be removed;
• there are water-based stains, traces of food;
• the dress is made of dense fabric, polyester;
• the amount of decor on the product is minimal.

When and how to clean a wedding dress

Cleaning should be done in the following cases:

• slight dirt on a dress made of lightweight fabric;
• few spots located mainly in one place (for example, the hem is soiled);
• the presence of sewn or glued decorations on the product;
• if the dress is separate, and the stain is found on one of the component parts: a corset or a skirt.

The purpose of cleaning is to remove dirt by partially processing the wedding dress. It is carried out in this way:

1. Hang the dress on a hanger.
2. Treat stains with the chosen product, using soft sponges or toothbrushes, and gently rub the decor with your hands.
3. Rinse off the soap thoroughly with clean water.

The choice of cleaning agent according to the type of fabric and finish

When choosing a cleaning agent, consider the recommended care for the fabric. Examine the label on the product: it usually contains information.

Types of fabrics for wedding dresses and how to care for them - table

the cloth	Cleaning method
Polyester without decor	wash with powder hand or automatic on a delicate cycle at 30 ° C.
Synthetics	saturated soap solution; with milk; steamer.
White satin, silk	salty solution; hydrogen peroxide solution 3%; ammonia; soaking for 10 minutes in cold water; hand wash; rinsing without mechanical friction, with the addition of vinegar and wringing in a towel; drying on a hanger.
Combination of fabric types	professional dry cleaning is recommended, as there is a separate cleaning method for each fabric
Taffeta	warm soapy water; do not use detergents for cleaning; hand wash at 30 ° C; dry cleaning recommended.
Jacquard	warm soapy water, sponge treatment. water-based cleaning products; milk; steam and soapy water; stain removers; hand or machine wash at 30 ° C; not allowed: hard brushes and hot water, chlorine-containing powders, bleach.
White cotton fabric	hydrogen peroxide solution 3%; ammonia; salty solution; milk.
Organza	hand or machine wash, gentle at 30 ° C; only mild washing powders; no rubbing and brushes; hand wash - hand squeezing the fabric on both sides.
Chiffon	steamer; hand wash with mild detergent.
Tulle (tulle)	steamer; hand or automatic wash at 30 ° C with mild detergent; rinsing with the addition of starch.
Lace, guipure	warm soapy water; hand wash at 30 ° C; rinsing with the addition of starch; professional dry cleaning recommended.
Plush, velvet	steamer.

The choice of cleaning methods depending on the color of the fabric and the complexity of the finish - table

Color, fabric finish	Cleaning method
Fabric with sewn decor	steamer; hand or automatic wash at 30 ° C with mild detergent; rinsing with the addition of starch.
Fabric with glued decor	hand wash, partial treatment of dirt is preferable; not allowed: steamer, soak and machine wash.
Combined dress	vinegar; detergent; laundry soap; wash at 30 ° C; not allowed: bleach, chlorine-containing powders.

Cleaning products for wedding dresses

Most popular cleaning products:

• salty solution;
• laundry soap;
• steam and soapy water;
• washing powder;
• hydrogen peroxide and dishwashing liquid;
• baby powder;
• milk;
• ammonia;
• gentle stain removers;
• hydrogen peroxide;
• steamer.

How to clean sweat marks with a salt solution

Remove traces of sweat on the bodice and armpits with a salt solution - add 1 tbsp of water to 100 ml of warm water. l. salt, stir until it is completely dissolved. The method is economical and quite effective.

1. Hang the dress on a hanger.
2. Apply the solution to the stains and leave it on for 10-20 minutes.
3. Rinse treated areas with clean water.

How to wash a dress hem at home

Laundry soap can help remove dirt and wine stains from the hem of your dress.

1. Grind some of the soap using a grater or knife.

   

   Laundry soap is rubbed on a grater for better dissolution in water

2. Dissolve small soap bars completely in hot water.

   

   Add the crushed soap to hot water.

3. Dip a soft sponge in the solution and gently wipe the dress.

   

   Use a soft sponge dipped in soapy water to wipe dirt on the dress

4. Rinse thoroughly, then dry the dress.

   

   To prevent soap stains on the dress, it must be rinsed well and dried.

Minor dirt on the bodice and skirt lining is also removed with soapy water.

1. Pour the solution into a spray bottle, add stain remover if necessary.

2. Sprinkle dirt on the outside and inside of the bodice, dress.

   

   Soap solution will remove minor dirt on the inside of the bodice

3. Gently rub the fabric with a soft cloth or toothbrush, especially lace.

4. Apply the product to other dirty areas in the same way, rub with a brush.

   

   Pour the soap solution into a spray bottle and spray the dirt on the wedding dress, brush

5. If stains persist, submerge the dress in whole or in part in stain remover. Don't use chlorine bleach.
6. Rinse the outfit thoroughly in clean water. We recommend a minimum of 3 rinses to completely rinse off the products.
7. Dry the dress horizontally.

Steam and soapy water

Drops of paraffin and stains remaining after washing can be easily removed with steam by ironing through white napkins at a low temperature. Clean greasy stains with steam and soapy water using a different technique.

1. Hold the contaminated area of the dress over steam or steamer.
2. Brush the stain gently with a toothbrush, then apply a soapy solution.
3. Rinse with clean water.

Washing powder

Laundry detergent can be used to clean a wedding dress made from an unnatural fabric. It is important to thoroughly dissolve the powder in cool water and then gently wipe off the dirt with a soft brush. Due to its aggressiveness, the product is not suitable for most dresses, so choose more gentle methods.

Dishwashing liquid and hydrogen peroxide

Dishwashing liquid and hydrogen peroxide remove wine stains from a crisp white outfit. For colored fabric, it is recommended to choose a more suitable product. Processing is simple: moisten the necessary areas with dishwashing detergent, and then wipe with a cloth soaked in hydrogen peroxide and rinse.

Baby powder

Baby powder removes grease and oil, traces of cosmetics.

1. Powder the stain.

   

   Apply baby powder to the stain by sprinkling from a jar

2. Rub the fabric with your fingers, gently rubbing in the powder. If the stain is oily, do not rub, but blot it with a white cloth.

   

   Gently rub the stain with your fingers only if it is not greasy

3. Prepare a soapy solution and wash your dress in it.

   

   Wash the dress after cleaning stains

4. Rinse the outfit thoroughly in clean water.

   

   The final cleaning step is a thorough rinsing of the wedding dress

Ammonia

Ammonia is a safe product that removes grass stains, flower pollen. For this, it is strictly not recommended to use conventional bleaches, as they discolor or leave yellow streaks on the dress.

1. Pour in 1 tbsp. l. ammonia in 200 ml of warm water.
2. Spray generously with a solution of contamination and let dry.
3. Lather the stains with laundry soap.
4. Wash the treated area and rinse thoroughly with clean water.

You can clean grass stains with a solution of ammonia

Gentle stain removers

Switch to stain removers if you have been unsuccessful in trying to clean your dress with soapy water. Stain removers remove tough stains without damaging fabric structures. The choice of gentle stain removers is large: Paterra pencils; Amway LOC wipes, spray or liquid; spray K2R; Vanish Oxi Action. Cleaning a wedding dress with a liquid stain remover using the example of Vanish Oxi Action:

1. Soak the stain in the product.

   

   Soak the stain on the dress in the product

2. For tough stains, rub gently with your fingers.

   

   Gently rub the stains soaked in the stain remover with your hands

3. Soak the product on the dress for the recommended time, usually 10 minutes.

4. Rinse off with water.

   

   Leave the stain remover for the recommended time and wash off with water

Hydrogen peroxide

A solution of 3% hydrogen peroxide (1 tablespoon per 200 ml of warm water) is especially suitable for cleaning cotton wedding dresses.

1. Treat stains and let sit for 15 minutes.
2. Wash dirty areas in warm water, squeezing lightly.
3. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

What stains can be cleaned with milk

Treat traces of a ballpoint pen, red wine with milk. To do this, immerse the contaminated area in milk for 20 minutes, and then rinse alternately in cold and hot water.

Steamer

A steamer or steam generator is a multifunctional device, the principle of which is based on the cleaning properties of steam under pressure. The steam cleaning system effectively removes stains and unpleasant odors. With the help of the device, you can clean a wedding dress from coffee, juice, blood, wine and even gum stains. However, it is worth remembering that the device cannot cope with stains of protein origin. In addition, steam should not be used to treat dirty spots with glued decor, otherwise it will fall off. Handle the steam generator with care to avoid scalding. The device is not cheap, but if you have it at home, it becomes a worthy remedy in the fight against stains.

The steam generator removes the most difficult stains and odors

How to wash a dress at home

If cleaning does not remove the dirt, go to wash. This method is also recommended for removing water-based stains: sweat, traces of food.

How to hand wash a wedding dress

A gentle hand wash is preferable, especially if the dress is richly decorated. If it is separate, wash the skirt separately.

1. Dilute detergent or soap in water at 20–30 ° C.
2. Place the skirt in the liquid and let it sit for 2 hours.
3. Gently rub the dirty areas with a sponge.
4. Rinse the product thoroughly in cool water, adding a few drops of vinegar.
5. Dry your skirt.

The skirt or hem can be hand washed without soaking the entire dress

Washing a wedding dress in the bath

A fluffy dress decorated with sewn-on decor is best washed in the bath.

1. Fill the bath with warm water, 30 ° C.

2. Add detergent, soak dress in liquid for 60 minutes.

   

   Soak the dress in warm water for 1 hour, then rinse

3. Clean the fabric with sewn decorative elements by gently rubbing the dirt with your hands or a very soft toothbrush.

   

   Gently rub the dirt on your wedding dress

4. Rinse the dress until all traces of powder are removed, usually 2-3 times is sufficient.

Washing a wedding dress by weight

Wash the lace airy dress by hanging it over the bathroom.

1. Moisten the dress with warm water after hanging it on a hanger above the bathroom.

   

   Hanging the dress over the bathtub, wet it with water

2. Wipe dirt on the dress with a sponge and soapy water.
3. Pour water over the dress from top to bottom, rinsing off the soap.
4. Leave the dress hanging until the water drains.

Washing machine

Automatic washing will bring freshness to the dress.

• machine wash only thick fabrics with a minimum of decor;
• do not machine wash the corset, as it will deform;
• wash gauze or white cloth on the decor before work;
• to avoid deformation and puffs, wash the outfit in a special bag;
• soak the dress only in warm water;
• instead of powder, use a liquid colorless product to avoid streaks on the dress;
• to keep the product looking like new, add starch to the conditioner compartment;
• choose a delicate wash without spinning at a temperature not exceeding 60 ° C.

Wash a wedding dress in an automatic machine in a delicate mode without spinning

Video: preparing a dress for washing

How to properly dry your wedding outfit after washing

It is important to dry the dress carefully, taking into account the type of fabric.

1. Dry the dress in a warm room on a hanger, except for silk, satin and natural fabrics that lose their shape.
2. Do not use untreated wood hanger and rope to avoid creases in the material.
3. Dry the outfit horizontally by placing it on the dryer and a white terry towel.
4. The dress can be straightened without deformation by placing it on a conventional fold-out vinyl-covered dryer installed in the tub.
5. Spread the product on a towel that has been draped over the shower stall in advance, if a stall is installed instead of a bath.
6. It will be easier to iron later if you straighten the tulle layers while drying.

Drying a wedding dress properly - gallery

Dry your wedding dress correctly by placing it horizontally on a special dryer

Dry your dress on a conventional fold-out dryer

Hang the dress on a hanger in a warm room and leave to dry

How to iron and steam a wedding dress

It is always recommended to use the appropriate temperature setting for the particular fabric.

Table: type of fabric and method of steaming

Type of fabric	Steaming method
Atlas	dry ironing without steam from the inside of the dress.
Lace	steaming at a low temperature so that the lace does not turn yellow; iron only through a white cloth or gauze, otherwise the lace will melt; sleeve cuffs and collar can be sprayed with liquid starch.
Tulle embroidered with decorative elements	in professional salons; a steam generator or iron with the steam function on; hang over steam.
Chiffon	Aweigh; over steam; steam generator - steaming is mandatory at a distance from the dress.

Steaming methods

The dress can be steamed at home in a variety of ways.

• iron;
• over steam in the bathroom;
• hold over a saucepan of boiling water;
• steam with a steam generator.

How to iron a wedding dress

Here are some valuable tips for properly ironing your wedding dress:

1. Wipe dust off the ironing board and cover with a blanket.
2. Clean your iron as needed. Do not put water in it.
3. Iron the garment, when it is still slightly damp, through cheesecloth or cotton cloth.
4. Choose a suitable temperature setting for the fabric from which the dress is made. Start ironing at a low temperature (for silk): if the fabric starts to stick to the iron, reduce the temperature.
5. Do not use steam functions.

6. If the wedding dress is made of several fabrics, switch the ironing mode each time for the specific material.

   

   Iron the wedding dress with an iron, adhering to all recommendations

7. Iron the product with accessories only from the inside out, with a terry towel underneath.
8. Iron the laces through the fabric, and the long sleeves on a special stand.
9. Start with a hem or train.
10. Hang the dress on a hanger so that the skirt rests on the board and iron it carefully.

11. Treat the outfit with an antistatic agent, hang it on a hanger and straighten the folds.

    

    After ironing, hang the dress on a hanger, straightening all the folds

Steam bath

Steam treatment is better than regular ironing in that it refreshes and preserves the presentable look of the outfit for a long time, eliminates the traces of washing.

Do not iron the chiffon and tulle wedding dress with an iron, it is better to steam it while hanging. The method of steaming in the bathroom is time consuming and sometimes even risky: the glued decor comes off, and the outfit falls into the water.

1. Pour hot water into the tub.
2. Hang the dress over it, stepping back from the water at least 20 - 30 cm.
3. Be careful not to let the dress fall into the water.

Steaming with a pot of boiling water

The popular way of steaming a dress is effective, but an assistant is required to hold the dress. Be careful to avoid burns. The disadvantages of this method are that the process is tedious and long. You may have to boil more than one pot of water in order to steam the entire dress. In addition, all this time the dress must be held in hands.

1. Pour water into a saucepan and boil it.
2. Place on the floor with a sturdy thermal support.
3. Take the dress in your hands and hold it over the boiling water, twisting as you smooth out the folds.

Steaming with a steam generator

The modern steam generator smoothes creases without contact: just hang the dress on the hanger. With the device, the steaming process becomes quick and convenient. The principle of operation is the smoothing effect of steam on crumpled fabric. Read the instructions carefully before using the device and take safety measures. There are several advantages of this method:

• no ironing board is needed for steaming;
• the fabric gains shape and elasticity under the action of steam, without being damaged;
• constant steam supply is provided;
• creases even in hard-to-reach places are straightened.

Method of using the steam generator:

1. Place the dress vertically.
2. Fill the steam generator with water.
3. Steam the large parts first, and after the sleeves, the corset, the skirt.
4. Do not put on the dress immediately after steaming, but leave it hanging on the hanger.

A steam generator will help you quickly and easily steam a wedding dress

How to wash and iron a veil

Aggressive detergents, high temperature water and automatic washing are contraindicated in tulle. Hand wash the veil and rinse with starch to maintain shape. It is easier to smooth it out if you follow the advice:

• sprinkle tulle with water from a spray bottle;
• start ironing from the edge of the veil to make sure the temperature is correct;
• iron it through the fabric at a low temperature;
• if using a steamer, stretch the tulle slightly and hold the edges.

If you are afraid to burn a veil with an iron, use the proven folk method of smoothing tulle without an iron. The principle is based on the fact that water acts as a weighting agent, straightening the creases on the veil. The veil dries quickly in a natural way, as it is made of thin material.

1. Soak the veil in cool water.

   

   The veil can be ironed out without the aid of an iron

2. Hang the veil carefully over the tub or basin, avoiding creases in the material. Under the weight of the water, the creases will straighten.

   

   Hang the damp veil over the basin, straightening the creases

In some cases, you can clean and wash a wedding dress at home using improvised means. It is advisable to start cleaning as soon as possible and find out the type of fabric and the recommended cleaning agents and washing modes. Choose products that are gentle on the structure of the fabric. If you can't do it yourself, contact a dry cleaner.