When’s the best time to clean your wedding dress? Right after your wedding. That’s when obvious stains like red wine and lipstick have the best chance of being removed. And invisible stains (like sweat and champagne) can be discovered and dealt with.
Studies have been done that show the success rate for stain removal is almost 100% (!) if attempted within 24 hours and decreases from there. That’s because natural fibers such as silk, cotton, and linen are hollow. And when stains penetrate the fibers, they actually dye them.
Ever wonder why red lipstick and red wine are so difficult to remove? They literally bond with the fiber. It can be difficult to remove stains from artificial fibers, too, if they are left untreated.
Another factor is oxidation. Just as metal changes color with age, fabric yellows over time. If stains are left untreated on a gown that oxidizes, when they are removed, your gown will show white spots where there was oxidation. Yikes.
The best plan is to have your gown cleaner identified before your wedding date. And if you dress has major damage (like a dreaded red wine spill), one of your besties can rush it there immediately after your big day. Otherwise, you’ll want to take it to your specialist within 1-2 weeks of your wedding (giving you a bit more time to admire it after you become a Mrs).
PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com recommends the experts at the Association of Wedding Gown Specialists. With over 500 locations worldwide, there’s likely a trusted specialist near you. (And available courier service if not).
An Association of Wedding Gown Specialist member will clean your wedding gown according to standard museum-quality practices and prepare it for resale, or preserve it for a lifetime.
PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com users can save $35 on this award winning cleaning by registering here. What are you waiting for? Your beautiful dress will thank you.
