How to Clean Your Wedding Gown At Home

Your wedding day has come and gone, and now it’s cleaning time!

It’s sad that most brides only get one use out of their dream wedding gown, but whether you’re planning to donate, preserve, or are still undecided, you will need to clean your gown. Heading to your local cleaners is the easiest option for most brides, but it can cost an average of $200 or more if you plan to have it preserved. Evaluate your gown and if the stains are minimal or you don’t have the budget to take your gown to the cleaners, you can clean it yourself at home! All it takes is a tub, mild detergent, and some warm water. If you’re worried about cleaning your wedding dress yourself, we understand your wariness. You don’t want to ruin any delicate fabrics or beading, but not to worry. Keep reading for our full breakdown of how to clean and store your gown post-wedding!

Don’t Use A Washing Machine

Have you ever discovered mysterious snags on your T-shirts after a wash? Us too, which is why we recommend not putting your wedding gown in a washing machine. Whether your gown is made of satin or more delicate materials it is safer to wash your gown by hand to avoid any major mishaps. Before you fully soak your gown, spot test your detergent on the corner of the gown to make sure there are no bad reactions. You’ll want to avoid any products that contain bleach or other harsh chemicals as they can irreversibly damage your dress, instead stick to more mild detergents.

Soak In Detergent

Before you get to scrubbing, let your gown soak! Make sure you decontaminate your tub before you put your wedding gown in it to avoid any additional stains. Then, fill up the tub or a large bucket with warm water, add some detergent and submerge your gown in the soapy mixture. Let your gown sit in the water for at least 30 minutes, this will give the detergent time to set in and illuminate any stubborn stains.

Use Soft Brushes

You will need to scrub your gown in any areas that have extra dirt or stains, just make sure to use a soft-bristled brush. This could be as simple as a toothbrush you get from the drugstore. Move through your gown in sections, this will make it easier for you to keep track of the spots you already cleaned. Just make sure not to over scrub, especially if you’re dealing with delicate fabric and embellishments, you don’t want the fabric to snag or a bead to come loose. If you notice your gown still isn’t looking clean enough after the first round of soaking and scrubbing, repeat this process one more time.

Photography by Jessie Wyman from the Thompson Photography Group

Let It Dry

Before you place your wedding gown back in its garment bag or a preservation box, make sure it is thoroughly dried. Hang it on a drying rack or in a dry area with a towel underneath in case of any dripping from excess water. You don’t want to hang it in your bathroom, as it tends to be a place with a lot of moisture, and your gown needs to be fully dry to avoid any mildew or staining when you place it in its garment bag or storage container.

Store In A Cool Area

After your wedding gown has been completely cleaned and dried, place it in a garment bag or acid-free container. This will prevent any staining that occurs after a few years of storage. If you want extra protection for your dress, you can place acid-free tissue paper in between the layers of your gown to avoid any creasing. Wedding gowns also tend to be very heavy, so you don’t want to hang them on a wood or wire hanger that can cause the dress to take on a distorted shape. Once you are ready, place your gown in a cool, dark space that has a regulated temperature, like a closet or under the bed.

Photography by Ria Mackenzie from the Thompson Photography Group

Check on your gown once every two to three years to refold it and make sure no staining has occurred. Share this with a bride who is looking for a cleaning alternative and check out our blog for other wedding dress tips and tricks!

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