Cleaning a wedding dress is an important part of the post-wedding process. After all, you will want to look back on this day fondly for years to come. Thankfully, cleaning your wedding dress need not be a stressful affair. The key is to plan in advance and set aside time to take care of it before your big day. If you’re currently planning your wedding or recently got married, here’s what you need to know about cleaning your wedding dress so it can last you for many years to come…
What’s Involved In Cleaning A Wedding Dress?
There are two main aspects to cleaning a wedding dress – cleaning the fabric and cleaning the stains. Cleaning the Fabric – First off, you want to bathe the fabric of your dress in a gentle wash to ensure it remains in tip-top condition for years to come. Be sure to use a mild detergent (and nothing else) to cleanse the fabric of any residue. Keep in mind that different fabrics require different cleaning techniques. Cleaning the Stains – Some stains are beyond the ability of the standard wedding dress cleaning process to get rid of. For example, wine stains can often be very difficult to remove completely. If you know that you dropped your drink on yourself during the reception, you will want to get these cleaned up as soon as possible.
Things You Should Know About Wedding Dress Cleaning
– Timing is everything. Ideally, you should clean your dress no later than 6-8 weeks after your wedding. After that point, stains and dirt will become increasingly difficult to remove. – You can’t just toss your dress into the washer. To ensure your dress gets the care it deserves, you should take it to a professional cleaner. – You should protect your dress each time you wear it. To best safeguard your wedding dress, you should either store it in a clean, breathable bag or garment bag. Or, better yet, you can simply put it back on! – You should expect to pay between $50 and $200 to get your wedding dress cleaned.
Estimate The Costs Ahead of Time
The costs associated with cleaning a wedding dress are going to vary greatly depending on the location and method of cleaning, as well as the type of fabric it is made from. You can expect to spend anywhere from $50 to $200 on cleaning charges alone. Then, when you factor in storage space for your dress, cleaning for other pieces of wedding attire, and transportation costs, you can end up spending a pretty penny getting everything cleaned and maintained post-wedding day. That said, you can offset some of these costs by choosing a cleaning method that is most cost effective given the nature of your dress. What’s more, you can also save money by booking cleaning appointments well in advance of your wedding date.
3 Places To Get Your Wedding Dress Cleaned
– Dry Cleaning – If your dress is made from a delicate fabric, such as silk or satin, dry cleaning is a great option for cleaning it. It uses a water-free cleaning method that won’t damage your dress. That said, keep in mind that certain materials can’t be dry cleaned. – Wet Cleaning – If your dress is made from a water-friendly fabric, such as polyester or cotton, you can opt for wet cleaning. This method utilizes water and a detergent to gently clean your dress. Keep in mind that certain fabrics can’t be wet cleaned. – Self-Cleaning – If you are on a super tight budget and don’t want to spend a dime on cleaning your dress, you can simply opt to self-clean it. Start by hanging your dress in a well-ventilated area, such as outside, on a clothesline. Then, simply wait for the wind to do its work and eliminate dust and other debris.
Conclusion
A wedding dress is a cherished item that will last you a lifetime if properly cared for. While cleaning it is an easy and straightforward process, it’s important to remember that different fabrics require different cleaning techniques. Furthermore, you should protect your dress each time you wear it to ensure it lasts for as long as possible. Finally, you can offset cleaning costs by booking appointments well in advance and opting for a cost-effective cleaning method.