June is the most popular month for weddings. However, one aspect of planning a wedding that many brides may not consider is how to clean and store that lovely gown– likely the most expensive garment they’ve ever purchased– when the festivities are over.
If you want to preserve a wedding gown for later years, don’t just leave it hanging in the closet uncleaned and unprotected. Here are a few suggestions to follow that are appropriate for a wedding gown or any other fine garment you would like to preserve.
It is essential to have your gown completely cleaned before storage. Perspiration, food, or beverage stains on the gown which are invisible now will become visible during storage. Don’t be unhappily surprised years from now by permanent yellow or brown stains that cannot be removed. Also, stains may attract insects that could damage the fabric. Clean it now and play it safe.
Do not store your gown in the basement– dampness can cause mildew. The attic is not recommended either; it is too hot in the summer. Protect your gown from light to avoid fading or discoloration. Keep it in a cool, dry, dark place– such as in a closet, under a bed or in a storage chest.
Don’t store your gown in a plastic wrap or bag–especially a sealed one–since air must circulate around the fabric. Plastic can deteriorate and the resulting chemical fumes may damage the cloth.
Because of the acid found in wood products, clothes should not be wrapped in newspaper or tissue paper (even blue) for long term storage. Wrap and cushion the gown with washed muslin or white cotton fabric instead. The dye in blue tissue could be transferred to the fabric. If necessary, white tissue could be used if you change it every year.
If you want to store a wedding gown in a cardboard box or cedar chest, be sure to line the box with clean muslin or white tissue paper, and wrap the gown so that no fabric touches the wood or cardboard.
Don’t wait twenty years to look at the gown again. By then stains may be permanent, damage from insects, mold or mildew may be irreversible, and folds may be permanently creased. Take your dress out of storage each year or two, carefully opening and handling it with scrupulously clean hands or white cotton gloves. After inspection, take time to carefully repack the gown. Change the position of the folds, replace any tissue paper and wash the cotton fabric used for cushioning, wrapping or lining the box.
To ensure that you remember to do a regular inspection, use your wedding anniversary as the date each year to examine your gown. Handling your wedding gown on your anniversary will bring back many memories of your special day, besides ensuring that the garment receives regular attention.
For more detailed information, contact the Ellis County Extension Office at 601 Main Street in Hays (785-628-9430) to request a copy of the archived Extension publication “Cleaning and Storing Your Wedding Gown.” This free publication contains step-by-step information on cleaning methods and storage techniques to preserve a wedding gown. If searching for web advice on wedding gown care, be sure to look for information from university or textile conservation sources for best reliability.
If you follow these guidelines, your beautiful wedding gown should still be just as pretty many years from now.
Linda K. Beech is Ellis County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences.