Formal dresses are usually made of delicate fabrics, with lace, beads or sequins. So they need more care than ordinary clothes, both when cleaning and when storing them.
Don’t put off cleaning
Stains from champagne, sweets or sweat often aren’t visible straight away, but over time they turn yellow and set into the fabric. The sooner you take the dress in, the better the chance it can be cleaned completely. Don’t try to rub out a stain yourself with water or detergent: you may leave a ring or damage the decoration.
What to tell the dry cleaner
- Exactly where the stains are and what caused them, if you know.
- Whether there are glued or sewn-on decorations and whether they are original.
- Show the care label; if it has been cut off, say what the fabric is.
- Ask about the turnaround and whether the price is final or will be confirmed after inspection.
Indicative prices
At The Clean Spot, cleaning a wedding dress costs €45.00 and a formal dress €25.00 with a 3-day turnaround. Professional pressing of a wedding dress costs €25.00. Dresses with a lot of decoration may be priced on the spot.
Storage after cleaning
- Remove the plastic cover: it traps moisture. Use a fabric garment bag.
- Keep the dress in a dark, dry and cool place, away from radiators.
- Heavy dresses are better stored folded in a box, with acid-free paper between the folds, than on a hanger that stretches the shoulders.
Compare the dry cleaners in your city in the list of dry cleaners. trqbvami.com has an editorial partnership with The Clean Spot.