Cleaning a wedding dress..

jexygirl

Ok not suggesting this is a good idea pre wedding just in case!! But, when I got married in the mid 90's (the first time :P) I had one of those Huge meringue dresses with loads of sequin and pearl detail and a massive train thingy - I bunged it in the washing machine on a normal wash before I sold it on (you can see how much it meant lol!) It came out perfectly, all the mud I dragged it through and all the gunk that got spilled etc. and the pearl and sequin details shone lovely! I hung it up on the washing line to dry and it was fine. This however is before your special day and Im sure spot cleaning is a better option first perhaps. Tbh I have also washed my second wedding "dress" in the washer before storing it, again its quite detailed, but more of an indian type thing rather than meringue (I kept this one lol).

As for sewing, if you really feel you cant tackle it, then definitely ask around I am sure someone you know will look it over for you.

Good luck!
Jex

zippychick

Tiggy, how have you got on?:j

PLease let me know if you want this moved the Special occasions board!

Sunnygirl_2

jexygirl wrote: »

As for sewing, if you really feel you cant tackle it, then definitely ask around I am sure someone you know will look it over for you.

My thoughts exactly....is there a relative who sews that you can ask? If not a neighbour, friend, work colleague, etc, who will help you out. It's not like its just a regular outfit, so I'm sure most people would be happy to help out if its only a simple seam to stitch. Ask around and you may find someone.

Good luck for the wedding anyway. Enjoy your special day!

ETA: Whatever stain removal method you try, is there a inconspicuous area on the dress that you could try it on first?

kymbo82

I got married 6 weeks ago and my beautiful dress is hanging on the back of my bedroom door not doing much! I am happy to sell it but just can't afford the £70+ cleaning of it when there is no guarantee it will sell. I have read about cleaning it yourself and that sounds so scary!

It is taffeta material and only has a few marks on the front (very slight) and under the train where I was walking outside church.

Do you think I could put it on ebay anyway for a cheaper price and say it needs cleaning? Or attempt to clean myself? Any tips on cleaning it OS way?

Thanks

shellsuit

I put mine in the washing machine and it come out perfect!

kymbo82

May I ask what material it was? My cousin put her taffeta BM dress in the machine and it went limp

MaggieBaking

I have seen a £250 dress on eBay sell for £80 without being dry cleaned.

Tesco vouchers can be exchanged for Johnsons' the dry cleaners - but I think they charge more than £70.

stsarina

I washed mine in the washing machine and it came out as good as new, despite the delicate beading and sequins. I turned it inside out and placed it inside a white duvet cover then washed at 30C. Make sure it's properly supported while it dries though, as it'll be surprisingly heavy.

inamegajam

When I did mine I rubbed a tiny spot of either persil or ariel liquid in the marks, then put it inside d duvet cover and put in the machine on the coolest wash. Then put on hanger to dry, (outside on the line if possible).

kymbo82

I think I might try it on ebay stating it hasn't been cleaned if it doesn't sell I will risk it in the machine as per advice. Thanks!