Need help cleaning a 90s wedding dress

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ilovesquirting
Posts: 38
Joined: Thu Jun 08, 2023 7:23 pm

Need help cleaning a 90s wedding dress

Post by ilovesquirting »

Recently I purchased a 90s wedding dress and the last owner somehow got black makeup on it. They didn’t try getting it professionally cleaned after it happened, so it could still potentially come out. It’s honestly not too bad, but I’d really prefer to get it out if possible.

Photos: https://imgur.com/a/5joEC62

The worst is on the netting near the right shoulder. It also got on other parts including the skirt and lace areas, but they’re just teeny tiny spots (see photo #3). There are no tags anywhere on the dress and the fabric seems to be just a standard poly satin; It’s a very “meh” kind in terms of smoothness and softness if that helps at all.

I don’t want to go to the dry cleaners for obvious reasons :lol: but more importantly the cost, so I’m left with cleaning it myself.

I’d wash it in the bathtub, but it’s WAY too much fabric to wash by hand. The only thing I can think of is putting it in a net washing bag and into my washer on cold + low spin with some detergent and place color catch sheets near the worst parts for extra protection. Then throw it in the dryer on the lowest heat setting for a bit and pulling it out to air dry. We have a pretty good modern washer and dryer.

Anyone know if this would be okay? Would love any suggestions and advice.
GOWNRAPER
Posts: 128
Joined: Tue Jan 08, 2013 10:00 pm

Re: Need help cleaning a 90s wedding dress

Post by GOWNRAPER »

Yep, think you have nailed it with your plan of action. Couple of points to add that soaking her in an oxy action type of cleaner for max 1hour depending on how clean you would like to get her then wash as usual but turn her inside out to reduce damage to any decorative beads or sequins, basically they will generally fine to wash in your machine
Lovesatinblouses
Posts: 467
Joined: Sat Jul 13, 2013 10:30 am
Location: Fife, Scotland

Re: Need help cleaning a 90s wedding dress

Post by Lovesatinblouses »

Wife says don't put it in the dryer, you will totally ruin it. Wash it in the tub then put it on a towel over a radiator on a low heat to help dry
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