Wedding Dress Storage Tips

Cleaning and preserving your wedding dress is important for any number of reasons. Perhaps you want to keep the dress as a family heirloom, wish to wear it again for a vow renewal, or simply want to preserve the most special gown you have ever worn. Whatever the reason, understanding the delicate nature of your dress and what care must be taken to preserve it correctly is key. Read on if we've piqued your interest.

Organic Compounds

First and foremost, keep the organic compounds that can damage dress fabric in mind as you research gown preservation options. Your skin's natural oils, sweat, sugars from champagne or other alcohol, food stains...all of these things spell dress doom if they are not neutralized and removed as soon as possible.

Proper Storage Is Key

Once your dress is properly cleaned and preserved, the name of the gown game turns to storage. Vacuumed-sealed plastics are NOT recommended, but acid-free paper is. Choose an acid-free textile storage box, and place it in an area that is not terribly extreme in terms of temperature and humidity. Attics and basements are subsequently big no-no's, especially when you consider proximity to air conditioning and heating vents, areas exposed to direct sunlight, and more. Consistent temperature and humidity is what you want, such as what you will find in an interior wall closet.

Inspection

It is a good idea to inspect your gown every two to three years. Take the dress out wearing clean cotton gloves. If you don't have gloves, wash your hands thoroughly with baking soda and warm water before handling the garment.

Remember, proper storage is just as important as wedding dress cleaning and preservation. Store your precious dress the right way, inspect it every so often, and you'll be golden for years upon years to come.