The perfect formal dress makes you shine during your special night. But once the night is over, what do you do to properly care for the dress? It’s important that you clean and store your formal dresses correctly to ensure they last as long as possible. Wearing dresses multiple times is a great way to save money and time, making proper storage even more important. Here are some tips on how to clean and store your formal dresses, no matter the dress code.
How to Clean Your Formal Dresses
The first step to cleaning your formal dress is checking the tags on the inside of the dress. There are cleaning instructions on the tag indicating how to clean the dress. Common ways are handwashing and dry cleaning. You will likely never machine-wash your formal dresses due to the damage it can cause.
Handwashing Dresses
- Fill a basin with cold water with some detergent to handwash a formal dress. A little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it!
- Then submerge the dress and gently mix the water.
- Let the dress soak for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse with cold water to make sure all the detergent is removed from the dress.
Dry Cleaning
This requires a professional cleaner’s services. Take your formal dress to a dry cleaner and inform them of anything that requires special attention.
They have the knowledge and equipment to properly care for your dress.
Additional Care Information
Drying: Don’t use a dryer to dry your dress. It is best to lay it on a towel, roll or pat it to remove excess water and lay it on a separate clean towel or a drying rack. Avoid hanging the dress as this can stretch the fabric.
Steaming/Ironing: If ironing is necessary, use it on low heat to avoid damaging the dress. Steaming is gentler on the dress and is the recommended way to remove wrinkles.
How to Store Formal Dresses
Store your dress in a breathable garment bag. This will protect the dress from light and dust. Make sure not to use plastic whenever possible, as this will trap moisture and lead to mildew on your formal dress.
If you are hanging it in a closet, make sure to use any support straps that are inside the dress to prevent the fabric stretching.
Now you know how to make your formal dresses last and stay beautiful with proper storage and cleaning practices. Elegancia Formal Wear offers beautiful formal dresses if you are shopping for one. We care about our dresses and our clients!
