Dress Types

How do I clean an antique wedding gown?

The gown is from the 1950's and is satin, lace and tulle. The pearl beads are now black and the dress is yellowed. Can a dry cleaner resurrect this gown? What would that cost?

Public Comments

1. Odds are, it will be pricey but worth it. Try to find a professional dress restorer, preferably one who works without chemicals. There are naturals ways they can try first. Also, you generally need to sign something saying if it doesn't come completely clean you know the person is not responsible, etc etc.
2. professionally! take it to the cleaners. I wouldnt chance washing it. Probably not as much as you would think, to have dry cleaned. I only have comforters dry cleaned but they are just a few bucks...I am sure yours will be more, but I honestly don't know how much more. sorry
3. In a large plastic bin (gown can be folded over to fit), fill with very warm water and Oxyclean. Follow the directions on the container of Oxyclean for the amount you should use. Let the gown soak for 60 to 90 minutes. Gently rub away the blackness off the pearls while soaking. When dress has finished whitening, lift it out and wring out GENTLY. Place dress in CLEAN bathtub filled with very warm (not scalding hot) water to rinse, plunging dress down a little. Add 1/4 cup liquid fabric softener (dye free is best) if desired, and swish around gently. Remove gown, hang on padded hanger to dry. You may need to steam out some minor wrinkling, but if you are gentle in the wringing out process it shouldn't be too bad. It will cost you the price of a container of OxyClean and some dye free fabric softener. Maybe $10.
4. DEFINITELY get it professionally done. Ask your friends for recommendations of good tailors, though. Some tailors specialize in this sort of thing and, if they can't do it, can recommend someone who can.
5. A dry cleaner specializing in wedding gowns is the way to go. If you decide to take addicted's advice, just throw it away and save the $10.
6. probably not a dry cleaner. you should look for a professional who deals with older fabric.