- 1). Isolate specific coloration, grime and stain issues on the wedding gown in question. Highlight the ones you plan to try, purchase recommended cleaning agents and test each one out on a small section of the gown that's in the least conspicuous place possible (hem, facing, etc.) before you proceed. Call the Association of Wedding Gown Specialists at (800) 501-5005 or visit its website (see Reference 2).
- 2). Try using old-fashioned white vinegar to spot areas like underarm sweat stains. Work the vinegar into the fabric using a clean, white rag and then hang the gown in the sun to boost the chemical reaction to the vinegar and eliminate the stains. Be persistent if your first try doesn't do the job perfectly; vinegar can be used repeatedly over several days without harming fabric, so try frequent applications to get rid of the marks.
- 3). Rely upon a commercial detergent/spot removal to tackle and eliminate they yellow cast that's frequently seen in wedding gown fabric that has been left unprotected from sun and elements over time. Soak the gown in a tub filled with a solution of the agent (consult package instructions for dilution ratios). Hang the gown up to dry. Use a steam iron -- or hot shower if the thought of an iron seems risky -- to loosen wrinkles.
- 4). Locate a commercial spot-cleaning product that's formulated for hard-to-eliminate soil and dirt. Spray the formulation onto the gown and allow it to penetrate the material for the length of time indicated by instructions on the bottle or can. Sweep the powder residue left behind off the gown once it has dried completely. Hang the gown from the ceiling to air dry and eliminate wrinkles.
- 5). Gently wash a gown that's made of fabric that includes polyester in a high-grade detergent. Work out grimy spots in a large tub (no washing machine, please) with a white washcloth dipped into the undiluted cleaning product you've chosen. Use this method with or without employing a pre-wash solution that's worked in gently with a clean white rag. Smooth and spread the gown across the tops of an outdoor clothesline or place it on a padded hanger on the line and allow it to dry in the sun.