What to do About Wedding Dress Stains
Brides have all kinds of ideas about what to do with their wedding dresses after the big day. Some brides are thrifty and practical and plan to sell their dresses as soon as they say “I do.” Others, however, are more sentimental and dream of perfectly preserving their dresses and passing them on to their own children one day.
Whatever your plans for your wedding dress, however, the last thing you want is for it to be stained and ruined. And, while you should do your best to prevent stains on your big day, you do have a few options if staining occurs!
Have Cleaning Supplies on Hand
Even if you’ve made careful plans to dodge everyone wearing lipstick and to avoid eating or drinking anything that isn’t white, it’s still wise to have dress-cleaning supplies on hand, just in case. After all, the alternative is that you end up using whatever you have available, like harsh dish soap, to try and remove a stain, which could cause further damage to your dress.
As such, pack a little travel kit with gentle stain-removing essentials. Include a small spray bottle for water, a little baby powder and cornstarch, and a small, soft-bristled brush. A bleach pen can also be a good addition if you’ve tested it on a discreet area of the dress first and know that it won’t cause damage.
Blot Up Liquid Stains
Remember that the type of stain you’re dealing with will determine how you should remove it! For liquid stains, whether it’s wine, water, or anything in between, always try to blot the stain first. Gently dab at it with a small towel and try to soak up all the moisture. Sometimes, this will be enough to completely remove the stain. If it’s not, then you can try putting on a little cornstarch and baby powder in equal parts. Scrub them in as gently as possible and remove once you’re sure all moisture has been absorbed. This method can also work for non-liquid stains since cornstarch and powder are great at lifting staining materials and keeping them from penetrating the fabric of your dress.
Visit a Professional
No matter what kind of stain you encounter or how well it appears to come up, it’s still a good idea to have your dress professionally cleaned following the wedding. After all, there may be residue left over from that stain and the cleaning products used, or you could have gotten spots on your dress in other areas that you don’t even know about. A good, professional cleaning will prepare your dress for selling, storage, or whatever else you have planned for it!
And, remember, on your fabulous Maui wedding day, try to relax and have fun. You can’t sweat the small stuff- like stains- so much that you don’t get any joy out of your big day!
