Brides: Clean & Preserve Your Dress the Week After “I Do”

Los Angeles, CA — The Cleaning Club, a leading expert in bridal garment care, has released a comprehensive post-wedding dress cleaning checklist to guide newlyweds through the crucial steps of protecting their wedding dresses in the days following the ceremony. With over 35 years of experience, The Cleaning Club offers specialized advice to help brides preserve the beauty and integrity of their cherished gowns.

A Crucial Week: Why Immediate Dress Care Matters

Every bride has her own timeline for post-wedding dress care. Some choose to bring their gown to the cleaners the very next morning, while others may wait weeks or even months. While there is no universally “right” moment to begin the preservation process, there are important steps that brides should take during the first week after the wedding to avoid irreversible damage such as staining, fading, and fabric deterioration.

Step 1: Inspect the Dress for Stains and Damage

Before cleaning, a detailed inspection of the wedding dress is essential. The Cleaning Club recommends examining every inch of the gown under bright, natural lighting, as many stains can initially appear invisible but oxidize over time, causing yellowing or discoloration.

How to Check for Hidden Stains

To detect both obvious and invisible stains—such as perspiration, champagne, and body oils—brides are advised to:

Use natural daylight for the most accurate stain visibility
Lay the dress flat on a clean surface such as a table or bed
Focus on high-stain zones like underarms, neckline, bodice, hemline, and the back
Perform a blot test using a white cotton cloth to reveal hidden residues
Take detailed notes or close-up photos of any spotted issues to share with the cleaner

Invisible stains left untreated can worsen with time, which is why immediate evaluation is key.

How to Check for Physical Damage

The Cleaning Club also advises a careful check for structural damage caused by a day full of walking, dancing, and celebrating. Brides should:

Run fingers gently across lace or tulle to detect snags or fraying
Shake the dress lightly to listen for loose beading or embellishments
Inspect seams and test the zipper for alignment or resistance
Look over the hemline and train for small rips from dragging
Identify any areas that feel stiff or brittle, which could be residue from hairspray or a spill

Step 2: Avoid DIY Cleaning Mistakes

The Cleaning Club cautions against attempting to clean the dress at home. Delicate materials like silk, satin, and lace require professional handling.

What Not to Do

Do not rub or scrub any stains
Avoid all-purpose cleaners, bleach, or standard detergent
Never apply heat with an iron or hairdryer, as it may permanently set the stain

What You Can Do Safely

Gently blot stains with a white cotton cloth
Allow the dress to air dry in a cool, ventilated space if it gets wet
Transport it quickly to a reputable wedding dress cleaner

Step 3: Choose a Specialist in Wedding Dress Cleaning

Not all dry cleaners are equipped to handle wedding gowns. The Cleaning Club emphasizes the importance of selecting a professional with expertise in bridal garments.

What to Look for in a Wedding Dress Cleaner

In-house cleaning (not outsourced)
Individual stain evaluation and hand-spotting
Acid-free, fabric-safe solvents or wet cleaning options
Gentle steam or hand-pressing techniques
Careful handling of delicate materials and embellishments

Choosing the right professional ensures the dress is treated with the care it deserves.

Step 4: Decide Between Preservation or Short-Term Storage

Once cleaned, the next decision is whether to preserve the gown long term or store it short term. For those looking to pass the dress down or resell it in the future, professional preservation is the recommended path.

Preservation Includes

An acid-free preservation box
Special tissue paper to prevent creasing and yellowing
Sealed packaging to protect against dust, insects, and humidity

Short-Term Storage Options

A breathable garment bag (never plastic)
Cool, dry, and dark storage area
Hanging away from heat or sunlight

The Cleaning Club also recommends asking about warranty coverage in case the dress needs to be reopened or worn again.

Step 5: Pack and Transport the Dress with Care

Improper handling during transport can cause damage equivalent to a missed stain. Brides should pack their dresses using the following best practices:

Use a breathable cotton or muslin garment bag
Fold with acid-free tissue paper to prevent friction and creasing
Place in a structured case or box for longer trips
Avoid overstuffing the container to prevent crushing

Best Transportation Practices

Lay the dress flat in the back seat of a vehicle, rather than hanging
Keep it out of direct sunlight
Never leave the dress in a hot or humid vehicle
Bring the dress directly to the cleaner or preservation service

Step 6: Don’t Forget the Veil, Shoes, and Accessories

Wedding day accessories require care too. From satin heels to delicate hairpieces, everything used during the celebration may need cleaning or storage.

Shoe Care

Fabric shoes: Blot and clean with a specialist
Leather shoes: Condition and polish before storing
Store in original boxes or dust bags

Jewelry & Hair Accessories

Clean with a microfiber cloth
Store in tarnish-resistant containers away from moisture

Garters, Gloves & Belts

Hand wash or consult a preservation expert
Store wrapped in acid-free tissue inside a keepsake box

Step 7: Ask the Right Questions Before Booking

Before entrusting any cleaner with such a sentimental and valuable item, The Cleaning Club encourages brides to ask specific questions:

Do you specialize in wedding dress cleaning and preservation?
What methods do you use, and are they safe for delicate fabrics?
Can you remove specific stains like wine or perspiration?
Do you offer preservation services?
Is there a warranty or insurance?

If a business cannot confidently answer these questions, it may be wise to explore other options.

Your Dress Had Its Moment—Now Let The Cleaning Club Take Care of It

Brides looking to protect their gowns for the long term can trust The Cleaning Club, which offers a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. With personalized service, in-house bridal gown experts, and decades of experience, The Cleaning Club stands as a reliable partner for post-wedding dress care.

📍 Visit Us: 10905 Venice Blvd. UNIT 101, Los Angeles, CA, 90034
📞 Call: 310-836-9700
📧 Email: info@thecleaningclub.com
🕒 Hours: Mon–Sat: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Sunday: Closed

Brides are encouraged to reach out within 24 hours of their inquiry to receive a response from The Cleaning Club’s attentive customer service team.