Clean gown quickly after wedding

Q: I am getting married in a few weeks. Are there any tips you can give me on how to preserve my wedding gown?

A: Congratulations on your upcoming wedding. Cleaning and preserving a wedding gown is just as important as finding the perfect dress.

After the big day, make sure your gown is cleaned as soon as possible. Stains and soils are more easily removed when they are relatively “fresh.” It is important to point out to your cleaner any spills or stains, including invisible stains from food, salad oils, lotions and beverages such as white wine and ginger ale. If not properly treated, these stains may oxidize with age and become permanent. Also, inform your cleaner about any previous stain-removal attempts to avoid reactions between different cleaning products.

Permanent perspiration stains and rings also are common on wedding gowns. You may want to consider using perspiration shields to protect the dress, especially if your gown is made of silk. These usually can be found at dress shops.

When it comes to storing your garment, many dry cleaners offer wedding-gown preservation and restoration services. To find a certified dry cleaner in your area, log on to www.weddinggown specialists.com.

Q: I recently bought the perfect black bathing suit. How do I protect the suit so the jet black color doesn’t fade to a dull gray and it doesn’t lose its shape?

A: With summer in full swing, people are putting on their swimwear to enjoy warm days at the beach or beside the pool. Swimwear is bound to be exposed to a variety of conditions; special attention should be paid to its care.

Spandex fibers, which make swimsuits elastic and fitted, can be damaged by the chlorine in pools, spas and hot tubs. For this reason, it is important to rinse the chlorine out of your swimwear after wearing. If you are a beach-goer, rinse your swimwear to remove salt buildup in the fabric, which can cause stiffness. Hand washing usually is recommended.

Avoid drying your suits in the dryer. High temperatures commonly used in tumble-drying can damage the stretch yarns, which alters the way your swimsuit will fit. Line-drying or laying the garment flat to dry works best. If you are pressed for time and must use a dryer, use low temperatures to prevent fiber damage. Beware; stretch fibers degrade naturally as they age, so a swimsuit that fits perfectly this year may not fit as well next year.

Q: Prom was a blast. I danced all night and had a lot of fun. Now, my perfect dress is showing the effects of a night of partying. I would like to keep the dress for future occasions; what should I do to make it look like new?

A: Spills, splashes and other party mishaps, as well as wear alone, can take their toll on expensive clothing. After the party is over, remember to have your formal wear cleaned before storing. Advise your cleaner about the sources of stains, if possible, and discuss any special concerns you may have before leaving your gown.

After cleaning, store garments in a cool, dry, dark place. Do not store in plastic bags because they can trap moisture, odors and insects. You may want to invest in a cotton muslin bag or dress box for storage, which you can find at home-goods stores or stores that specialize in storage options.

If you don’t plan on wearing your dress again, you might want to consider several charity programs, such as the Cinderella Project, Glass Slipper Project or Priceless Gown Project, that accept “almost new” prom gowns and are available through local dry cleaners.

Chris Allsbrooks is an affiliate board member and spokeswoman for the Fabricate Foundation. She has 13 years’ experience as a textile analyst in the International Textile Analysis Laboratory of the International Fabricare Institute in Laurel. Send questions to info@yourclothingcare.com.