Q&A for How to Clean a Wedding Gown

Possibly, yes. Typically, the shop where you buy your dress will give you instructions on how to clean it. Some may even offer a one-time cleaning service after your wedding.

I would dry clean it or hand wash it to be on the safe side.

Let the mud stain dry. Brush the spot to remove any soil. Soak the dress in a solution of 1 quart of warm water, 1 teaspoon of liquid dish detergent and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar for 15 minutes. Rinse with water.

Your dress should have a tag on it with care instructions, including what temperature to use on the washer, but most likely your dress is going to require professional cleaning.

Fill a basin or tub with warm water, a teaspoonful of cleanser and some drops of fabric wash. After letting the tulle soak in it, gently move it around the solution. Dry the veil using the towel roll system. Bring it to a professional cleaner.

You can use a store-bought bleach, as bleach will make it white again. If the material cannot handle bleach, then use the best detergent. Whether liquid detergent/bleach or powder, use a thick, moistened amount on a small part of the stained area and leave for 30 minutes. This is to check how the fabric reacts. Depending upon how it works, if it does the job without causing damage, then continue in the same way with the rest of the lining.

Beads can be cared for by washing the gown by hand, turned inside out. Immerse the dress in detergent water for 30 minutes. If the dress only has sweat from use, a little rinsing by hand all over will make it clean. If it has started smelling too, leave it for another 30 minutes in the detergent water, as this will remove sweat, stain and smell after rinsing. Hang to dry over a clothes rack away from direct sunlight.

Mix one part of dish soap with two parts of 3% hydrogen peroxide, and apply directly to the stain to help cut through the fat and lighten the stain. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then wash off.

This will depend on the dress itself. Some factors to consider are the material of the dress, the severity of the stains/mess, and the gentleness of the washing machine.