 | Craig D. Miller oversees the daily operation of Miller Dry Cleaner's six Wichita locations. Miller's has been family owned and operated for 27 years. Leading the second generation of Miller ownership, Craig has been involved in the family business for 15 years, since the age of 14. Craig is a Friends University grad, and is married to Shellie, a schoolteacher. Craig can be reached at (316) 942-5180. |
Dry Cleaning
2004-03-01 15:26:00
Preserving a wedding gown
: How do I preserve my wedding gown?
ANSWER: After the wedding most brides want to preserve their dress as a keepsake, perhaps for their own daughter to wear on her wedding day. Cleaning industry experts recommend that you have the dress cleaned before storage. The dress may have invisible stains from food, beverages, and body oil. If these stains are not properly cleaned, they may become permanent. Therefore, it is important to point out any stains or spills to your cleaner before cleaning. Most wedding gowns have some decorative trim. Again, it is important to inspect these trims with your cleaner prior to cleaning. Many trims are not made to withstand the dry cleaning process. For example, many beads, glitter, sequins, and laces are attached to gowns with adhesives that dissolve during dry cleaning. Some beads and glitter are made of plastic or covered with surface coatings that are not solvent resistant. In many of these cases, the trim becomes separated from the dress or altered in some way. Some decorative trims yellow as their finish oxidizes. An ivory or ecru trim may lose its color and no longer match the gown if a dye component is lost in cleaning. Color failures of this type are due to poor colorfastness or the dye, not because or improper cleaning. Unfortunately, no process or storage method can guarantee against yellowing or possible deterioration of fabrics. There are, however several steps you can take to protect your garment.• Have your cleaner pack the gown in a special storage box that will help prevent contamination.• Store your gown in a cool, dry place. Do not store in basement or attic. Basement dampness can cause mildew; attic heat could promote yellowing of the fabric.• If you are storing a long gown on a hanger, sew straps to the waistline of the dress to relieve pressure on the shoulders from the weight of the skirt. Wrap the dress in a protective white sheet or muslin covering.• Whether the gown is hung or boxed, the bodice should be stuffed with white acid free tissue to prevent wrinkles. Fabric covered buttons, pins, and foam padding should be removed and stored separately to avoid damage to the fabrics.• Never store headpieces, veils, shoes, or other accessories with your gown.• Inspect your gown from time to time during storage. Stains not initially apparent could appear later, and should be tended to immediately.
