How to Clean Dirt From the Hem of a Lace Wedding Dress

Pretreatment

1. Blot Stains: Use a clean, dry cloth to blot up any dirt or stains on the hem of the dress. Be careful not to rub, as this could damage the lace.

2. Spot Treat: If there are any stubborn dirt or stains, you can spot-treat them with a mild detergent or stain remover. Test the cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the dress before applying it to the stain.

Washing

3. Hand-wash: The safest way to clean a lace wedding dress is to hand-wash it. Fill a sink or basin with cool water and add a mild detergent. Gently swish the dress in the water, taking care not to agitate it too much. Rinse the dress thoroughly in cool water until all of the detergent has been removed.

4. Machine-wash: If the care instructions for your dress allow, you can machine-wash it on a delicate cycle. Use a mild detergent and cold water. Place the dress in a mesh laundry bag to protect it from damage.

Drying

5. Hang to Dry: Hang the dress to dry in a cool, shady spot. Avoid drying the dress in direct sunlight, as this could damage the lace.

Ironing

6. Steam Iron: If the dress needs to be ironed, use a steam iron on the lowest setting. Be careful not to iron directly on the lace, as this could damage it. Hold the iron a few inches away from the lace and press gently.

Storage

7. Store Carefully: Once the dress is clean and dry, store it carefully in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing the dress in plastic bags, as this can trap moisture and damage the lace.

Tips

- Always test cleaning solutions on a small, inconspicuous area of the dress before applying them to the entire dress.

- If you are not comfortable cleaning the dress yourself, take it to a professional dry cleaner.

- Be sure to follow the care instructions on the label of your wedding dress.