How-To | Clean Bridesmaid Dresses

Whether it’s your first time or the fourth time standing by the bride’s side, every bridesmaid – and her dress – goes through a bevy of stain inducing encounters. From bouquet tosses, champagne toasts, and photos outside in summer heat to make up mishaps, dance floor showdowns, and hors devours disasters, the big day can also mean big messes. Don’t worry! Just like you’ve got the bride’s back, we’ve got yours with these wedding dress stain removal steps.

Disclaimer: Always perform a water test before attempting to launder your bridesmaid dress, whether its made of cotton or any other material. While most bridesmaid dresses are made with washable materials, some dyes or finishes may not be stable to wash.

From cocktail hour and hors d’oeuvres, to the champagne toast and dinner, to reception aperitifs and wedding cake, these moments can lead to some spirit-dampening stains. The best thing to do is keep calm and party on. Later, follow these steps, because where there’s a will (or spill), there’s a way!

Gather These Tools:

Wash Tub Basin, Stain Solution, Scented Vinegar, Stain Brush

STEP 1:

Apply Stain Solution directly to the stain – or stains – and work into the fabric using your finger or the Stain Brush. For tough stains, put the affected area under the faucet and let the pressure of the cool to warm water further work the stain.

STEP 2:

Soak the item in a basin filled with cool to warm water. To remove odors, add ¼ cup of Scented Vinegar to the basin. Never soak silk items longer than 30 minutes!

STEP 3:

Reapply or repeat steps as needed before laundering.

A garden ceremony or outdoor wedding photos may be lovely, but between the heat and the natural elements, dirt, grime, grass and sweat are bound to happen to your bridesmaid dress. Don’t let these stains stand in the way of happily ever after – all you need is love… and these few steps.

DIRT, MUD, GRIME & DEODORANT

Gather These Tools:

Wash Tub Basin, Wash & Stain Bar, Scented Vinegar

STEP 1:

Work the bar into a lather using warm water and apply to affected area(s). For added cleaning power, place the affected area under the faucet and let the pressure of the cool to warm water help work the stain. Reapply or repeat use of the bar as needed.

 STEP 2:

Soak the item in a basin filled with cool to warm water. To remove odors, add ¼ cup of Scented Vinegar to the basin. Never soak silk items longer than 30 minutes.

STEP 3:

Reapply or repeat steps as needed before laundering.

GRASS, SWEAT, POLLEN & OTHER COLOR-RICH STAINS

Gather These Tools:

Wash Tub Basin, Stain Solution, Scented Vinegar, Stain Brush

STEP 1:

Apply Stain Solution directly to the affected area and work in with your finger or the Stain Brush. To further help remove stains, run water from a faucet directly on the stain.

STEP 2:

Soak the item in a basin filled with cool to warm water. To remove odors, add ¼ cup of Scented Vinegar to the basin. Never soak silk items longer than 30 minutes!

STEP 3:

Reapply or repeat as needed before laundering.

One of the best parts of the big day is getting all done up before the bride’s walk down the aisle, but beauty and grooming products can result in some pretty ugly stains. Here’s a tutorial to remove it all – hair spray, self-tanner, blush, mascara, lipstick, and more. 

POWDER-BASED MAKEUP LIKE FOUNDATION,
BRONZER, BLUSH & EYESHADOW

Gather These Tools:

Wash Tub Basin, Wash & Stain Bar

STEP 1:

Work the bar into a lather using warm water and apply to affected area(s). Work the stain further under a faucet of cool to warm water and continue to use the bar as needed until the stain is lifted.

STEP 2:

Soak the item in a basin filled with cool to warm water.

 STEP 3:

Reapply or repeat steps as needed before laundering.

MASCARA, LIPSTICK, LIP GLOSS, CONCEALER,
SELF-TANNER & EYELINER 

Gather These Tools:

Wash Tub Basin, Stain Solution, Scented Vinegar, Stain Brush

STEP 1:

Apply Stain Solution directly to the stain and work into the fabric with your finger or the Stain Brush. For stubborn stains, run water from a faucet directly on the stain.

STEP 2:

Soak the item in a basin filled with cool to warm water. To remove odors, add ¼ cup of Scented Vinegar to the basin. Never soak silk items longer than 30 minutes!

STEP 3:

Reapply or repeat as needed before laundering.

Launder the item according to our instructions. Always, check the care label for the fabrication of the dress.

• Charmeuse: https://www.thelaundress.com/How-To/Charmeuse.html
• Chiffon: https://www.thelaundress.com/How-To/Chiffon.html
•  Organza: https://www.thelaundress.com/How-To/Silk.html
• Satin: https://www.thelaundress.com/How-To/Satin.html
• Tulle: https://www.thelaundress.com/How-To/Tulle.html

Don’t see your gown’s fabrication here? Visit our Fabric A-Z to find the right material!

Disclaimer: If your dress has any type of padding or structure, carefully handwash the item – do not use the washing machine.