Proper Cleaning for Different Types of Fabrics

Dry cleaning your prom dress / wedding gown will extend its lifetime, help keep its color, fabric strength, shape and drape. It will help maintain that “store bought” appearance longer, allowing your purchase to become a long-lasting investment.

Natural Fabrics

    * Cotton

Washable.Creases when washed, wrinkled when worn, requires ironing. Can be destroyed by contact with acids, even mild ones like fruit juice. You can usually use a chlorine bleach (check the garment care label first).

    * Linen

Washable.Ideal to Dry Clean. Does not soil quickly. Good quality linens can be safely washed on a normal wash cycle (make sure the garment does not contain other unwashable fibers). Some linens shrink and should be dry-cleaned.

    * Silk

Ideal to Dry Clean. Some silk garments can be gently washed in a neutral detergent, such as the special wool washes.

    * Wool

Washable. Ideal to Dry Clean. Wool is damaged by alkalis, the cleaning agents in wash powders and bar soaps. Special non-alkaline wool washing products should be used. Wool garments are best laid flat to dry away from direct heat.

Processed Natural Fibers

    * Acetate and Triacetate

Washable. Both heat sensitive. Triacetate can withstand higher ironing temperatures. Do not twist or wring while wet. These fabrics are damaged by acetone – for example, nail polish remover.

    * Viscose (Rayon)

Washable. Handle gently. Becomes weak when wet. Use a gentle wash cycle. Can shrink and distort. Do not hang dry. Iron while damp.

Synthetic Fabrics

    * Acrylic

Washable. Must wash below 50°C. Wash gently by hand or gentle machine cycle. Do not tumble dry. Do not steam iron. Dry clean tough stains.

    * Nylon

Washable. Has a tendency to absorb colour and dirt from other items during washing. Wash separately if possible. Rinse thoroughly. Do not use chlorine bleach. Dry clean tough stains.

    * Polyester

Washable. Can be washed warm (make sure the garment does not contain other fibers that cannot be washed warm). Dry clean tough stains.
Spandex/Elastane (Trade Name Lycra)
Washable. Wash in low/warm temperatures. Do not tumble dry. Dry clean tough stains.

Note: All synthetic fabrics are sensitive to heat and will get a glazed surface and shrink if heated too much during ironing.