Cleaning Antique Silk Dress 1920s?

[Secondhandstillgrand]

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if anyone could advise me on how best to clean a silk dress from the 1920s? It's actually on a boudoir doll, but I imagine the principles are the same for full size dresses! The dress is faded but I think it's also quite filthy. I tried dabbing it in an isolated area with some water which removed no dirt and just left a mark. I don't want to damage or ruin the dress, so I don't know whether it's just better to leave it.

Any advice on dealing with antique silk restoration is appreciated, thank you

 

[Pinkcoke]

I wouldn't wash this as the colours may run into each other. Was the dress made to be removed or was it sewn shut on the doll? I would check the strength of the fabric first (is that area on the front of the skirt shattering?) and then enquire if your dry cleaner would dry clean this by hand, not machine.