How to clean a 1920's (1930's?) silk velvet wedding dress?

H

hollyfrocks

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IMG_0403_1.jpg I have a gorgeous silk? velvet wedding dress (maybe even 1940's...large shoulders and very long train) but it has quite a few stains. The beading appliques can be removed and resewn, but I'm wondering if there is a safe way to clean it, once the beading is removed. I'm not going to promise any photos quite yet. Trying to hone my digital camera skills!:puzzled:

Yay! I did it.
 
Silk velvet can be very gently hand washed, but I don't usually recommend it because it's easy to damage a garment - especially if it's quite old. I have little faith in dry cleaners to get stains out, but some specialist cleaners have good skills.

When you can show us some photos it will be helpful. I agree that removing the appliques is a good idea.
 
The faux pearl bead trims won't wash or dry clean well, so they have to come off no matter how you clean the dress. Your late 1930s wedding dress is velvet, I would not wash it, otherwise you will have a clean, crushed velvet dress that you will never be able to get the crush marks out of. Dry cleaning is your only option and stain removal by dry cleaners is very iffy. They will be able to freshen it up, deodorize, and maybe get some overall dusty dirt out, but chances of them removing any stains are slim. First thing I would do if I were you, is vacuum it thoroughly, using a brush attachment (don't vacuum the beadwork or you might lose the beads). You could then steam it from the inside, and see what you think of it then before making any further decisions about cleaning it.
 
Thanks very much. I'll try those options first, Jonathan. If it still looks dingy, I might try giving it a very gentle soak and risk ending up with crushed velvet. It's such lovely, soft fabric, I hate to give up on it without trying.
 
Has anyone ever tried washing silk velvet by hand and then when very slightly damp, giving it a gentle air fluff dry? I'm wondering if that might prevent the crushed look?
 
I have washed silk velvet by hand many times and Jonathan's right - you end up with crushed velvet. I've gently squeezed the water out and dried flat on a towel in the shade, gently reshaping.

For your gown I recommend the methods Jonathan mentions and dry cleaning only. Your gown is quite structured and will probably lose shape if you wash it.
 
Hi,

I agree that there is no way to wash old silk velvet and not get crushing or flattening of the pile. And the stains will not likely come out after all those years. It is a tough decision. I have never had any luck with that situation, but perhaps others have some advice.

It is lovely.
 
I wouldn't wash this. If you have a really good dry cleaner in your area, I would have them clean it (they can spot check it to see if it will hold up). They may not be able to get deep stains out, but they should be able to lift surface dirt and possibly some of the lighter stains, can "fluff" up the dress, and overall improve its appearance by possibly quite a bit. I've had 2 or 3 velvet dresses done at my cleaner's (not that light colored, though), and even though they couldn't get out all the staining, the "before" and "after" were noticeably different. And I agree to remove the trimmings and re-stitch them back on afterward. And with Jonathan's suggestion to vacuum it first.
 
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