Silk Edwardian dress odor elimination

Emily Peck

Emily Peck

Registered Guest
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Hello!
I have a stunning green silk Edwardian dress in near perfect condition that I’m trying to remove odor from. I sprayed it with a half vodka/half water mixture but it didn’t help. Do you think it would be safe to spray with just vodka and no water? Does anyone have any better ideas that wouldn’t risk any damage? I haven’t washed it because I don’t want it to bleed, and I haven’t dry cleaned it since I don’t have a dry cleaner that I would trust with the dress.

Thanks!
 
What a beautiful dress!

I have not used it on silk, but I have had great success with a product called Zero Odor - it is available on Amazon - please consider using the Amazon button link at the top of our forum if you're going go and check it out there - the VFG makes a small small sum as an affiliate without any change to what you pay Amazon.

I use the multipurpose version, and it has worked on underarm odor that I thought was irrevocable. I am surprised not to see it in our VFG Amazon Shop. @Midge (who curates our shop)
 
I wouldn't touch it - these dresses were never meant to get wet - the black velvet ribbon will mat, unless its satin, in which case that is where the dye will most likely run - and you will never get that fresh look back - it will always look like it was washed and ironed.

These days people no longer buy real dresses from this period to wear unless they are REALLY sturdy, as in linen or wool. Silk dresses are bought by collectors and smell doesn't matter as much. By all means air it out, if you can, but just disclose that is has an odor - I am guessing its probably a musty basement smell? or maybe a gasoliney smell from old dry cleaning fluid? It's a very colourful dress in great condition and the smell will dissipate - eventually.

However, there is one more thing you could try, especially if its a musty basement smell, turn the dress inside out, and spray with a fine mist of lysol making sure not to soak the material anywhere - maybe outside on a sunny day so the lysol dries quickly. That should help a lot.
 
Agree completely about not using water based liquid. I will say that I worried about whether Zero Odor would leave some sort of water ring, but so far, it has not, even on rayon crepe. I don't think it is water based. I work from the inside, and generally start light and then repeat as needed.
 
I have had some success with smelly things by hanging them outdoors under a covered porch and deliberately forgetting about them. Like Jonathan says, the odor will eventually dissipate.
Marian
 
I agree with Jonathan, I would not get it wet at all. Yes, it depends on the odor. These odors can often just go away after airing out, but it can take a long LONG time and many airings. I have had luck with putting activated charcoal (in a bag or bags ) in the place where you hang it, but not touching the dress. And outdoor airing as well. It may take weeks or months but that dress is worth it. Gorgeous and a wonderful color.

As a collector of these garments myself, if were me I would buy it with the odor disclosed and remove the odors myself. It is just that beautiful!
 
Thanks for the advise! It’s not a super strong smell, but it does smell like it’s been in a basement for 100 years which is possible… I’ll try airing it out for small amounts of time and maybe a little Lysol.
 
Do yo
Jonathan said:
I wouldn't touch it - these dresses were never meant to get wet - the black velvet ribbon will mat, unless its satin, in which case that is where the dye will most likely run - and you will never get that fresh look back - it will always look like it was washed and ironed.

These days people no longer buy real dresses from this period to wear unless they are REALLY sturdy, as in linen or wool. Silk dresses are bought by collectors and smell doesn't matter as much. By all means air it out, if you can, but just disclose that is has an odor - I am guessing its probably a musty basement smell? or maybe a gasoliney smell from old dry cleaning fluid? It's a very colourful dress in great condition and the smell will dissipate - eventually.

However, there is one more thing you could try, especially if its a musty basement smell, turn the dress inside out, and spray with a fine mist of lysol making sure not to soak the material anywhere - maybe outside on a sunny day so the lysol dries quickly. That should help a lot.
Click to expand...

do you think or wolf be safe to iron this on very low heat?
 
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