How to Clean Antique Dresses

Cleaning an antique dress can be quite a challenge for someone who does not do the procedure on a regular basis. There are certain steps that need to be taken to ensure you do not damage the dress during the cleaning process.

Steps to Cleaning an Antique Dress

1. Place the stopper in the bathtub and fill it with lukewarm water. It is recommended that you feel the water with your hand because you do not want it to be too hot because it may cause damage to the dress.


2. Fill a five-gallon bucket with hot water and pour in one cup of Woolite and mix thoroughly.


3. Pour the mixture into the bathtub.


4. Submerge the dress in the water in the bathtub and lay it out flat on the bottom of the tub. The dress will rise to the top of the tub as the water soaks in the material.


5. Let the dress soak in the tub for up to 30 minutes. If the dress is made of wool the time should be cut in half.


6. Use a sponge to gently rub any noticeable stains on the dress.


7. Drain the water out of the bathtub and turn on the shower to rinse the dress. If the bathtub is not equipped with a shower fill the tub with water to rinse. Make sure the dress is free of soap residue.


8. Gently remove the dress from the bathtub and allow the water to drip off the material. Do not wring the water from the dress.


9. Wrap the dress in a towel and press on the towel to remove the water.


10. Hang the dress on a sturdy hanger and hang it over the bathtub to dry.