My husband and I have really busy lives and often don't have time to clean the house. Unfortunately, both our kids have quite bad allergies to dust and mould, which means we need to keep the house spotless, which can be quite hard. We have started having a professional cleaning service come in a few times a week to give the house a good scrub while we are at work. It means that we can come home to a clean house. It means everyone is healthier, happier and less stressed out. This blog is for other parents of kids with allergies and has tips on how you can keep your house allergen free.
Your wedding dress will probably be somewhat expensive, but it will also be very special to you, no matter the cost. This is why you want to consider how to preserve that dress properly, long after your wedding day is over. This is especially important if you're thinking of handing down the dress to someone else, as certain damage to a dress may not be fixable! Note a few tips on how to preserve your wedding dress so that's it stays in good condition.
Have it cleaned
Always have your wedding dress cleaned by a professional before you put it away. This is because you may not be able to readily see perspiration stains and other such damage to the dress, but these can cause discoloration and other problems with the piece as time goes by. Cleaning will also remove cigarette smoke, dust and other debris that is caught in the fibres of the fabric.
Packaging
Never store your wedding dress in a standard clothing box or bag, or use everyday tissue paper to wrap it. This is because these products may have chemicals and dyes that can transfer to the dress and cause discoloration and other damage. If you want to fold your dress and store it away, opt for a specialty box that is meant for this use, and which is acid-free and breathable. Use acid-free tissue paper that is also used for clothing. If you prefer a box with a window in front, look for an acetate rather than plastic window, so that it doesn't trap heat and dust inside. If you want to hang up the dress while it's packed, opt for an acetate garment bag that also allows for air circulation, to ensure the dress doesn't hold moisture and then discolour over the years.
Handling
If you want to unpack your wedding dress, be very careful of how you handle it. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly and to let them air dry, so you don't transfer any dirt or oils to the dress. It's even recommended that you wear new, white cotton gloves to handle the dress, and be cautious of where you'll hang it up or set it down once it's unpacked; put acid-free tissue paper down on the surface, or use a new satin hanger to hang the dress. If someone will be trying it on, suggest that they wear a cotton slip and t-shirt under the dress, to protect it from perspiration, body oils, and the like.
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