How to Remove Fresh Stains from Your Wedding Gown

How to Remove Fresh Red Wine Stains From a Wedding Gown

1. Blot Away Moisture

   Use a white towel to absorb as much of the wine as possible from both sides of the stain. Blot every layer of the gown including overlays and the lining.

2. Dilute the Stain

   With an absorbent towel under the stain, dab the stain gently with a white cloth soaked in plain warm water from the outer edges of the stain to the middle. Keep moving to a clean area of the towel as the stain is transferred. It does not need to be sparkling water—the bubbles don't assist in stain removal.

3. Try a Stain Remover

   When most of the stain is gone, follow the label directions on a stain removal pen or wipe. Or, mix a solution of one part dishwashing liquid and three parts water and gently apply to the stained area. Dip a cloth in the solution and wring until just damp. Blot and keep moving to a clean area of the white cloth as the stain transfers.

4. Allow the Stained Area to Dry

   It's best to allow the area to air-dry. If you are in a rush, use a hairdryer set on low heat. Hold it at least six inches from the fabric and keep the air moving.

5. Cover Any Remaining Traces

   Use white or off-white chalk or talcum powder to cover any remaining discoloration.

How to Remove Fresh Ballpoint Ink Stains From a Wedding Gown

1. Grab Some Alcohol

   Dip a cotton swab in isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol. You will need multiple swabs.

   Tip

   Clear distilled spirits like vodka or gin will also remove the ink.

2. Protect the Rest of the Gown

   Protect the other layers of the gown by placing a white cloth under the stain to help absorb the ink.

3. Start at the Edges

   Start at the outer edges of the stain and work toward the middle with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Work slowly and change the swab often as the ink is transferred from the fabric. Blot with a clean white cloth.

4. Dry and Camouflage

   Allow the stained area to dry and cover any remaining stain with chalk or baby powder.

How to Remove Fresh Grease or Oily Food Stains From a Wedding Gown

1. Soak Up the Stain

   Do not rub, remove any solids by lifting them away from the dress. Cover the stain with a thick layer of baby powder or cornstarch to absorb the oil, let sit for at least 15 minutes, and then gently brush away. Repeat if necessary.

2. Use Alcohol to Break the Greasy Bond

   Wet some cotton swabs with rubbing alcohol, vodka, or gin and dab from the outer edges of the stain to the middle. Allow the stained area to dry.

3. Camouflage Any Remaining Discoloration

   Cover any remaining stain with chalk or talcum powder.

How to Remove Fresh Makeup and Lipstick Stains From a Wedding Gown

1. Lift Away Solids and Dry Powders

   • Do not rub, use the edge of a credit card or a blunt knife edge to lift away blobs of foundation or lip gloss.
   • Use double-sided tape around your hand or a hairdryer to remove colored powders.

2. Absorb Oil

   Use baby powder or cornstarch to absorb oily residue. Sprinkle on and allow to sit for at least 15 minutes.

3. Treat the Stain

   Place an absorbent white cloth under the stain. Working from the outside edges of the stain toward the center, use a stain remover pen or wipe to gently rub the stain. You can also try a tiny dab of makeup remover on a cotton swab.

4. Hide the Evidence

   Grab the chalk or baby powder to hide any discoloration.

How to Remove Fresh Blood Stains From a Wedding Gown

1. Blot Away Blood

   Blot away fresh blood with a white paper towel or cotton towel.

2. Dilute the Stain

   Place a white towel under the stain. Dampen a cotton swab with saliva (it has enzymes that help remove the bloodstain) or cool water and dab the stain. Work from the outside of the stain edges toward the center. Keep moving to a clean swab as the blood is transferred. Treat any underlayers that might be stained.

3. Dry and Camouflage

   Allow the fabric to air dry and camouflage any remaining discoloration with chalk or baby powder.

How to Remove Fresh Mud and Grass Stains From a Wedding Gown

1. Allow Mud to Dry

   If possible let the mud dry so it can be brushed away without smearing before treating the stain. If there isn't time, lift away any solids with a dull edge and blot away as much moisture as possible.

2. Treat the Stain

   Place a white towel under the stain. Start at the edges of the stains and use a stain removal wipe or stain removal pen to work toward the center. Keep blotting with a white towel to absorb the soil, moving to a clean area of the towel. Treat all underlayers that are stained.

3. Grass Stains

   Grass stains are difficult to remove quickly so unless the stain is above the hem edge of the gown, leave it alone. If you need to camouflage the stain, use baby powder or chalk.

How to Remove Fresh Pollen Stains From a Wedding Gown

1. Lift Away the Pollen Grains

   Use some double-sided tape to carefully lift away the grains of pollen from flowers, especially lilies which leave bright yellow stains. Avoid rubbing as much as possible. If you rub, the pollen will go deeper into the fabric and won't come out. It is nearly impossible to remove pollen stains quickly, so don't try. You'll just make a bigger mess.

2. Cover the Stain

   Hide the stain by covering it with cornstarch, baby powder, or chalk. Mix the powders until you find a shade that comes closest to matching your gown.

How to Prevent Fresh Stains on a Wedding Dress

• No eating or drinking while wearing your gown and veil.
• Apply make-up and hair products before putting on the gown.
• Step into the gown or use a silk cloth over your face when putting on the gown.

Last-Minute Wedding Gown Repairs

Depending on how much time you have, even seemingly impossible situations can be saved.

• If the stains won’t come out, the evidence can be hidden with a lace appliqué or additional beading.
• Add a fabulous brooch to conceal the stain.
• Use a sewing kit, double-sided tape, or even super glue for a last-minute rip.
• Safety pins can hide rips, secure a button, or keep straps in place.
• For zippers that stick, rub the teeth with a bar of soap or a candle to lubricate the zipper teeth without staining the gown.

At the end of your wedding celebrations, be sure to have your gown professionally cleaned. Point out any stains to the cleaner and have repairs made by a professional.