The prom is over and here you are looking at a formal dress made of special fabrics and you have no idea how to care for it. If your dress is dry clean only and has any stains, take it to the dry cleaner immediately.

If your dress is made from a washable fabric, read the garment’s care label and follow the instructions on the label. If you have acquired a stain on your dress and the garment is washable, pre-treat the stain as soon as possible. Never iron a stained area or dry the garment until the entire stain is removed, as this could cause the stain to set. Always test stain removers on a hidden area of ​​the garment before using it on a prominent area. When removing a stain, always blot the area with a clean white towel. Use a mild cleaner on any stains first, and use other stain removal products if necessary. If you need to rub the area, do so from the back of the cloth rather than the front. Be sure to rinse any stain remover off the dress before washing it. If your dress is free of stains, you can wipe the underarm areas to remove any deodorant residue instead of washing the entire dress.

If you feel your dress needs to be washed all over, or if your prom dress is beaded or sequined, it’s best to hand wash it with a mild cleanser. Fill a container large enough to hold the dress. If you do not have a large enough container you can use your bathtub. Add enough mild cleanser so that the water has a little suds. Place the robe in the soapy water and dunk it in and out, gently agitating it with each movement. Pay particular attention to the underarm areas, making sure to remove any residual sweat or deodorant. Switch to clear water and rinse in the same way. Experts recommend rolling the dress in white towels to remove excess water. Lay the gown flat and shape it, then allow it to dry completely.

To store the dress, it is best to fold it with tissue paper between the folds in a nice sturdy box. If you choose to hang your dress, never hang it by the straps, as this can distort the shape of your dress. Fold the back of the waist area over the hanger and store it in a garment bag. When you hang it in your closet, make sure it’s not tucked in between other clothes because this will cause wrinkles that could be very difficult to remove later.