Many people are nervous about washing a beaded gown for fear that the beads will come loose or fall off. Although most formal beaded gowns do not get too messy or sweaty, there are times when they just need to be cleaned. Some fabrics cannot be dry-cleaned and must be washed at home. If you have only a few spots, washing a gown is not that difficult. Washing the entire beaded gown does not have to be difficult, either. Simply take your time, and soon your dress will look like new.
Things You'll Need
Washcloth
Toothbrush
Soap
Tub or large sink
Water
Towels
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Spot-Washing
Step 1
Read the washing instructions on the label. They might say "dry-clean only"--in that case, take it to your regular dry-cleaner. If the gown doesn't have any washing instructions, that can be more difficult.
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Step 2
Check out what fabric is used to make the dress. If it is made from silk, acetate, rayon or wool, it should be dry-cleaned. If not, it might be OK to wash the dress at home.
Step 3
Lay the dress on the floor on top of a large towel or sheet.
Step 4
Using a damp washcloth or soft damp toothbrush, wipe at the dirt or stains on the dress.
Washing the Entire Dress
Step 1
Fill a bathtub or large sink with cold water.
Step 2
Add a mild, liquid detergent that is recommended for use with hand-washing. A popular brand is Wool-Lite. You also can use dishwashing soap.
Step 3
Submerge the gown in the water. You can leave it there for a few minutes or get started right away with the washing process.
Step 4
Use a washcloth to carefully and softly scrub at spots you see. If they are tiny spots between beads, use a soft toothbrush.
Step 5
Rinse the dress several times to ensure that all the soap gets out of it.
Step 6
Lay the dress on a large towel, and place another towel on top. Press firmly to get as much excess water out as possible.
Step 7
Lay the dress on another dry towel to dry it completely.
Tip
Do not run water over the dress to rinse it. The stream of water could dislodge some beads. Instead, fill the tub or sink with water while the dress is pushed away from the faucet, then submerge the dress again.