Ok to Dry Clean? If so, Phoenix Specialty Dry Cleaners?

October 18, 2010 10:58 AM

Dry cleaning a 60 year old wedding dress and 65 year old Navy uniform - OK to do?

In two weeks, we're having a huge party for my Grandparents 60th wedding anniversary and their 80th birthdays. We'd like to display my grandma's wedding dress and my grandpa's Navy uniform (wool), but I'd like to clean them first. They're actually in great shape, considering their age. The dress has obviously yellowed, but the material, a heavy satin, is in good shape. The Navy uniform has a few moth holes in it and smells faintly, but OK otherwise. So, my question is this - Would it be safe to dry clean them? I'm thinking that if it's OK to dry clean them, I should probably take them someplace that specializes in cleaning vintage or delicate items. I'm not sure where that would be though. I'm in Phoenix, AZ. Thoughts or suggestions?

posted by TurquoiseZebra to clothing, beauty, & fashion (3 answers total)

Our (museum-level) textile collection has a number of resources on caring for textiles. This page suggests the books Caring for Your Family Treasures, Saving Stuff and Preserving Textiles: A Guide for the Nonspecialist. You should be able to find some at your library.
posted by Madamina at 11:27 AM on October 18, 2010 [1 favorite]

I would not.

I would seek a wedding shop with an added specialty of wedding dress restoration, which is more involved than just cleaning or call several shops and ask if they are aware of a relatively local company that will do a restoration.

Same with the uniform. I'd find someone who does clothing preservation or restoration work.
posted by zizzle at 11:29 AM on October 18, 2010

I vote "no" to the cleaning. Why take a chance on something happening to these irreplaceable family treasures?

What about talking to a cleaner about steaming and brushing the Navy uniform? Or doing it yourself with a home steamer? It would be less stressful to the fabric while still freshening it.

Congratulations to your family!
posted by Agatha at 4:46 PM on October 18, 2010