Caring for your gown

Environmental variants can cause permanent damage to fabric and non-woven dress components such as beads, lace, metal closures, embellishments and trimmings. So, whether your gown lies in a preservation box or hangs in a preservation bag, do not store it in the attic or basement. Protect your gown! Store it in the living area of your home that is controlled for safe and comfortable temperatures and humidity and is not exposed to excessive light, dust and other hazards. If your gown was packed in a "sealed box, be careful when you first "break the seal" to view your gown. Actually, the "seal" on the box your gown was delivered in, has no function in the preservation of the gown, and "breaking" it does not adversely affect your gown and should have no bearing on your warranty. Open the box slowly. If you open a sealed box all at once, the rush of air into the box will rapidly deoxygenate the chamber and may cause the fabric to deteriorate. Inspect your gown regularly about every 18 months to 2 years to assure it indeed is preserved. in fact, it is a good idea to "air" it and let the fabric breath for about 30 minutes. Before you handle your gown wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water to remove any oils, salts and sweat that can damage delicate fabrics. Museum professionals often wear plain white cotton gloves so as not to damage the fabric.

About wedding gown preservation boxes

Most company will store your wedding gown in a card board box. Many use treated acid-free or PH balanced cardboard and tissue paper for your gown. However, even acid-free or PH balanced cardboard boxes can re-acidify over time, often in three to five years. This is why costume conservators and museum curators recommend replacing these boxes periodically to ensure the proper long-term archival preservation of valuable textiles such as wedding gowns. Additionally cardboard storage boxes take a lot of space and must be handled with care. Store the box flat, with top side facing up. When you move the box, make sure it is totally level when you carry it so that your gown does not shift. Check the box for mold and mildew every few years, as they may harm your gown. If you live by the beach or otherwise a high humidity area, check the interior of the box often for mold and mildew as they can ruin your gown. A-wedding Day offers you the alternative of using the Gown Carrying and Preservation Bag.(insert Link) Actually, being allowed air inside, will not damage your gown. According to experts, curators and The Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC., a sealed cardboard container absorbs and can trap moisture that may promote the growth of mold or mildew within the storage chamber. This will stain and weaken the fibers of your gown as it affects even clean fabrics. Professional textile curators always recommend that a fabric be allowed to "breathe". In fact, neither the First Ladies' Gowns nor presidential upholstered furniture nor even "Old Glory" (the "Star Spangled Banner" flag from 1814) are in air-tight or sealed rooms. Yet, they are beautifully preserved.

How and where do I store my wedding gown that is in a preservation box?

Successful long-term preservation of your wedding gown depends on you. Where and how you keep the gown will have an effect on its condition. Store the box flat, with top side facing up. When you move the box, carry it as level as possible, so your gown does not shift. Protect your gown from extreme temperature and humidity, which may cause the material to deteriorate. All fibers even the cleanest, degrade under high temperatures, and many may discolor permanently. High humidity encourages mold and mildew even on clean fabrics. Therefore, it is not wise to store your gown in an attic or a cellar. Choose a cool dry place, without much traffic, and away from direct sunlight, to store your gown. Inspect the box about once every 18 months and be sure to wash your hands and dry them well, or better yet wear cotton gloves when you handle the gown.

How and where do I store my wedding gown that is in a gown Carrying and Preservation Bag?

Hang your gown on soft hangers, never on metal hangers, in the special Preservation Bag in a closet within your living quarters. Inspecting your gown, showing it off and airing it is as easy as unzipping the bag. Yet you should still be sure to wash your hands and dry them well, or wear cotton gloves before handling the gown. Do not keep gowns in plastic bags - plastic emits fumes that yellow the gown - and never store gowns in the attic or basement where there are extreme changes in temperature and/or humidity. *****************************************************************

Please feel free to post this Article in your newsletter, on your website, and forward it to your friends. If you post or otherwise publish this article, please ensure that the copyright as well as the author's entire bylines box remain intact. As follows: Copyrights © 2002-2003 All Rights Reserved Nily Glaser, A-wedding Day and Gan Publishing Nily Glaser is the founder of A-wedding Day, http://www.a-weddingday.com a very popular Wedding Resource and Information Center, and a discount shopping mall for wedding gifts, supplies and bridal accessories. She is also the publisher of the free A-wedding Day newsletter. We would highly appreciate a courtesy copy of your publication and / or a website link.
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