Any Way to Fix Water Damaged Dress

[leilaniana]

After a recent storm, I discovered that our closet had sprung a leak and unfortunately, that leak hit the bottom of one of my dresses.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4148/5063520195_95cc02ce50.jpg

Has anyone had this kind of thing happen with a dress, and what can be done to clean it? It's not one of the uber pricey ones, but one I got off of Ebay from China for under $200. I still like it very much and would like to save it, if possible.

[fascination]

whenever my dresses appear watermarked I usually re-moisten that area and see if I can get the stain out with gentle soap that way... but I re-wet that entire area, being careful to get it wet evenly and let it dry again evenly

[Dots]

I’m no stain expert, but your local cleaner probably is. Perhaps seeking his services could be a good way to save the dress? Some nasty stains were erased from my expensive clothing thanks to help of the one close to me.

[Standarddancer]

wow such a shame!!! I usually use a Chinese soap to clean all tanning stains for my dress. I got them from Chinese store near my home for like $1, works most of the time. pm me if you would like to have one, doesn't hurt to try.

[Tenehill]

If the material is damaged (eaten) by organic growth or in some other way, it cannot be repaired fully. Watch under strong magnifier glass if the texture of the fabric has changed.

If there is only deposit, then try some of these, in sequence, and, of course, after testing on an invisible area:

Lemon juice, diluted.

Light-colored vinegar.

Solution of baking soda, strong, warm.

20-60% alcohol solution.

Detergent with enzymes (follow the instruction).

Hydrogen peroxide.

Chlorine bleach, begin with weak solution.

[Larinda McRaven]

I would try simply wetting the whole dress before you try any chemicals.

[Joe]

I agree with L. My bet is that the water that wet the dress wasn't pure water, and that whatever grunge was suspended in it caused those stains on the dress.

[fascination]

right and that may be as easy to get out as re-wetting and aggitating a bit, or at most, as dressgirl reccommends, using a little bit of tide or oxiclean