Preserving Gowns & Costumes

[snazzysteps]

Hello, fellow dancers! I'm looking for a way to freshen up a lovely gown that I lent to someone for a dance showcase. Now, unfortunately, the gown's aroma around the underarms reminds me of her performance every time I wear it! The gown is stoned with a feather hem. The underarm area is made of powermesh. Probably nothing will eliminate the odor altogether, but I welcome tried and true suggestions. Baking soda paste? Febreze? I am not ready to retire this gown yet!

Thanks!

 

[SDsalsaguy]

Welcome to the forums snazzysteps!

No real experience with this myself, but trying Febreeze shouldn't hurt anything, right?

Good luck!

 

[Sagitta]

Welcome to df snazzysteps!! I use Febreeze for almost any fabric that requires odor removal. Mostly for cigarette smoke, actually, and it does clear that up.

 

[twodance]

Place the gown in a tub of warm water with some Woolite. Just swish the gown around a little and rinse off with luke warm water. Lay flat to dry. If you hang it up it will stretch and the stones will pop off. As for the feathers you have to blow dry them after the dress dries. Usually a dress will be cleaned only two or three times a year. Don't send it to a dry cleaners unless you want to buy a new dress !!