We’ll be talking about the issue of yellowing lace gowns that plagues many fashionistas nowadays. Lace is a beautiful and delicate fabric, but it needs special treatment to keep its bright white colour. Sunlight, sweat, and poor storage practices are just a few of the many causes of lace gowns becoming yellow over time.
But fear not! This article will explain how to take care of a lace dress so that it lasts for years without losing its lustre. If you follow these guidelines, your lace dress will always look beautiful and sophisticated. Let’s get to the bottom of why does lace turn yellow, shall we?
How Do You Keep A Lace Dress From Turning Yellow?
Take special care when washing and storing your lace dress to prevent it from turning yellow. Here are some suggestions for keeping your white lace dress white:
Wash Your Lace Dress Carefully
It’s crucial to be careful and gentle when washing a lace dress to prevent the delicate fabric from being damaged or discoloured. If you want to wash your lace dress gently, here are some suggestions:
- Check the care label: Before washing your lace dress, always check the care label for any specific instructions. The label will provide information about the fabric type, washing temperature, and whether the garment can be machine washed or needs to be hand washed.
- Hand wash your lace dress: Hand washing is the best way to clean a lace dress. Fill a clean sink or basin with cold water and add a gentle detergent suitable for delicate fabrics. Submerge the dress in the water and gently agitate it with your hands. Avoid rubbing or twisting the fabric as this can cause damage.
- Rinse the dress: Rinse the lace dress thoroughly with cold water to remove any soap residue. Do not wring or twist the fabric, as this can damage the delicate lace.
- Dry the dress: To dry your lace dress, lay it flat on a clean towel and gently press out any excess water. Avoid hanging the dress to dry as this can cause stretching or damage to the fabric. Leave the dress on the towel to air dry in a shaded area away from direct sunlight.
If you follow these instructions, your lace dress will retain its lovely appearance for a very long time. Lace and other delicate materials require special care to prevent damage and fading.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Avoid using harsh chemicals that could harm or discolour the delicate fabric of your lace dress if you want to preserve it from turning yellow. Here are some suggestions to keep your lace dress safe from harsh chemicals:
- Use a gentle detergent: When washing your lace dress, use a gentle detergent that is specifically formulated for delicate fabrics. Avoid using regular laundry detergent, as it can contain harsh chemicals that can damage the lace and cause discolouration.
- Avoid bleach: Never use bleach on your lace dress, as it can cause yellowing and damage to the delicate fabric. If your lace dress has stains, try using a stain remover that is specifically formulated for delicate fabrics.
- Be careful with spot treatments: If you need to spot-treat a stain on your lace dress, be sure to use a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner that is safe for delicate fabrics. Avoid using harsh chemicals or scrubbing the fabric too hard, as this can cause damage.
- Use natural cleaning solutions: If you prefer to use natural cleaning solutions, try using a mixture of white vinegar and water to clean your lace dress. This solution can help remove stains and odours without damaging the fabric.
Dry Your Lace Dress Properly
It is just as vital to dry your lace dress correctly as it is to wash it gently. If you want to keep your lace dress from becoming yellow when drying, consider the following:
- Gently remove excess water: After washing your lace dress, gently remove any excess water by pressing the fabric between two towels. Do not wring or twist the fabric, as this can damage the delicate lace.
- Lay flat to dry: To dry your lace dress, lay it flat on a clean, dry towel or drying rack. Avoid hanging the dress to dry, as this can cause stretching and distortion of the fabric.
- Shape the dress: While your lace dress is still damp, gently reshape it to ensure that it dries in its proper shape. Smooth out any wrinkles or creases in the fabric and adjust any lace details or embellishments that may have shifted during washing.
- Avoid direct sunlight: When drying your lace dress, be sure to keep it away from direct sunlight, as this can cause the fabric to fade and yellow over time. Instead, choose a shaded area with good air circulation to help the dress dry more quickly.
Store Your Lace Dress Properly
If you take the time to fold and store your lace dress correctly, you can keep it looking fresh for years to come. Keep these things in mind when putting away your lace dress:
- Clean your dress before storing: Make sure your lace dress is clean and dry before storing it. Any residual dirt or moisture can cause discolouration and damage to the fabric over time.
- Use a breathable garment bag: Store your lace dress in a breathable garment bag to protect it from dust and moisture. Avoid using plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and cause yellowing and mould growth.
- Avoid direct sunlight: When storing your lace dress, choose a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Exposure to sunlight can cause the fabric to fade and yellow over time.
- Store it flat or on a hanger: Depending on the style and fabric of your lace dress, you may want to store it flat or on a hanger. If you choose to hang your dress, use a padded hanger to prevent stretching and distortion of the fabric.
- Check on your dress periodically: Check on your lace dress periodically to ensure it is still in good condition. If you notice any yellowing or discolouration, consider having the dress professionally cleaned to restore its original colour.
Consider Using A Fabric Protector
You can extend the life of your lace dress and keep it from becoming yellow by using a fabric protector. Here are some suggestions for protecting your delicate lace dress:
- Choose a fabric protector designed for delicate fabrics: Make sure to choose a fabric protector that is specifically designed for delicate fabrics like lace. Avoid using fabric protectors that contain harsh chemicals or that are not recommended for use on delicate fabrics.
- Test on a small, inconspicuous area first: Before applying the fabric protector to your entire lace dress, test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure that it does not discolour or damage the fabric.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions: Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for applying the fabric protector to your lace dress. Some fabric protectors may require multiple coats or a specific drying time, so be sure to read the instructions carefully.
- Reapply as needed: Fabric protectors can wear off over time, especially with repeated washing or dry cleaning. Be sure to reapply the fabric protector as needed to ensure that your lace dress stays protected.
Conclusion
A lace dress needs special treatment to prevent the yellowing that can occur over time. Carefully hand wash the dress in cool water with a mild detergent; do not use bleach or other harsh chemicals; and dry flat, out of direct sunlight. Dresses can be protected from yellowing by avoiding exposure to direct sunshine and by hanging or folding them in a breathable garment bag.
Finally, a fabric protector is an option to further ensure the safety of the lace. You can extend the life of your lace dress and keep it looking fresh and new by following these guidelines.