Dresses Questions

Dresses

I have a dress with a sequin trim that I want to have cleaned. What do I need to know about cleaning this type of dress?

A. The first step is to read the clothing care label. Some labels say, “spot clean only.” Some sequins are sensitive to heat and may curl or distort during the cleaning process.

However, the major problem is the possible loss of sequins if they are glued to the garment rather than sewn. If glued, the garment cannot be dry cleaned since the glue can dissolve. In this case, it may be possible to wet clean the garment, depending on the particular type of cloth.

You should know that after cleaning, sequin trim might experience a color change. It may occur the first time the garment is cleaned or it may be progressive. It can occur whether it’s dry- or wet-cleaned.

In any case, your cleaner should test the garment before proceeding with cleaning.

“While taking an appetizer at a cocktail party, I spilled my drink on my silk dress. Embarrassed, I quickly found some water and tried to rub it out. The spot only became worse and now the dress is ruined. What should I have done?”

A. If you are wearing a silk garment, blotting the stain with a dry cloth is the only safe choice. After blotting, have the garment dry cleaned as soon as possible––within 24 hours if possible. Be sure to point out the spot to the dry cleaner along with what was spilled.