That intricate lace dress hanging in your closet is made from threads so fine they can snag on a rough fingernail. Every loop and open-work flower is held together by the tiniest connections, which is why even a normal wash cycle or a few minutes of ironing can turn your dream dress into a tangle of pulled threads and fuzzy patches. Lace is stunning because of that delicacy, yet that same delicacy is exactly what makes it challenging to clean.
But fragile doesn’t have to mean off limits. With the right approach, you can protect every tiny knot and blossom, and keep your lace looking pristine, whether it’s a vintage heirloom, a wedding-day keepsake, or a weekend brunch staple. Here’s where to begin!
Read the Label Before Anything Else
Lace dresses may all look delicate, but not all of them are made the same. Some are blended with sturdier fabrics like polyester or linen, while others might be pure silk or even hand-stitched cotton. That’s why reading the care label on your lace dress is step number one – it’s basically the garment’s user manual.
The care label tells you whether your dress can be hand washed, if it must go to a dry cleaner, or if it has details that need special attention (like buttons, beading, or mixed fabrics like leather panels).
Start Here: What the Tag Tells You
- Look inside the neckline or side seam for the care tag.
- Find keywords like “Dry Clean Only,” “Hand Wash Cold,” or “Do Not Bleach.”
- If there are no instructions (especially for vintage dresses), treat it as delicate by default.
- When in doubt, take it to a professional dry cleaner for proper cleaning.
Spot Clean Small Stains First
If there’s just one little spot on your lace dress like from makeup, food, or sweat, there’s no need to wash the whole dress. Spot cleaning is a smart way to treat small areas without putting the entire garment at risk.
Since lace is so fragile, full washing can wear out the threads. Spot cleaning lets you target the issue while keeping the rest of the fabric untouched and safe.
The Gentle Way to Clean Small Stains
- Dab, don’t scrub. Use a soft cloth, cotton swab, or sponge.
- Mix a few drops of gentle detergent (baby shampoo works!) with cold water.
- Test on a hidden part of the dress first to check for any fabric reaction.
- Apply gently onto the stain, blot with a clean cloth, and air dry.
Never Throw It into a Regular Laundry Load
This is a big no. Tossing a lace dress into your usual load, with jeans, shirts, towels, or bedding, is the fastest way to destroy it. Lace gets caught on zippers, snaps, and even other fabrics. The result could be snagged threads, torn seams, pulled buttons, or an uneven hem. Your beautiful dress will come out looking nothing like it went in.
Use a Mesh Laundry Bag When Hand Washing or Machine Washing
If your lace dress can be washed at home (check the label!), you still need to protect it. A mesh laundry bag adds a barrier between the lace and any rough surfaces, so threads don’t get caught or stretched. This step is especially important if you’re using a washing machine because even a gentle cycle can twist or tangle lace.
How to Safely Wash Lace at Home
- Get a fine mesh bag large enough for the dress to lay flat, not bunched up.
- Zip the dress inside, making sure buttons or ribbons are tucked in.
- Use cold water and a detergent made for delicate clothing.
- Choose the shortest, gentlest cycle or hand wash instead.
Avoid Wringing or Twisting the Fabric
After washing, the first instinct is usually to wring out the water. Don’t do it. Lace fabric is too delicate and stretchy. Twisting it can ruin the shape or cause threads to snap. Instead, gently press out the water without putting stress on the dress.
How to Remove Water Without Hurting the Fabric
- Lay the dress flat on a clean, dry towel.
- Roll up the towel with the dress inside like a burrito.
- Press down gently to absorb excess moisture.
- Unroll and lay the dress flat on a new dry towel to finish air drying.
Let It Air Dry Flat
You should never hang a wet lace dress or gown. Hanging causes gravity to pull down on the wet fibers, which stretches them out or distorts their shape. Dryers are even worse because of the heat and tumbling. Air drying flat is the safest and easiest option.
Best Practices for Drying Lace Dresses
- Find a clean, flat surface like a drying rack or table.
- Lay down a towel first to protect the dress and soak up moisture.
- Gently shape the dress into its original form – don’t tug.
- Let it dry in a shaded, room-temperature area – avoid sun and heat.
Store It Properly After Cleaning
After all that care, the last thing you want is for your clean lace dress to get damaged while sitting in the closet. The wrong storage, like plastic bags, wire hangers, or a hot attic space, can cause yellowing, creases, or even mildew. Storing it correctly keeps it beautiful and wearable for years to come.
Best Practices for Storing Lace
- Use an acid-free garment box or breathable cotton garment bag.
- Add white acid-free tissue paper between folds to prevent deep creases.
- Store flat if possible, especially for heavy or structured dresses.
- Keep in a cool, dry, and dark place – no sunlight or humid basements.
Protect Every Thread of Your Lace Dress – Take it to All Seasons Garment Care and Tailoring for Professional Cleaning!
A fabric this beautiful deserves care that’s just as thoughtful. At All Seasons Garment Care and Tailoring, our specialists use gentle, fabric-safe methods and meticulous hand finishing to remove soil and revive delicate lace without fraying a single loop. From heirloom gowns to contemporary cocktail dresses, we match every piece with the right solvent, the right temperature, and the right touch – nothing less.
But aside from lace dresses, we’re also experts at cleaning the following specialty items:
- Leather jackets
- Suede shoes
- Fur coats
- Silk blouses
- Lace dresses
- Sequined gowns
- Vintage clothing pieces
- Designer clothes
- Couture dresses
- Cosplay costumes
Drop by any of our convenient locations across CHANHASSEN, CRYSTAL, DEEPHAVEN, MOUND, MINNEAPOLIS, ST. LOUIS PARK, ST. PAUL, and WACONIA. You may also call us at 952-395-1074 or email info@allseasonsgarmentcare.com with all your inquiries.
