Can you store your wedding dress in a vacuum bag?

After the big day is over, you're left with the most meaningful and expensive dress you've ever purchased; how do you keep it in pristine condition for the years to come? There are a lot of ways to handle this, and you can even hire a bridal shop to store your dress for you, but this would be very expensive.

Cotton and bleached wool are commonly used in the production of bridal dresses. Dresses typically use polyester and other synthetic textiles for certain details. These materials tend to be quite long-lasting. There is a higher chance of mould and mildew growth if they are exposed to particular activities and storage conditions.

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How long does a fabric wedding dressage over time?

The fabrics used in today's bridal gowns are stunning, expensive, and intricate. Fashion designers employ a wide variety of fabrics with distinctive qualities to create stunning bridal gowns for the runway. As a group, they have the common characteristic of being biological in nature. The natural process of ageing is the gradual breakdown and steady decay of all organic elements. It's a property of the natural fibres, and while our wedding dress preservation procedure significantly slows it down, it still happens. The untreated deterioration of your wedding dress's textiles is due to the breaking of long-chain molecules into shorter chains, which leads to brittleness over time.

Is there a need to clean the dress before putting it away for good?

Did you know that your wedding dress can be damaged by the microscopic friction and abrasion generated by dust particles on the surface of the dress? This is just one more reason why you should get your wedding dress professionally cleaned before storing it away. Makeup, body oils and sweat, perfume oils, and many other impurities are just some of the invisible stains that need to be cleaned up after the big day. Without immediate attention, these hidden stains can weaken and brittle natural fibres, turning them an unsightly yellow or brown. The only way to prevent spot stains from ruining your gown years from now is to get rid of them before storing it away.

How does your wedding dress fare against the elements?

How Humidity Affects the Preservation of Wedding Gowns

It's crucial to know how damaging heat and humidity may be over time while preserving a wedding dress. A wedding dress is particularly vulnerable to water damage if it is kept in a damp closet for an extended period of time. Many varieties of fabric, for instance, will eventually acquire grey and black patches if left in a humid climate. Mold has apparently grown in some areas.

Fabrics commonly used to make wedding dresses are hygroscopic, meaning they will gradually take in and give off moisture vapour when the air's humidity fluctuates. Very high relative humidity causes fibre swelling, colour transfer, and mould growth. According to the Canadian Conservation Institute, mould can start growing on clothes in as little as two or three days if the humidity is at 90% or higher, but at 50% or lower, mould growth is practically eliminated even when the temperature is held at a constant 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Mold and the subsequent proliferation of germs produce severe discoloration, which is, regrettably, irreversible. Fibers can be weakened by mould growth, sometimes to the point of collapse. During the hot and humid summer months, your gown should be alright if your living environment is air conditioned. If you can't find a place to store your cleaned and preserved gown in a humidity-controlled environment, you could want to give it to a family member or close friend.

Dress for the Occasion: How Temps Affect Wedding Gown Storage

Your wedding dress may not last as long if it has to endure extreme heat. Fabrics that are chemically unstable, like the weighted silk typically used in wedding gowns, can easily break down when exposed to high temperatures. The pace of chemical decomposition in textiles is slowed by low temperatures, and the possibility of insect infestation is lessened, among other advantages of low temperatures. As an extreme example, the average lifespan of a fabric at 32 degrees Fahrenheit is 20,000+ years, whereas at 86 degrees Fahrenheit, it only lasts 250 years. This is a perfect illustration of why you shouldn't keep your wedding dress in the humid, hot, and cold environments that might be found in an attic.

Storing a bridal gown in a dry, cold place is crucial for preventing these issues from occuring. It is best to keep it separate from one's everyday wardrobe if at all possible. Putting a wedding dress in a closet increases the risk that it will come into contact with other garments that have been soiled with dirt, oil, or other liquids. Over time, this might be bad for the clothes.

Installing a dehumidifier in the attic or basement is recommended if a dress is going to be stored there. To remove humidity from the air, a dehumidifier uses condensation. It is critical, however, to be aware of the dehumidifier's limitations. Frequently emptying a dehumidifier's water tank is a necessary maintenance task. However, by connecting a dehumidifier to a drain in the home's plumbing, this chore can be avoided.

You can think of a dehumidifier as an air conditioner for moisture. This means that people who already have air conditioning may not need to invest in a separate dehumidifier. There is a good chance that a wedding dress will be safe from the effects of humidity in an air-conditioned home.

The storage of a bridal dress might also present issues related to pests. The storage space where a wedding dress will be kept should be prepared with moth traps and mothballs to protect it from moths and other pests.

The Effects of Ultraviolet Light on the Preservation of Wedding Gowns

One of the most damaging aspects of long-term fabric storage is exposure to ultraviolet radiation. As time passes, fabrics become weakened and embrittled due to UV radiation's photooxidation process, also known as photo rendering. Silk materials, in particular, are highly susceptible to self-destruction after prolonged exposure to UV light, and traditional colours can accelerate photooxidation. The difference between a wedding dress that lasts for two millennia and one that just lasts for a century is as simple as keeping it out of the sun and in a dark spot.

Maintaining a wedding dress in perfect condition requires a number of activities that can be difficult to coordinate. Wedding gowns can be difficult to preserve, but a vacuum storage bag could make it easier. An individual can keep their wedding dress in a semi-vacuum by using a vacuum bag. One technique to prevent mould and mildew from wreaking havoc on your belongings is to store them in a vacuum bag. Putting a wedding dress in a vacuum bag also eliminates the risk of humidity damage. A wedding dress may withstand some heat, but it's still crucial to keep it out of direct sunlight and away from radiators.

However, there are a few potential drawbacks to using vacuum bags. Certain parts of a wedding dress can be distorted by the pressure inside a vacuum bag. A wedding dress may not fit properly after being taken out of storage for this reason. One solution is to use a foam filler to prevent these problems from occuring. Using a foam filler, you can make sure that your garment will not lose its shape after being stretched or bent.

Feel free to contact our fabric experts if you have any questions about keeping your gown, including why vacuum sealing it could be disastrous.

We have compiled a list of Melbourne Wedding Dress Shops to make the search as easy as possible for your perfect gown.

After the big day, there's no reason to not seal your wedding dress in a vacuum bag.

If you vacuum seal your wedding dress, moisture will be trapped within.

The fibres in textiles must be kept in a dry, well-ventilated area. To avoid long-term damage from humidity, fabrics should not be stored in airtight plastic bags or containers.

Dresses should never be kept in a plastic bag or other vacuum-sealed container. It may seem like a good idea to store your gown in a plastic bag or container, but the chemicals released by the plastic might cause the fabric to fade or yellow. Further, if there is condensation within, mildew or mould can start to grow.

What will happen to your wedding dress if you store it without air circulation? Deterioration due to dryness. Dry rot is caused almost entirely by mould growth and has very little to do with actual rotting. Fabrics that have been stored in a humid climate tend to dry rot. Even in a vacuum-sealed container, mould and mildew spores can make it to your dress. Naturally occuring spores in the air feed on the moisture contained in your gown, destroying the delicate fibres. Dry rot and fabric weakening take time and are usually not noticed until it's too late.

Your wedding dress will lose its shape when vacuum sealed.

Wedding dresses and other delicate garments often fray in the seams and creases where they were most carefully worn. In order to avoid creases, a wedding dress should be wrapped over protective materials instead of folded.

Because of the bust included with our Wedding Gown Preservation Kit and the acid-free tissue paper, our expert fabric handlers can carefully package your dress in a way that prevents wrinkles. As the air is swiftly expelled from the plastic bag during the vacuum sealing procedure, your wedding dress will develop severe and permanent creases.

Exposing your wedding dress to plastic fumes via vacuum sealing is not a good idea.

Some plastics aren't meant to be kept for very long periods of time, and this is especially true of the cheaper varieties. Vacuum-sealed containers that you make yourself are not the best option for long-term storage of seasonal apparel. The molecular breakdown that occurs with ageing causes these plastics to release fumes. Your wedding dress should never come into contact with these polymers or the fumes they emit, which is impossible with these sorts of do-it-yourself vacuum storage containers. Let's pretend you've thought of vacuum sealing your wedding dress to protect it from moths and other pests. This is readily achieved by storing the garment in a dry, cool place and checking on it once a year.

Think about having your wedding dress preserved professionally.

The Best Ways to Keep Your Wedding Gown Beautiful!

With the right care, you can keep your dress from getting yellowed, permanently creased, mildewed, mouldy, oxidised, and dirty.

Conservators will often clean the garment, make any necessary repairs (within reason), press or steam it, wrap it in acid-free tissue, and put it away for safekeeping. There are three main categories of conservation techniques:

• There are even companies that will vacuum wrap the dress before placing it in an acid-free box for long-term storage. Sealing encourages mould and mildew growth, leaves permanent wrinkles in the fabric, and prevents routine inspections, all of which are reasons why many museum conservators advise against it.
• The dress is kept folded and stored in an acid-free box, but acid-free tissue is used to prevent the folds from becoming permanent (this tissue should be white any coloured paper risks bleeding into the dress). The dress can still breathe because it isn't enclosed in a box, and you can check on it and refold it whenever you choose. Boxes made from acid-free board, as opposed to boxes coated to prevent acidity, are recommended.
• Bagging: This option keeps your dress hanging and unfurled, similar to how museums store heirloom clothing. After being hung in a secure location, the robe is strengthened with twill tape to prevent any wear and tear over time (with a padded hanger).

Think about having your wedding gown preserved by a professional.

Know what to expect if you decide to hire a wedding dress preservation firm, as the average cost of expert preservation can range from $150 to $500. Inquire about any guarantees provided and who is accountable for any harm that may occur during the preservation process (some may only reimburse you for the cost of their services).

The safest place for your wedding dress may surprise you.

After you've securely wrapped your dress, put it away in a place where it won't be exposed to direct sunlight or high humidity.

You should keep your dressing robe where it won't cause any discomfort. Maintaining a relative humidity of 50 percent in a chilly, dark, and dry setting is ideal. Because of this, don't look in the basement or attic. Temperatures in attics can reach dangerously high levels (up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit), while basements are often wet and flood easily.

Dresses were often tucked away in dry places like closets or under beds. Not only do we offer a wide range of climate and unit type options, but we can also ensure that your dress remains dry and safe during its time in self-storage if you just don't have the space for it elsewhere.

Carefully open the bag containing the wedding gown.

Always be careful with your dress, whether you're taking it out to check on its condition (experts advise taking it out every two to three years to refold it, avoiding the danger of permanent wrinkles) or just to reminisce with loved ones. Here are some things to remember:

• Because your body already creates oils, you should always wash your hands before touching anything.
• Always be wary of nail polish, and remember that lotions and scents can also seep into your clothing.
• Pick up a pair of crisp white cotton gloves (which some preservationists provide). Your dress will remain white and sparkling with their help.

If you're experiencing this with loved ones, make sure to encourage them to follow suit (especially with young children).

With these do-it-yourself, frugal tricks, Shores can help you keep your dress looking new and almost wrinkle-free for years to come.

• In addition to having your gown professionally cleaned and pressed before preserving it, you should also consider storing it in an acid-free storage bag, which is provided by most gown preservation services.
• Alternatively, you can use two large sheets, one to cover the front of the dress and the other to cover the back, and pin them together in the absence of a gown storage bag. In this case, fitted sheets are ideal.
• One-third of your dress's front length is a good size for the box you select. Cover the tissue in this box and place the dress on top, right side up. Don't forget to iron out any wrinkles or folds at the front of the gown.
• Beginning at the side seams, fold the skirt in half lengthwise over the clumped tissue until the skirt is narrower than the box.
• Fold the hem of the skirt inside the box and stuff it with additional wads of bunched tissue if necessary.
• It is time to tuck the top of the gown inside the box, so that it is visible when the box is opened.
• Protect the bodice, sleeves, and ribbons by stuffing them with extra tissue paper. Keep in mind that if the package is shook, the dress shouldn't budge one inch.

To get more ideas on preserving your wedding dress, check out our post on How do you get dirt stains out of a wedding dress?

When not in use, how should a bridal gown be stored?

You now know why you shouldn't vacuum seal your wedding dress, so let's talk about how to properly keep it after it's been cleaned and preserved.

The basic rule of thumb that we've gathered from all of our sources is that you should keep your wedding dress in the same temperature and humidity that you would be most at ease in. This means you won't have to spend any time in a place that's always freezing or boiling hot, like a basement or an attic.

Conclusion

After the big day, how do you keep your wedding dress in pristine condition? Cotton and bleached wool are commonly used in the production of bridal dresses. There is a higher chance of mould and mildew growth if they are exposed to certain activities and storage conditions. A wedding dress is particularly vulnerable to water damage if it is kept in a damp closet. Very high relative humidity causes fibre swelling, colour transfer, and mould growth.

Mold can start growing on clothes in as little as two or three days if the humidity is at 90%. Putting a wedding dress in a closet increases the risk that it will come into contact with other garments that have been soiled. Over time, this might be bad for the clothes. Installing a dehumidifier in the attic or basement is recommended if a dress is going to be stored there. Wedding gowns can be difficult to preserve, but a vacuum storage bag could make it easier.

Certain parts of a wedding dress can be distorted by the pressure inside a vacuum bag. Dry, well-ventilated fabrics should not be stored in airtight plastic bags or containers. Wedding dresses and other delicate garments often fray in the seams and creases where they were most carefully worn. Dry rot is caused almost entirely by mould growth and has very little to do with actual rotting. Exposing your wedding dress to plastic fumes via vacuum sealing is not a good idea.

The average cost of expert preservation can range from $150 to $500. Some companies will vacuum wrap the dress before placing it in an acid-free box for long-term storage. Maintaining a relative humidity of 50 percent in a chilly, dark, and dry setting is ideal. With these do-it-yourself, frugal tricks, Shores can help you keep your wedding dress looking new and wrinkle-free for years to come. Consider having it professionally cleaned and pressed before preserving it, or storing it in an acid-free storage bag.

How to preserve your wedding dress after it's been cleaned and preserved. Dress should be stored in the same temperature and humidity that you would be most at ease in, not in a cold or hot place like a basement or attic. The top of the gown should be visible when the box is opened.

Content Summary

1. The untreated deterioration of your wedding dress's textiles is due to the breaking of long-chain molecules into shorter chains, which leads to brittleness over time.
2. Is there a need to clean the dress before putting it away for good?Did you know that your wedding dress can be damaged by the microscopic friction and abrasion generated by dust particles on the surface of the dress?
3. This is just one more reason why you should get your wedding dress professionally cleaned before storing it away.
4. It's crucial to know how damaging heat and humidity may be over time while preserving a wedding dress.
5. A wedding dress is particularly vulnerable to water damage if it is kept in a damp closet for an extended period of time.
6. During the hot and humid summer months, your gown should be alright if your living environment is air conditioned.
7. If you can't find a place to store your cleaned and preserved gown in a humidity-controlled environment, you could want to give it to a family member or close friend.
8. This is a perfect illustration of why you shouldn't keep your wedding dress in the humid, hot, and cold environments that might be found in an attic.
9. Storing a bridal gown in a dry, cold place is crucial for preventing these issues from occuring.
10. Installing a dehumidifier in the attic or basement is recommended if a dress is going to be stored there.
11. You can think of a dehumidifier as an air conditioner for moisture.
12. There is a good chance that a wedding dress will be safe from the effects of humidity in an air-conditioned home.
13. The storage of a bridal dress might also present issues related to pests.
14. The storage space where a wedding dress will be kept should be prepared with moth traps and mothballs to protect it from moths and other pests.
15. The Effects of Ultraviolet Light on the Preservation of Wedding GownsOne of the most damaging aspects of long-term fabric storage is exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
16. The difference between a wedding dress that lasts for two millennia and one that just lasts for a century is as simple as keeping it out of the sun and in a dark spot.
17. Maintaining a wedding dress in perfect condition requires a number of activities that can be difficult to coordinate.
18. Wedding gowns can be difficult to preserve, but a vacuum storage bag could make it easier.
19. An individual can keep their wedding dress in a semi-vacuum by using a vacuum bag.
20. Putting a wedding dress in a vacuum bag also eliminates the risk of humidity damage.
21. We have compiled a list of Melbourne Wedding Dress Shops to make the search as easy as possible for your perfect gown.
22. After the big day, there's no reason to not seal your wedding dress in a vacuum bag.
23. If you vacuum seal your wedding dress, moisture will be trapped within.
24. Dresses should never be kept in a plastic bag or other vacuum-sealed container.
25. What will happen to your wedding dress if you store it without air circulation?
26. Fabrics that have been stored in a humid climate tend to dry rot.
27. Even in a vacuum-sealed container, mould and mildew spores can make it to your dress.
28. Exposing your wedding dress to plastic fumes via vacuum sealing is not a good idea.
29. Let's pretend you've thought of vacuum sealing your wedding dress to protect it from moths and other pests.
30. This is readily achieved by storing the garment in a dry, cool place and checking on it once a year.
31. Think about having your wedding dress preserved professionally.
32. There are even companies that will vacuum wrap the dress before placing it in an acid-free box for long-term storage.
33. The dress is kept folded and stored in an acid-free box, but acid-free tissue is used to prevent the folds from becoming permanent (this tissue should be white any coloured paper risks bleeding into the dress).
34. Think about having your wedding gown preserved by a professional.
35. After you've securely wrapped your dress, put it away in a place where it won't be exposed to direct sunlight or high humidity.
36. You should keep your dressing robe where it won't cause any discomfort.
37. Always be careful with your dress, whether you're taking it out to check on its condition (experts advise taking it out every two to three years to refold it, avoiding the danger of permanent wrinkles) or just to reminisce with loved ones.
38. Pick up a pair of crisp white cotton gloves (which some preservationists provide).
39. Your dress will remain white and sparkling with their help.
40. In addition to having your gown professionally cleaned and pressed before preserving it, you should also consider storing it in an acid-free storage bag, which is provided by most gown preservation services.
41. Alternatively, you can use two large sheets, one to cover the front of the dress and the other to cover the back, and pin them together in the absence of a gown storage bag.
42. One-third of your dress's front length is a good size for the box you select.
43. Cover the tissue in this box and place the dress on top, right side up.
44. Fold the hem of the skirt inside the box and stuff it with additional wads of bunched tissue if necessary.
45. It is time to tuck the top of the gown inside the box, so that it is visible when the box is opened.
46. Protect the bodice, sleeves, and ribbons by stuffing them with extra tissue paper.
47. The basic rule of thumb that we've gathered from all of our sources is that you should keep your wedding dress in the same temperature and humidity that you would be most at ease in.