a dress with a care tag that says it can only be "spot cleaned?" Need advice

[Laurie4b]

 I purchased a dress which I really loved for an upcoming wedding. When I got it home and looked at the care tag, wondering whether it should be hand-washed or dry cleaned, it said neither--Do not wash, handwash, or dry clean. Spot clean only! 

 

What on earth? Does this mean that it's a wear a couple times max dress? It wasn't super expensive, but it wasn't in a price range I could shrug off either. It's a Tahari brand if that makes a difference to anyone.  

 

Does anyone have any experience with an item of clothing like that? 

 

I really, really like the dress, but that seems very impractical if I can only wear it a time or two. 

 

ETA: Dress has a lining and a shell. The shell is an overlay of very fine fabric kind of like netting but very very fine--almost like pantyhose. The fabric has a lacy design on it. Here is a photo: http://www.dillards.com/p/tahari-by-asl-metallic-lace-fit-and-flare-dress/504675466

 

Ok, the exact words on the tag: 

Shell: rayon 61%

Polyester 39%

 

Lining: 95% polyester 5 % spandex

 

Spot clean only

Do not iron

Do not steam

Do not dry clean

Edited July 5, 2016 by Laurie4b

[Pam L in Mid Tenn]

What kind of fabric?

I've never heard of a spot clean only dress.

[justasque]

That's just crazy.  That we have come this far into the world of disposable clothes.
My experience is that you can usually go one level beyond what it says on the care label - so dry clean only can sometimes be handwashed, handwashed can sometimes be gently machine washed, and so on.  But to take these risks you really have to know your fabrics and be willing to take a risk that the garment will be ruined.  Sometimes, it's not just the fabric that's the issue, but the buttons and/or trim.  Is there something on the dress that would be harmed by the chemicals used in dry cleaning?  Or something that would be melted if pressed?  Or is it an issue of the fabric shrinking, or the dye running?  You could speculate, but it's hard to know for sure.  If it were me, I'd be temped to call customer service and make inquiries as to what they intended, moving up the line into management, mainly for the sport of it.

[shawthorne44]

I'd return it, and tell them why.   I've only seen this once.  It was a little girl tutu that I bought used so I couldn't return it.  

[hornblower]

Does it have lots applique or embroidery? 

What is the fabric content listed as? 

[Laurie4b]

Dress has a lining and a shell. The shell is an overlay of very fine fabric kind of like netting but very very fine--almost like pantyhose. The fabric has a lacy design on it. Here is a photo: http://www.dillards.com/p/tahari-by-asl-metallic-lace-fit-and-flare-dress/504675466

 

Ok, the exact words on the tag: 

Shell: rayon 61%

Polyester 39%

 

Lining: 95% polyester 5 % spandex

 

Spot clean only

Do not iron

Do not steam

Do not dry clean

 

 

[TechWife]

There is a lot of trim that dissolves when it is dry cleaned repeatedly. My family owned a dry cleaners when I was growing up. We would not accept clothing that had:

sequins

beads (including "pearls")

glitter (gets every where - nightmare!)

rhinestones

bead-like buttons

 

ETA more trims that don't fare well at the cleaners:

vinyl (including imitation leather)

Plastic

Rubber

Tulle

Suede

 

Clothing with real leather or suede trim can be sent off to the leather cleaning company, the dry cleaners will have a provider they use (usually Ram). Leather and suede purses, briefcases, belts and wallets can also be sent for cleaning. If you have quality items, the cleaning fee more than repays itself.

Edited July 6, 2016 by TechWife

[meena]

Depending on the fabric, I'd probably spot clean any dirty or smelly areas if necessary then clean the whole dress using Dryel, checking every 10 minutes or so to make sure it's doing okay.

[TechWife]

Dress has a lining and a shell. The shell is an overlay of very fine fabric kind of like netting but very very fine--almost like pantyhose. The fabric has a lacy design on it. Here is a photo: http://www.dillards.com/p/tahari-by-asl-metallic-lace-fit-and-flare-dress/504675466

 

Ok, the exact words on the tag: 

Shell: rayon 61%

Polyester 39%

 

Lining: 95% polyester 5 % spandex

 

Spot clean only

Do not iron

Do not steam

Do not dry clean

 

I can see a couple of things that might make a dry cleaner wary to take it. First, it looks like it would snag on other clothing easily and they might not be comfortable running it with other clothing in the same load. Generally, wedding dresses (another item with a lot of lace) are dry cleaned alone (although things may have changed), which is one of the reasons they are so expensive to clean. The second thing is that the description says it has "metallic lace" - I'm not quite sure what that is, but I do know that metallic thread shreds really easily, so this could be another reason it wouldn't dry clean well. 

 

You can always take it to a dry cleaners and ask them why it says spot clean. A reputable one should be able to tell you what it is about the dress that gives it that designation. 

Edited July 5, 2016 by TechWife

[SparklyUnicorn]

It's pretty, but that's really stupid if you can't wash it.

 

 

[GailV]

I can see a couple of things that might make a dry cleaner wary to take it. First, it looks like it would snag on other clothing easily and they might not be comfortable running it with other clothing in the same load. Generally, wedding dresses (another item with a lot of lace) are dry cleaned alone (although things may have changed), which is one of the reasons they are so expensive to clean. The second thing is that the description says it has "metallic lace" - I'm not quite sure what that is, but I do know that metallic thread shreds really easily, so this could be another reason it wouldn't dry clean well. 

 

You can always take it to a dry cleaners and ask them why it says spot clean. A reputable one should be able to tell you what it is about the dress that gives it that designation. 

 

The "metallic lace" caught my eye, too.  I wonder if that's the problem.  

 

I like the idea of taking it to a cleaner and asking what they think.

 

Costuming trick -- spritz with vodka to kill odor-causing bacteria.  It might melt or discolor the fabric in this case, but I thought I'd just throw it out there as a thing people do.

[kbutton]

Those fabrics don't send off a lot of bells to me, but I would be wary too.

 

If you decide to keep it, you can get armpit liners that you can tack in easily with a little needle and thread. Or, apparently they have disposable ones too: https://www.amazon.com/Kleinerts-Disposable-Underarm-Dress-Shields/dp/B000J09VGA

 

I get the guards when I buy fancy fabrics--some fabrics don't hold dye well, and some colors are very unstable with heat or moisture (blues!).

[MercyA]

If it were me, and I really loved it, and I didn't pay too much for it, I'd probably try gently hand washing it in cool water with Woolite. After rinsing, I'd blot it with a towel and then hang to dry. But I'm adventurous like that.  :D

 

It's a very pretty dress.

[G5052]

Basically it's not going to take a lot of agitation at all. I'd see what a dry cleaner says because water may dissolve more than you want.

 

I have a "spot clean" hat that I've hand washed in Woolite that has done fine, but no glitter or trim. 

[Caroline]

With metallic lace, I would worry that it would rust.

[SparklyUnicorn]

If it were me, and I really loved it, and I didn't pay too much for it, I'd probably try gently hand washing it in cool water with Woolite. After rinsing, I'd blot it with a towel and then hang to dry. But I'm adventurous like that.  :D

 

It's a very pretty dress.

 

I would too.

[gardenmom5]

many manufacturers give very conservative cleaning instructions so they won't be liable if anything happens to the item during cleaning.

 

it would probably be safe to dry clean - but it sounds like it could be prone to snags.  I would only take it to a VERY reputable cleaner.

 

also - use dress shields to protect from perspiration.

[zoobie]

It could be the metallic lace. There are some metallic prints that will lose the metallic foil when they're washed or heated. How often do you plan to wear it? How often do you wash/dry clean fancy dresses? I tend to wear them a couple of hours, stick them in the closet, pull them out for another occasion two years later, see a spot, swab it with a baby wipe, and wear it anyway... ;)

[kitten18]

It could be the metallic lace. There are some metallic prints that will lose the metallic foil when they're washed or heated. How often do you plan to wear it? How often do you wash/dry clean fancy dresses? I tend to wear them a couple of hours, stick them in the closet, pull them out for another occasion two years later, see a spot, swab it with a baby wipe, and wear it anyway... ;)

I agree. I would keep it.

[Anne in CA]

As a quilter, I know that metallic thread has a wash max of only a couple of times. It is too fine. If I quilt a quilt with metallic threat I understand that it will only be washed twice and the third time will be dicey. You could take it back, or you could be very careful with it and spot clean under the arms after each use and spot clean any stains. I would totally be okay with wearing such a dress just a few times. But then, I can be vain like that, lol.

[slackermom]

All of my daughter's dance dresses are spot-clean only, due to material (especially metallic stuff), trims, stones, etc. Most of the dancers use wipes on their as needed, and some of the girls add shields in the arm pit area, or wear a thin athletic top to absorb sweat from dancing. Their dresses are lined, and long sleeved, so they can get a bit moist, but if aired out and spot cleaned, honestly, the dresses are fine without any regular washing. 

[Laurie4b]

Thanks everyone. I am trying to figure out why it's even called metallic lace. As I said, there is a very fine mesh (I will have to be really careful not to tear it) but the "lace" almost looks painted on. There is a little shiny dot on each swirl, like a little sparkle. Maybe those dots are "metallic." 

 

I think I'll try the arm shields and maybe an underliner to absorb sweat. other  If needed, i think I'll try hand-washing.

 

I really appreciate the help. I don't even have anything in my closet that needs dry-cleaning so "Spot clean only" was quite a shock!

[KungFuPanda]

I own lots of costumes you can't clean in a traditional sense, but they've served me well for years. It helps that I don't sweat much. Here's what helps:

 

Don't wear them longer than necessary

Spot clean

Spritz with vodka

Sun them

Smoke them (I haven't don't this, but it's an option)

Line them with something that can be removed and cleaned. (In your case, just find some undergarments that don't show.)

 

You have to get creative if you want to wear sequins and glass beads regularly.

[gardenmom5]

Thanks everyone. I am trying to figure out why it's even called metallic lace. As I said, there is a very fine mesh (I will have to be really careful not to tear it) but the "lace" almost looks painted on. There is a little shiny dot on each swirl, like a little sparkle. Maybe those dots are "metallic." 

 

I think I'll try the arm shields and maybe an underliner to absorb sweat. other  If needed, i think I'll try hand-washing.

 

I really appreciate the help. I don't even have anything in my closet that needs dry-cleaning so "Spot clean only" was quite a shock!

 

that's why it's spot clean only.  it will wash off.

[Meichelle]

I’m needing that question answered as well. I have 3 down different long gowns that I wore to events we danced I got sweaty in them

they need cleaning how can I clean them ?

do I put them in tub and put clothes soap in there and hand wash ???

I can’t find help any where ??

[Meichelle]

Ugh I have 3 GOWNS !!

[Jean in Newcastle]

Zombie thread. 

Note to the person who signed up to a homeschool board just to ask how to clean their clothes - look at the care instructions.