Acid Free Storage Preserve your heirlooms for future generations by taking time now to store them properly.  Wedding gowns, bridal veils and christening gowns can last for years to come by following these easy steps.  Any treasured garment, quilt or linens will benefit from careful storage.  Artwork and silver items may also be stored using these methods.  Please keep in mind there is no 100% guarantee that your item will last through the years as it was the day you first acquired it, but these basic step will raise the level of success.

1.  Clean and repair the item as best possible.  Clean garments, quilts and linens using methods recommended by the manufacturer.  If washing, be sure to thoroughly dry the item.  If dry-cleaning be sure to thoroughly inspect the item before and after cleaning.

T he most common stains on gowns are #1 Dirt and #2 Sugar.  Most any drycleaner will be able to address any dirt stains, but they do not normally treat for sugar unless specifically asked to do so.  Sugar is in any form from food & drink, to sweat & baby drool.  Note where the garment came in contact with any form of sugar and be sure to take time to point these areas out the drycleaner and request they treat for sugar.  The gown should be taken to the cleaners within the first day after the ceremony so be sure the person in charge to taking in the gown for you knows where the areas are requests treatment for sugar.  These areas can be marked by paper pinned to the gown using sharp pins.  Also request the gown be cleaned in the first batch of clean fluid even if that means delaying cleaning the gown.

Bring someone with you to verify your inspection when you pick up the gown.  Thoroughly inspect it before leaving.  If there's any problem ask to speak to the manager immediately.

Be ware of "Heirloom" services because they usually require the items to remain sealed or the guarantee is void.  You need to inspect the gown once it's cleaned to verify the condition after cleaning.  Garments need to breath and sealing it will not allow this.  In fact it is best to take the garment out once a year to expose it to air and refold it avoiding permanent creases.  Heirloom services also typically store the veil with the gown.  Veils need stored seperately as they are made of different materials that can damage the gown during long-term storage.

Is your gown 100% polyester?  The number one method to clean polyester is to wash it.  Really!  Use mild detergent in the gentile cycle or hand wash it in a bathtub.  The detergent we use in our machines treat sugar as well.  Test a small area if you have well water and look for any discoloration.  (It's a good idea to test city water too)  Be sure to let the gown air dry thoroughly before storing.

2.  Order an archival box to keep your gown as safe as gowns stored by many museums.  An acid free or acid neutral box will provide an excellent environment for your gown.  A box is the preferred method as hanging the gown during storage will add stress to the shoulders and other structural seams weakening them over the years.  A box will provide a stress free location for the gown to rest. 

3.  Pack your item into the box using acid free tissue paper.  Non-buffered acid free tissue paper with a ph level of 7 is best for preserving garments (including 100% silk), artwork, and silver.  Layer paper around the items especially between folds to maintain shape and avoid sharp creases.

4.  To pack your item for storage: 1-wash your hands, wear cotton gloves if possible and clean the surface you will be working on to spread out the item.  2-lay out the item and spread it out.  3.  place acid free tissue paper over the item especially where folds will be.  4-insert acid free bust form if applicable.  5-fold to fit the box.  6-place in box.  7-stuff sleeves, neck or other areas with acid free tissue paper.  8-close the box.  9-the box may be covered by a cloth, such as muslin, but do NOT us any plastic or plastic bags.  Plastic causes garment to break down because it contains acids and it does not allow the garment to breath.

5.  Store the box in a safe place that remains at a moderate temperature and low humidity.  A closet or under a bed is a good location.  A basement or an attic is very bad location.  The number one enemies to preserving garments are light, extreme temperatures (very cold or very hot) and moisture.

6.  Take the item out once a year such as on an anniversary or birthday.  Let it hang and breath for a couple days.  Inspect it for yellow spots or other damage.  The yellow spots are sugar spots and they are much easier to clean within 6 months to a year than 20 years down the road.

May your precious items have a brilliant future!