How to Preserve Your Wedding Dress: Expert Tips from Pennywise Cleaners in Sheffield

Your wedding dress is one of the most treasured garments you’ll ever own. From the moment you said “yes to the dress” to the moment you walked down the aisle, it holds precious memories that deserve to last a lifetime.

At Pennywise Cleaners Ltd, we’re proud to be Sheffield’s trusted experts in wedding dress cleaning and preservation. Whether you w

ant to pass your gown down to future generations or simply keep it looking as beautiful as the day you wore it, proper care and preservation are essential.

Here’s our expert guide to keeping your wedding dress in perfect condition for years to come.

1. Have Your Dress Cleaned as Soon as Possible

After your big day, it’s easy to put your dress away and forget about it — but hidden stains from champagne, makeup, perfume, or even sweat can cause permanent discolouration over time.

To prevent yellowing or fabric damage, it’s best to have your gown professionally cleaned as soon as possible.

At Pennywise Cleaners Ltd, our Sheffield team uses gentle, specialist cleaning methods tailored to each dress, ensuring delicate fabrics, lace, and embellishments are protected throughout the process.

2. Trust a Wedding Dress Cleaning Specialist

Not every dry cleaner has the expertise to handle a wedding gown. Choosing the right cleaner is key to preserving your dress safely.

Here’s what sets Pennywise Cleaners apart:

• Over 50 years of experience in bridal gown cleaning and preservation

• Specialist care for silk, satin, lace, tulle, and beaded fabrics

• Eco-friendly, solvent-free cleaning methods

• Personalised treatment for every gown — no two dresses are ever the same

Your gown will receive the utmost attention and care from start to finish.

3. Handle Your Dress with Care Before Cleaning

While waiting to bring your gown to us:

• Always hang it by the loops inside the dress, not the shoulder straps.

• Store it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and radiators.

• Avoid plastic garment bags, which trap moisture and can cause yellowing — use a breathable cotton cover instead.

If you’re unsure how to handle your dress, we’re happy to offer advice when you call or visit our Sheffield branch.

4. Professional Wedding Dress Preservation

Cleaning is just the first step — preservation ensures your dress stays perfect for years to come.

At Pennywise Cleaners, we offer a complete wedding dress preservation service in Sheffield. Once your gown has been expertly cleaned, we carefully fold it with acid-free tissue paper and place it in a special preservation box designed to protect against dust, humidity, and light damage.

Our preservation boxes are:✅ Acid-free and pH neutral✅ Breathable and moisture-resistant✅ Elegant enough to store or display safely

You’ll receive your dress beautifully packed and ready for long-term storage.

5. Store Your Preserved Dress the Right Way

After preservation, store your wedding dress in a cool, dry wardrobe or under the bed — never in the loft or cellar, where heat and humidity can cause fabric damage.

We also recommend checking your gown every few years to ensure it remains in top condition. If needed, our team can help with re-boxing or inspection.

6. Don’t Forget the Accessories

Your veil, gloves, and other delicate bridal accessories deserve the same care as your gown. Pennywise Cleaners also provides professional cleaning and preservation for all your wedding-day keepsakes, so everything stays pristine.