Your beautiful event is now over. All the guests have now gone, the decorations have been taken down and all those thank you cards are sent. There’s just one more thing on your to-do list: preserve the outfit. So, what are the best methods of storage for your precious gown? Are there any preservation tips or tricks? How do you keep your gown looking crisp for siblings or generations to come? Today, we’ll teach you how to preserve and store your Christening gown or outfit the right way.
Step 1-Dry clean or hand-wash the baptism gown or blessing outfit as directed on the clothing tag. Why? Stains and body oils can irreparably discolor the fabric. If your item calls for a hand-wash, avoid using harsh soaps, chlorine bleach, fabric softeners, and starch. Rinse the christening dress or outfit well to remove detergent residues.
Step 2-Once the gown or outfit is completely dry, stuff it with clean, acid-free tissue; this will help prevent hard creases that can weaken the fabric. Fold additional tissue into pleats and slip it between layers of fabric.
Step 3-Place the christening outfit in a 100 percent cotton muslin garment bag. Plastic or vinyl bags are unacceptable for long-term preservation since garments need to breathe. For this same reason, you should not seal or wrap a cardboard box containing heirloom christening clothing. Never pack mothballs with your christening apparel since they can ruin fabric over time. Also avoid storing the christening suit or gown with metal items. If you have purchased a bracelet for your special occasion, you can find the perfect display frame here. It’s a good idea to label your storage container (if it is not already monogrammed or personalized) with your child’s name and event or birth date.
Step 4-Store the christening gown in a dark, cool, dry place (for example, in a closet or under a bed). Avoid storing the box or bag in places where temperature or humidity may fluctuate seasonally (for example, a garage or attic). The ideal storage place has a relative humidity of 55 percent and a temperature of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is a good idea to check your outfit once in a while to ensure that it is maintaining its beauty. When you handle your christening heirloom, wear cotton gloves–skin oils can discolor fabric.
When you wish to use your treasured christening gown or outfit again, remove it from the storage container and air it out for several days. You may need to steam the item to remove wrinkles; iron only as a last resort, and only on a very low setting.
That’s all there is to it. Now you know how to preserve and store your Christening gown or outfit for generations to come!
{Our Muslin Keepsake Bags can be personalized with baby’s name and event date embroidered on the front.}
