How Do You Remove Bad Smells from Your Wedding Dress?

It makes sense that every bride wants to look and smell good during their wedding.

But, sometimes, your gown may have an unpleasant odor.

If this is the case, don’t panic.

So, How DO YOU Remove Bad Smells from Your Wedding Dress?

There are different ways to remove smells from the wedding dress. For instance, you can mist it with Vodka or use white vinegar. However, these solutions work if the odor comes from a small area. If the entire dress smells, consider taking it to a dry cleaner. Remember that this is important clothing. Therefore, it is better not to risk it by practicing DIY cleaning.

Call several dry cleaners and ask for their quotation. Sure, it seems like an extra expense.

But this way, you’ll be sure your dress will not be damaged.

Plus, it will save you the effort. A dry cleaner can deodorize the dress using an ozone machine, making it smell fresh.

You can also consider airing the dress out or using the dryer sheet.

But if you opt for the latter, make sure you use a clean bag, not the same bag the dress came in.

Three Methods to Get Rid of Smells from Your Wedding Dress?

We’ve listed the ways to eliminate bad smells from your wedding dress.

Let us now discuss them in depth and the steps to follow:

1. Using White Vinegar

White vinegar can help remove a foisty scent from your dress successfully.

But usually, this method is recommended if there are smells in specific areas rather than the whole dress.

If that is the case, here is what to do:

  • Mix white vinegar with water in a ¼ and ¾ ratio, respectively
  • Deep the parts that are smelling into this solution and soak them overnight
  • In the morning, your dress will be scentless and ready to wear.

The good thing with white vinegar is that it removes the smell without making them smell like vinegar.

2. Using Dryer Sheets

Dryer sheets are another excellent method of removing smells from your wedding dress.

Place the dryer sheets where the scent comes from and give them some time.

Since they are great deodorizing agents, your dress will smell good and fresh after this treatment.

However, remember to use lots of dryer sheets to prevent febreezing your dress.

3. Using Cheap Vodka

Vodka is the boozy deodorizing solution that can help remove smells from your dress quickly.

There are two ways to utilize Vodka.

One is that you use it as a cocktail steaming solution to kill bacteria causing the smell.

You need to fill your steamer with a half-and-half solution of cheap Vodka and water. Then steam your dress. The pungent smell will reduce, and your gown will not smell like Vodka.

Another way is to use it in a spray deodorizer.

Just fill a spray bottle with Vodka. Don’t use water in this procedure, as it will dilute and make it less effective. Then, spritz it on your dress.

We recommend using a spritzer to produce a well-diffused spritz, not a directional one.

The Vodka scent will be strong at first, but will dissipate as the Vodka dries.

Before attempting this solution, research your dress’s material.

Determine how Vodka reacts to that material.

How to Remove Four Different Stains from Your Wedding Dress

1. Protein-based Stains

Combine water, ammonia, peroxide, and dish soap in 4, 1, 1, and 1 parts, respectively.

Then, place a white towel or an absorbent cloth under the stained dress.

Then, gently dip a rag or Q-tip in this solution and lightly tap on the stain.

Doing this pushes it through the cloth underneath.

As the stain comes out, rotate the absorbent cloth.

2. Dirt Stains

You can remove them with a dry or damp towel.

But remember to brush on the dress lightly instead of rubbing it.

3. Earth-based Stains

If you pour fruit juice, liquor, or tea on your dress, flush it immediately using a solution of 1 part dish soap and 3 parts of water.

If it still won’t come out, apply a solution of 1 part water and 1 part bleach.

Please remember to separate layers when removing the stains.

4. Grass Stains

These are usually at the bottom and aren’t that apparent.

So, experts advise that you leave them since trying to remove them might stretch and affect the hem and length of your dress.

Instead, take the dress to a professional cleaner after the wedding.

Additional Wedding Dress Topics
Can a Wedding Dress Be Taken in 2 Sizes?Can You Negotiate Wedding Dress Prices?
Can the Groom Go Wedding Dress Shopping?Can You Put a Wedding Dress on Layaway?
Can You Try On Wedding Dresses For Fun?Do You Tip the Seamstress for Wedding Dress Alterations?
How Do You Remove Bad Smells from Your Wedding Dress?How Do You Remove Boning from a Wedding Dress?
How Many Wedding Dress Shops Should You Visit in a Day?Is 18 Months Too Early to Buy Your Wedding Dress?
Is It Better to Buy a Wedding Dress That’s Too Big?Is It Cheaper to Make Your Own Wedding Dress?
Should You Go Wedding Dress Shopping On Your Period?What Should You Do If You’ve Gained Weight After Buying Your Wedding Dress?
What Should You Wear When Wedding Dress Shopping?Will Rose Petals Stain Your Wedding Dress?
Should You Finish Losing Weight Before Buying a Wedding Dress?

Three Ways To Smell Good at Your Wedding

1. Fragrance Your Dress, Bare Torso, And Your Entire Body

Once your wedding dress and accessories arrive, spray perfume on them at least once a week.

This will leave them with a long-lasting scent on your attire and won’t be overpowering.

You can also use perfume sachets for your undergarments like bras and panties. If you are wearing closed shoes, apply show spray as well.

Also, remember to perfume your bare torso to leave you smelling good for a long time.

After showing, dry and moisturize yourself, then spray fragrance directly on your torso so your skin can absorb it effectively.

Besides your torso, remember to spray your ankles too.

If you have a professional hairdresser, let them fragrance your hair. Remember to blend several scents for maximum effect.

2. Deodorize

A deodorant can significantly improve your smell. Opt for an antiperspirant one, which prevents and counters sweat.

You can choose the non-scented ones, so your overall fragrance isn’t affected.

3. Be Careful What You Eat

Besides applying fragrance, you should keep your diet in check.

Garlic, onions, and chives tend to give you bad breath. Also, avoid broccoli and Brussels sprouts as they increase your risk of flatulence.

Final Thoughts

If your wedding dress has a musty smell, don’t panic.

Try using white vinegar, cheap Vodka, or a dryer sheet to remove the bad smell.

If these don’t work, take it to a professional cleaner as soon as possible.

Also, use the above tips to remove stains and smell nice on your wedding day.