What type of laundry detergent should I use?

Choose a gentle, color-safe detergent that is safe for the type of fabric in your ball gown.

Should I use a dryer after washing the ball gown?

Using a dryer may cause additional damage to the fabric, so it’s best to air dry the gown instead.

What if the stains are still visible after washing?

If the stains are still visible after washing, you may need to take the ball gown to a professional dry cleaner for specialized cleaning.

WikiLaundry > Stains > Hairspray > Ball gown

5 Steps to Clean Hairspray Stains from a Ball Gown

Keeping your ball gown looking like new requires some extra care. Even if you’re careful, accidents can happen and hairspray can get on the fabric. Here are five steps to help remove hairspray stains from a ball gown so it looks as good as new.

Updated 03 Mar 2023

By Brane Lukman

Step 1: Pretreat the Stain

Start by pretreating the stain with a laundry stain remover. Make sure to choose a product that is safe for the specific type of fabric in your ball gown. Work the cleaner into fabric with a damp cloth, using a circular motion. Let the stain remover sit for a few moments before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Soak the Fabric

To ensure that all the hairspray is removed from the fabric, soak the entire gown in a mixture of water and laundry detergent. This should be done in a sink or tub, with enough water to cover the entire garment. Let the gown soak for about 30 minutes.

Step 3: Rinse with Cold Water

Once the fabric has had time to soak, rinse it in cold water. This will help to remove any remaining detergent and hairspray residue. Use a gentle motion when rinsing to avoid damaging the fabric.

Step 4: Launder Ball Gown

Place ball gown in the washer with a gentle, color-safe detergent. Wash the dress on the delicate cycle, using cold water. If possible, air dry the gown rather than using a dryer to avoid any additional damage from heat.

Step 5: Assess the Stain

After the ball gown has been washed, check for remaining hairspray stains. If any traces remain, you may need to repeat some of the steps. If the stain is still visible after two rounds of pretreating, soaking, and laundering, you may need to take your ball gown to a professional dry cleaner for specialized cleaning.

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