Irish Dancing

[Pullman]

My two grandaughters aged 4and 6 have just taken up Irish Dancing. My daughter has bought them a second hand dress each but though not really dirty they could do with being "freshened up" anyone any ideas whether they would be okay with a gentle wash. They can be dry cleaned but not many places will accept them and it's very pricey. Just thought I would put the question out there. Thanks.

[woofgang]

if they are not dirty, maybe steaming them? I have never had my hands on a dress, but if they are like the ones I have seen with a very stiff front skirt panel, I don't think they'd wash and I bet even second hand, they weren't cheap.

[ummmm]

I wouldn't put them in a machine not if they are the traditional type..

[woofgang]

I wouldn't even hand wash....not even dip and drip. When I look at stufflike this, I look ar worst outcome and consequences. Worst outcome here is a wrecked dress....consequences....well are used ones easy to come by and could you afford the replacement? Does cleaning cost more than the price of the dress?

[237SJ]

If you google theatrical dry cleaners some places come up. Or ask at your local amateur dramatics society - they might have a recommendation.

[ummmm]

Irish dancing dresses cost a fortune. Really not worth the risk.

[rockyracoon]

I definitely wouldn't wash it.

My friend's daughter is an Irish dancer, I'll ask her what she does to clean her dress.

[Mamyalynne]

Light sponging, plenty of febreze and always wearing sweat guards/dress shields are the most common recommendations.

[woofgang]

oh Mamya.......yuk

[Mamyalynne]

I should have added, if you want to avoid the cost of specialist cleaning.

[woofgang]

I rememeber at school the drama club would sometimes rent costumes...the stink was incredible, this was well before the days of febreeze

[Mamyalynne]

Indeed, not nice.

[rockyracoon]

My friend responded.

She said you can't clean them. She hangs her daughter's dress on the line and sprays Febreze. Her daughter also uses arm pads to shield from the sweat.

Great stuff.

[Mamyalynne]

That's why you dance with your arms tight to the body :-)