Dress Care

Here are some cleaning and care tips to help you keep your STB Ballroom dress looking as good as new:

  1. DO NOT EVER DRY CLEAN STONED COSTUMES. The fix on the stones will melt and they will fall off! DO NOT IRON STONED AREAS OF YOUR COSTUME. The fix on the stones will melt and they may move, fall off, or stick to other parts of the costume.

  2. Try to avoid washing your entire costume, wear developing tan or get a spray tan to avoid staining your costume. Turn it inside out and wash the body suit only. If you really need to wash your costume then hand wash at a low temperature, rinse it thoroughly and let it dry naturally. Use a mild detergent to remove stains. If you use a hand wash programme on your machine use the lowest temperature and pop it in a pillow case. Do not spin. DO NOT WASH SEQUINNED DRESSES OR SEQUINNED SECTIONS – THE COLOUR WILL WASH OUT OF THE SEQUINS – WASH BODYSUIT ONLY.

  3. Fringed costumes – fringe is hand-cut into shape therefore the ends are raw. You may experience the odd fringe unravelling at the end, this is normal; just re-trim the raw edge. You will also lose the odd piece of fringe whilst dancing as the occasional strand works loose. If you need to wash a fringed costume then be extra careful. If there are marks on the body try to sponge them off without immersing the entire costume. DO NOT EVER, WRING, RUB OR SPIN FRINGE – IT WILL UNRAVEL. If it must be washed do it in a pillow case or lingerie bag. DO NOT WASH FEATHERS, they must be removed and reapplied after washing.

  4. Any creases in Lycra will disappear with body heat. You may iron chiffon or satin on a medium iron but not directly onto the fabric. It may snag, mark or burn. Iron through a clean cotton cloth – a large men’s handkerchief is perfect. Separate it our from any other layers and iron on its own never on top of other parts of the dress as any seams from a body suit for example will be imprinted on satin if underneath. A hand held steamer is very effective on chiffon inserts but not too hot! You can take a battery one to your competition for any final crease elimination.

  5. If your dress has spaghetti straps do not hang it by these straps for long periods of time- they will stretch with the weight of the dress. These costumes are best stored using a padded skirt hanger attached to the top of the bodice or skirt or stored flat. Do not store using the packaging tissue it is not acid free. Do not store it dirty – sweat, make-up and tan will stain, discolour and even rot the fabric. Wash the affected area after use and store clean.

  6. Plain Juvenile dresses – hand wash or machine wash on low temperature on delicate or hand wash programme in a laundry bag or pillow case. Hang up to dry naturally.

  7. Men’s dance shirts – hand wash or machine wash on low temperature on delicate or hand wash programme in a laundry bag or pillow case. Hang up to dry naturally.

  8. Men’s trousers – hand wash or machine wash on low temperature on delicate programme or hand wash programme in a laundry bag or pillow case. Hang up to dry naturally and press at home through a cotton cloth or take to a professional for steam pressing. Do not iron directly onto the fabric – iron through a clean cotton hanky. Do not waste your money on dry cleaning it damages your clothes!

  9. Take care of your dance wear and it will reward you with long life and stand up to vigorous dancing!

If you have any questions please contact us – we’d be happy to advise!