Formal gowns combine delicate fabrics, beading or sequins, and complex linings. They are inspected at intake; loose beads are noted, and any visible stains are pre-treated by hand.
Color migration is a risk on multi-color dresses — the cleaner watches for it and adjusts the process accordingly. Beading is sometimes glued rather than sewn; high-heat or aggressive solvent can soften the glue.
Cleaning a formal dress soon after wearing it is the safest path: makeup, perfume and body oils set over time and become harder to remove.
Joy handles formal gowns by hand. We can also press a gown before an event to remove travel wrinkles.