Your 2010 prom dress need not be a use-once-and-forget affair. The prom night is a special occasion for all girls and for those who would like to preserve their prom dress as a reminder of this special night, given below are some simple steps and precautions that you may follow.

Dry-clean (or wash) your 2010 prom dress before storing it. There are many chances of spilling beverages or getting food stains. Your own body oils may also leave stains if they are not treated in time.

Some fabrics and patterns are too weak to withstand the dry-cleaning process. Speak to the dry-cleaner to make sure that there will be no such disaster with your prom dress. The cleaner can suggest the right type of cleaning. Some fabrics also tend to lose color when subjected to common solvents used by cleaners. This is another point to discuss with the cleaner when giving your prom dress for cleaning.

If you purchase your 2010 prom dress the manufacturer will typically include washing instructions. Pay attention to those. There are cleaners who specialize in gowns and dresses, approach them first.

Now that your prom dress is cleaned and ironed, it is time to consider the different ways of storing it. Depending on the type of dress, get a good box or a hanger.

If your prom dress will be stored in a box then give the box to the cleaners so they can pack it directly. Also make sure that the folding and packing is done in your presence. This prevents any chance of contamination between cleaning and storage.

For those dresses that will go on hangers, even for light dresses, make sure that you strap the waistline to decrease the pressure on the shoulders. This will also help to minimize risk to the neckline. Wrap the dress in muslin fabric or in a white sheet.

The material used to make the box and the fabric in which you wrap the hung dress are equally important. Both materials must be archival-safe and acid-free. You can find materials with these specifications simply by asking or doing a search on the Internet.

Wrapping your prom dress in acid-free material will keep it safe from any sharp creases. Curved areas and bodices must be stuffed with the same material to prevent creasing.

Do not use metal objects like pins or clips as they might rust and leave stains. Plastic is a petroleum-based product that will decay and leave chemical residues when it breaks down. Do not use plastic bags or wrappings.

This might sound like a prescription cover but store the dress in a cool and dry place. Damp, heat, and humidity will all eat into the fabric or rob it of its color.

Always check your prom dress regularly to ensure against unnoticed damage in storage.

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