How the Hell Do You Clean a Corseted Fantasy Gown? (Without Ruining the Rhinestones, Pearls, or Magic)

May 8, 2025

Let’s set the scene.

You’ve just twirled your way through a magical night in a corseted gown—a show-stopper of shimmering fabric, rhinestones glittering like stars, a bodice that cinches just so. You feel powerful. Beautiful. Maybe even a little dangerous.

And then the next morning, reality hits: sweat, champagne spritz, maybe some lipstick stains... And now you’re standing in front of your dress thinking, how the hell do I clean this without completely destroying it?

I’ve got you.

Whether your gown is one of mine, something vintage, something custom, or something off the rack that just feels like it deserves a museum, this guide will walk you through how to care for corseted gowns—especially the fancy, complicated, sparkly kind.

Because spoiler alert: they’re not so different from gala gowns or wedding dresses. But they do need special handling. And most importantly, they deserve it.

First Things First: Don’t Panic, Don’t Machine Wash

If you take nothing else from this post, let it be this: do not throw your corseted gown in the washing machineI

I don’t care how gentle your cycle is. I don’t care how tough the fabric seems. Machine agitation + mixed media + boning = heartbreak. The gown will break… the machine could break…your bank account might break you.

Corseted gowns—especially those embellished with rhinestones, pearls, metallic threads, lace appliqués, or mesh overlays—are high-maintenance beauties. Think of them like red carpet gowns or haute couture: glamorous, yes, but never low effort. Would you put a 5k+ wedding gown in the wash? Probably not… fantasy gowns are no different.

So what can you do? Let’s break it down.

Know Your Boning: Steel vs Plastic

Corsets are the backbone (literally) of these gowns. That internal structure matters not just for shape and support—but for cleaning.

🖤 Steel Boning

Stronger, longer-lasting, often found in higher-end or professionally made gowns.
Prone to rust if it gets wet.
Cleaning tip: Never immerse the bodice in water. Spot-clean only, and dry thoroughly using fans or a cool, dry space. Steel and moisture? Recipe for disaster.

🖤 Plastic Boning

Lightweight, less expensive, found in some ready-to-wear or lightweight corsets.
Won’t rust, but can warp with heat.
Cleaning tip: Also spot-clean only, and avoid dryers or direct heat like steamers right on the fabric.

In short: no soaking, no wringing, no aggressive scrubbing. Boning is unforgiving when you treat it wrong.

🐋 Artificial Whalebone (aka Synthetic Baleen)

Ah yes—the modern answer to history’s morally complicated fashion choice: artificial whalebone. This boning type is also known as German plastic or synthetic baleen, and it’s one of my favorite materials for gowns that need to hold a shape while still allowing for movement and flexibility.

If you’re unfamiliar, this material was designed to mimic real whalebone (which was used extensively in the 18th and 19th centuries to make corsets rigid, smooth, and structured without steel). It’s flat, slightly translucent, and flexible—often used in historical reproduction garments or luxury fantasy pieces where both form and comfort matter.

Why It’s Magical:

It molds gently to the body with heat and wear (without stabbing your ribs).
It doesn’t rust like steel.
It holds its shape better than cheap plastic.
It’s much more forgiving during wear and storage than traditional flat steel.

But... It’s Still Not Machine-Wash Safe

While artificial whalebone is more water-tolerant than steel, that doesn’t mean you can soak it.

Here’s what you need to know:

Avoid full immersion. Like plastic boning, it can warp if left soaking in water.
Spot clean only, especially near seams or areas where boning channels are sewn in.
Do not iron over it. Direct heat can cause it to curl or deform.
If it does get a little wet during careful spot cleaning, just lay the garment flat and let it air dry, ideally with airflow underneath.

In short, treat synthetic baleen as the elegant middle ground between steel and plastic. Strong, flexible, and (thankfully) whale-free.

Handle Mixed Media with Respect

Rhinestones. Pearls. Beads. Appliqué lace. Metallic embroidery. These are all gorgeous but also delicate little divas when it comes to cleaning.

Here’s the deal:

Most rhinestones are attached with heavy-duty glues, or in my case, E6000, not sewn. For E6000 (and the reason I use it even for my mermaid wear and garments designed to literally be underwater), water and heat won’t affect them much. For most other types of fabric glues, washing can loosen the adhesive or worse, if tossed in the wash, can cause the stones to snag and instead of falling off, they may pull the fabric to the point of ripping off (YIKES)!
Pearls and metallic threads can tarnish or discolor with the wrong products.
Appliqués can lift or fray if rubbed too hard.

My Mantra:

Treat it like an artifact, not a t-shirt.

Spot Cleaning 101:

Lay the gown flat. Don’t hang it up wet—especially if it has weight. The seams will thank you.
Use a soft cloth or sponge with cool water and a gentle, fragrance-free, dye-free detergent (something made for baby clothes or delicates is your best friend).
Test an inconspicuous area first. Always.
Blot. Don’t scrub. Use a soft toothbrush or a cotton swab for tight spots.
Dry with a fan or let it air-dry naturally. Never use a hairdryer or place it in sunlight—especially with synthetic trims or shimmer.

Fabric Matters. Like, a Lot.

Different fabrics behave wildly differently when it comes to cleaning—and using the wrong method can literally melt or distort them.

Here’s a quick guide to the most common fantasy gown fabrics:

✨ Liquid Shimmer Knits

Think mermaid, moon goddess, or glam rock fae. These stretchy knits often have a foil or metallic finish.
These do not handle heat, friction, or harsh detergent well. They’ll lose shine, stretch weird, or flake.
Spot clean with cool water only and a mild detergent. Never scrub. Dab, pat, air dry.

🫧 Chiffon

Lightweight and floaty. Beautiful. Delicate.
Can snag easily and water can cause water marks.
Best bet: Steam from a distance and only spot clean if absolutely necessary. If you get a stain, take it to a professional.

🌙 Satin

Whether silk or synthetic, satin is moody. Water can leave streaks, and it easily puckers.
Avoid direct heat. Spot treat very cautiously, and blot—don’t rub.
A professional dry cleaner with knowledge of satin is worth their weight in gold.

❗ Always use fragrance-free, dye-free soaps, and when in doubt, bring it to a cleaner who knows how to treat formal wear.

For My Gowns Specifically...

If you’ve purchased a gown from That Lit Witch—first of all, thank you, I’m honored you’re wearing a piece of my magic!

Here’s my specific recommendation:
Bring it to a dry cleaner that has experience with mixed media, theatrical, or bridal garments. Not all dry cleaners are equal. Ask questions. Don’t just drop it off at your local strip mall cleaner who presses suits. They might treat your fae gown like a prom dress, and we both know it’s not.

Mixed media couture like mine often combines structured corsetry, hand-applied stones, lace overlays, metallic trims, and modern performance fabrics. It’s wearable art, and it needs to be handled as such.

If you ever want help finding a reputable place or have questions about what’s used in your gown’s construction, I’m always happy to help. Just send me a message or drop a comment on Substack.

A Peek into the Past: How They Did It in the 1700s

Corseted gowns and stays go way back. But if you're wondering how our historical sisters kept theirs clean—well, it was... different.

In the 18th century:

Corsets (called stays) were usually made of linen, canvas, and whalebone (yes, really).
They weren’t washed. Ever.
Women wore linen chemises underneath to absorb sweat and oils, which were washed regularly.
When a corset got dirty? It was brushed, beaten with sticks, and aired out in the sun.
If it stank too much, they might wipe it with vinegar or lemon juice.

Can you imagine doing that to your rhinestone-studded bodice?

Back then, garments were precious. They were worn and reworked for years. Just like us, they had to balance beauty with practicality—without the luxury of fragrance-free detergent or steaming wands.

That history informs a lot of how I think about gown care today. Be gentle. Be intentional. And when in doubt, preserve, don’t panic.

Storage, Travel, and Aftercare

You’ve cleaned it. You’ve steamed the hem. You’re ready to tuck your dress away safely until your next magical outing.

A few key tips:

Never store in plastic. Use a breathable garment bag (cotton or muslin) and avoid plastic dry cleaner bags. They trap moisture and can yellow fabric or attract mildew.
Use acid-free tissue paper to pad the bodice and layer between folds if you need to pack it.
Don’t hang heavy gowns by the straps. If you must hang it, use a padded hanger and distribute weight with a second hanger at the skirt.
Steam with care. Never direct steam onto rhinestones, pearls, or metallic threads. Use a handheld steamer at least 6 inches away and test it on an inside layer first.
Brush gently. A soft lint brush (like a velvet brush or sweater comb) works wonders for dust or debris.

When in Doubt, Ask Yourself: Would I Do This to a Wedding Dress?

Because really—that’s the bar.

Corseted gowns with complex materials and internal structures are wedding-dress level delicate. You wouldn’t toss a wedding gown into a laundry machine (I hope), so don’t do it to your fantasy couture either.

Final Thoughts: Caring for Magic

Wearing a corseted gown feels like stepping into a different version of yourself—stronger, sexier, more radiant. But caring for that gown is also a form of reverence.

This isn’t fast fashion. It’s slow, thoughtful, and often hand-made. Whether you made it yourself, commissioned it, or bought it as a splurge—it deserves to be cherished.

Taking time to clean and store your gown properly isn’t just about maintenance. It’s an act of devotion. Of love for the art, the effort, the fantasy woven into the seams.

Because let’s be honest—these dresses aren’t just dresses. They’re armor. They’re spells. They’re stories we wear on our skin.

So be gentle. Be careful. And don’t hesitate to ask questions, message your designer, or take it to a pro. Because keeping the magic alive is always worth it!

(Article cross-posted on my "That Lit Witch Tutorials" publication on Substack)

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