BRIDAL GUIDE · PRE-LOVED, SAMPLE & EX-DISPLAY GOWNS

Cleaning a Second Hand or Sample Wedding Dress

A pre-loved or sample gown can be a beautiful find, but it has usually been tried on, handled or stored before it reaches you. This guide to Cleaning a Second Hand or Sample Wedding Dress covers what to look for, when to book, prices and what a pre-wedding refresh can realistically achieve.

WhatsApp my gown photos Call 07494 223079

Free collection within our normal collection area, approximately 30 miles of Farnham, subject to route and booking availability.

Cleaning a Second Hand or Sample Wedding Dress - sample wedding gowns on a boutique rail

£190

Simple gowns from

3–4 wks

Usual turnaround

£70

Preservation box, included free

WHAT TO CHECK WHEN THE GOWN ARRIVES

Six things pre-loved and sample gowns often carry.

Look over the dress in good daylight and photograph anything you find. Every mark is assessed before treatment.

Try-on make-up

Sample gowns are tried on many times, so foundation often collects at the neckline, bodice and inside edges.

Hem soil

Shop floors, fittings and a previous wedding day leave a grey hem and train, areas that get particular attention.

Underarm & deodorant marks

Check the underarm and side seams. Photograph any marks close up so we can assess them.

Storage yellowing

Gowns kept in plastic bags or ordinary boxes can discolour. Older dresses are assessed individually.

Handling marks

Ex-display gowns are handled on rails and hangers. Visible marks and refreshing areas are treated where appropriate.

Unknown history

You may not know how it was cleaned or stored before. Tell us what you do know, and send the care label.

Make-up marks along the neckline of a satin sample wedding dress

PRE-WEDDING REFRESH PRICES

What a pre-wedding refresh costs.

Our Pre-Wedding Refresh Clean is designed for sample, ex-display, second-hand and previously stored gowns. The quotation is confirmed after we assess clear photos or the gown.

Simple or lightly detailed gown — from £190
Beaded or heavily detailed gown — from £240
Veil — £25
Skirt — from £35
Preservation box worth £70 — included FREE
Includes suitable mark treatment, hem & train cleaning, pressing and a ready-to-wear finish

Pay by card, Apple Pay, bank transfer or cash. Full details on our wedding dress cleaning page.

TIMING BEFORE THE WEDDING

Plan around the 3–4 week turnaround.

Inspect on arrival

Check the gown as soon as it reaches you and photograph the front, back, hem, train, detailing and marks.

Mention alterations

If alterations are planned, tell us when you ask for a quote so cleaning and timing can be planned around them.

Book with time to spare

Standard cleaning usually takes 3–4 weeks from collection. Tell us your wedding date and we will confirm what is possible.

Ready to wear

The gown is cleaned, pressed and checked, then returned with a ready-to-wear finish.

HONEST LIMITS

Cleaning a Second Hand or Sample Wedding Dress: what to expect.

We treat each mark carefully but cannot promise every stain will fully disappear. Age, fabric and how long a mark has been there all affect the result, and we tell you what is realistic before cleaning starts.

Contact our team Yellowed patches on a stored second-hand wedding dress in an old cardboard box

Older marks

Some marks become more difficult to treat over time, which matters when a gown's history is unknown.

Restrictive labels

Vintage dresses and “do not dry clean” labels need extra consideration before we confirm acceptance.

Embellishments

Beads, sequins and lace can respond differently. Concerns are discussed with you before proceeding.

Best safe result

Our aim is the best safe result for the individual dress, not unnecessarily aggressive treatment.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

What our customers say

Google reviews from genuine Farnham Dry Cleaners customers.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 152 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   michalskuza 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Always on time always clean 5 stars
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   E HE 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Collected duvets from my home and delivered them when cleaned. Came at the time stated, efficient service. Will use again.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   moira reeks 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can’t praise this dry cleaners enough I had a dress  with intricate details to be cleaned they came to my house and collected my dress and within 5 days they phoned me to arrange delivery back to me. All marks on my dress have gone . This is beyond first class service will definitely recommend and use them again for any future dry cleaning.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Yasir Ahmed 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I used Farnham Dry Cleaners for my luxury curtains and I’m extremely happy with the service. They handled them with great care, the quality of the cleaning was excellent, and everything came back looking fresh and beautifully finished. Highly recommended for delicate and high-end items.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Tara 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Really great service! I dropped my brother’s wedding suit to be dry cleaned on Wednesday and they kindly delivered it to my house today (Friday), also getting a stain out of his shirt as well. Then, when I realised they hadn’t dropped off the suit bag that I’d dropped the suit off in (and my brother wanted that back), they made sure to deliver that to my house too! Can’t fault them! Thanks so much!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Gail Walker 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great service and attention to detail. Picked up & delivered to my door. Worth every penny!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Spike1960 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Brilliant service. Thank you
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Joanne Harper 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing service. Suit came back like new. Very happy. Would highly recommend.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sevval Aysan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you so much for cleaning my wedding dress and providing exceptional delivery service. At first I was a bit skeptical, but wanted to give a chance based on other reviews, I'm glad I trusted Farnham Dry Cleaners. My dress had a very delicate fabric, and was heavily soiled, I was informed of the process thorougly and was part of the full process. Delivered earlier than quoted time and very well boxed too. Thanks!

PRE-LOVED GOWN QUESTIONS

Second hand and sample dress FAQs.

Quick answers before you book.

See our wedding dress cleaning service, alterations and preservation box.

Can you clean a sample or ex-display wedding dress?

Yes. Our Pre-Wedding Refresh Clean is for sample, ex-display, second-hand and previously stored gowns, with attention to visible marks and areas that need refreshing.

How much does it cost?

From £190 for a simple gown and £240 for a beaded or heavily detailed gown. Veils are £25 and skirts from £35, with a free preservation box worth £70.

How far ahead of the wedding should I book?

Standard cleaning usually takes around 3–4 weeks from collection. Tell us your wedding date when requesting a quote and we will confirm what is possible.

Will make-up and yellowing come out?

We treat each mark carefully but cannot promise every stain will fully disappear. After inspection we tell you what is realistic.

Can you clean an older second-hand dress?

Older and vintage dresses are welcome. Send photographs, including the care label, and we will assess the gown before confirming.

Do you collect?

Yes, collection is free within our normal collection area of approximately 30 miles from Farnham, subject to route and booking availability.

FOUND THE ONE?

Make it feel like yours.

Send photos and your wedding date for Cleaning a Second Hand or Sample Wedding Dress, and we will confirm the price and timing before you book.

WhatsApp my gown photos Call 07494 223079