During the Victorian era, washing heavy, long, full, and decorative dresses was a time-consuming and delicate process. The fabrics used in these dresses were often delicate and required special care to avoid damage. Here's an overview of how Victorians approached washing their dresses:
Handwashing: Machine washing was not common during the Victorian era, so most garments were washed by hand. This was especially true for expensive and delicate dresses, as machine washing could easily damage the intricate details and fabrics.
Spot cleaning: To prevent frequent full washes, Victorian women would often spot clean their dresses to remove stains and dirt. This involved using a damp cloth or sponge with mild soap to gently clean the affected areas.
Soaking: For more extensive cleaning, the dress might be soaked in a large basin or tub filled with water and a mild soap solution. The soap used was usually a soft soap or a soap-based mixture.
Gentle agitation: To remove dirt and grime, the dress would be gently agitated by hand, avoiding any harsh scrubbing or twisting that could damage the delicate fabrics and decorations.
Rinsing: After washing, the dress would be rinsed thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.
Drying: Drying was another critical aspect of the process. Dresses were typically laid flat on clean towels or hung up on a clothesline in a shady area to avoid direct sunlight, which could fade the colors. Heavier dresses were more likely to be laid flat to avoid stretching or damage from their own weight.
Ironing and pressing: Once the dress was dry, it would be carefully ironed or pressed at a low temperature to smoothen out wrinkles and creases. The use of pressing cloths was common to protect delicate fabrics from direct heat.
Storage: After cleaning and ironing, the dresses would be stored carefully in wardrobes or storage chests, often wrapped in clean white tissue paper to protect them from dust and other potential damage.
It's worth noting that washing such dresses was a labor-intensive and time-consuming process, so they were not washed as frequently as we wash our clothes today. Instead, Victorian women would take great care to avoid spills and stains, and they might use various tricks and accessories to keep the dresses cleaner for longer, such as detachable collars, cuffs, and aprons.