Because most dresses cannot be dry cleaned or washed, care should be taken to keep it in good condition.

• Wear a tank top or crop top under your dress and take the dress off as soon as possible after dancing

• Use deodorant and dress shields for girls about 9 and over. (Dress shields can be purchased at a fabric store. They come in reusable types and disposable--find out what works best for you. Place them in between the lining and dress. Some young ladies actually use pantiliners instead of dress sheilds, those are easier to find and also cheaper.

• The Emerald Pointe makes the bodice lining removable for gentle machine laundering. After dancing in your dress, remove the bodice lining and dress shields immediately. As soon as you get to a safe place (hotel or home) let dress air out--leave in a safe place out of direct sunlight.

• Store your dress flat but covered with cloth for protection from dust--like under your bed in a extra bed sheet.

• Spot cleaning might be an option, please save the scraps sent with your dress to TEST your method. Most dresses made today are not able to be cleaned. Water/liquid can stain many silks and may cause others to run; most metallic's can be safely spot cleaned. Try baby wipes or Oxy Clean to help on washables and light thread. To help protect your dress while waiting to dance, please use a dress cover up. See my website under the DIY section for tips on how to make your own.

• Sitting in your dress will cause creasing and may damage the stiffening inside your skirt panels. Try making your own feis bucket for safe dress sitting. See my DIY section for tips.

• If your dress is new, put something flat and heavy on your skirt while in storage like a table leaf or two (cover your dress first). This will help the panels lie flat.