How to Clean and Remove Wrinkles from a Graduation Gown

Graduation day is filled with photos, celebrations, and memories you’ll look back on for years to come. The last thing you want is a wrinkled or stained graduation gown showing up in every picture. 



Whether your gown arrived folded in packaging or picked up a few wrinkles sitting in the closet, a little preparation can help you look polished and ready for the big day.

Here are a few tips for safely cleaning and removing wrinkles from your graduation gown before graduation day arrives. 

Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute 

One of the most common graduation mistakes is opening the gown package the night before the ceremony. Graduation gowns are usually packaged tightly, which means wrinkles can become deeply set into the fabric. 

Instead, remove your gown from the packaging several days before graduation if possible. Hanging it up early can help some wrinkles naturally relax over time.

Can You Wash a Graduation Gown? 

Before washing your gown, always check the care label first. Some graduation gowns are made from delicate synthetic materials that can react poorly to high heat or improper washing. 

In many cases: 

• Cold water is safest 
• Gentle cycles work best 
• Air drying helps avoid damage or shrinking 

Avoid: 

• High heat 
• Bleach 
• Heavy detergents 
• Dryers on high settings 

If your gown has major stains or delicate trim, professional cleaning may be the safest option. 

Best Ways to Remove Wrinkles from a Graduation Gown 

Wrinkles are one of the biggest concerns before graduation, photos, and ceremonies. Fortunately, there are a few safe ways to smooth out your gown. 



Use a Steamer 

Steaming is usually the safest and most effective option for graduation gowns. 

If using a handheld steamer: 

• Keep the steamer moving 
• Avoid holding heat in one spot too long 
• Steam the gown while it hangs vertically 

Steam helps relax wrinkles without directly pressing hot metal onto delicate fabric. 

Hang It in the Bathroom During a Hot Shower 

If you don’t have a steamer, hanging the gown in the bathroom during a hot shower can help loosen lighter wrinkles. 

While this method may not remove deep creases completely, it can improve the overall appearance. 

Be Careful with Irons 

Direct ironing can damage some graduation gowns, especially synthetic fabrics. 

If you do use an iron: 

• Use the lowest heat setting 
• Place a cloth between the iron and fabric 
• Avoid pressing directly onto decorations or trim 

When in doubt, steaming is usually the safer option. 

What If My Graduation Gown Has Stains? 

Graduation gowns can pick up stains surprisingly easily, especially during outdoor photos, celebrations, or storage. 

Common stains include: 

• Makeup 
• Food spills 
• Grass stains 
• Dirt and mud 
• Drink spills 

Avoid aggressively scrubbing stains at home, as this can damage the fabric or spread the stain further. 

Don’t Forget About Your Graduation Cap 

Graduation caps can also arrive bent or wrinkled from packaging. 

A few quick tips: 

• Store the cap flat before graduation 
• Avoid stacking heavy items on top 
• Use a lint roller to remove dust or fuzz 
• Keep decorations lightweight if decorating your cap 

Get Graduation-Ready 

Graduation only happens once, and taking a little extra time to prepare your gown can make a big difference in photos and overall appearance on your big day. 

At Pilgrim Dry Cleaners, we help Twin Cities graduates look their best with professional garment care, pressing, and cleaning services for graduation attire and formalwear.