Few things cause more last-minute stress on graduation morning than pulling a cap and gown out of the closet and finding it wrinkled, stained, or musty. The good news is that knowing how to clean a cap and gown isn’t complicated, and in most cases, little to no cleaning is needed at all. Since a cap and gown is typically worn just once or twice, it rarely picks up enough dirt to require a full wash.
That said, spills happen, wrinkles from shipping or storage are common, and knowing the right way to care for the outfit can save a lot of stress. Below, you’ll find step-by-step guidance on how to clean a graduation gown and cap, how to remove stains, how to smooth out wrinkles, and how to store everything so it holds up as a keepsake for years.
Shiny vs. Matte: Why Fabric Matters When You Clean a Cap and Gown
Before you clean a cap and gown, check to see which finish you’re working with. Shiny gowns and matte gowns are made from different materials, and using the wrong cleaning method on either one can cause lasting damage.
Shiny gowns have a smooth, glossy finish. They’re generally more delicate and should only be spot washed by hand.
Matte gowns have a flatter, more fabric-like texture. They hold up better to regular washing and are generally safe for the washing machine on a cold, gentle cycle.
Knowing which type of graduation gowns you have before you start is the single most important step in avoiding damage. If you’re not sure, check the product listing or packaging, since most retailers specify the finish clearly.
What Should You Do Before Graduation Day?
A quick inspection as soon as the cap and gown arrives gives you time to fix any issues well before the ceremony, instead of scrambling the morning of.
- Unpack and inspect. Look for shipping wrinkles, loose threads, or visible marks.
- Try it on early. Confirming fit ahead of time matters, since exchanges or alterations take time to sort out.
- Note the fabric type. Knowing whether you have a shiny or matte gown determines which cleaning and ironing instructions apply later.
Handling this step early means you’re not troubleshooting a stain or a fit issue an hour before the ceremony starts.
How to Clean a Graduation Gown
Most grad gowns can be worn straight out of the packaging. If a gown needs a refresh or picks up a stain, the right cleaning method comes down to the fabric.
- For spot stains (food, dirt, or similar marks), treat the area as soon as possible with a mild detergent and a soft cloth. Work from the outside of the stain inward, so it doesn’t spread further into the fabric.
- For shiny graduation gowns, spot wash by hand only. Avoid submerging the whole gown or putting it in the washing machine, since this can strip the glossy finish.
- For premium matte graduation gowns, machine washing on a cold, gentle cycle is generally safe. Hang the gown to dry afterward rather than using the dryer, since heat can affect the fabric’s texture over time.
This same approach answers one of the most common questions parents ask: how to clean a graduation gown that’s picked up a smudge right before pictures. Spot-treat it, keep water and heat exposure minimal, and let it air dry.
Getting Wrinkles Out After You Clean a Cap and Gown
Wrinkles from shipping or storage are common, and how you smooth them out depends on the fabric.
Shiny gowns: Hang the gown on a clothes hanger for about 24 hours to let wrinkles release naturally. If time is short, steam on low heat instead.
Matte gowns: Iron or press on very low heat, placing a towel between the gown and the iron to protect the fabric.
Whichever finish you’re working with, test any heat setting on an inconspicuous inside seam first. This small step can prevent an ironing mistake from showing up on stage.
How to Store After You Clean a Cap and Gown
Unlike gowns, graduation caps aren’t machine washable. If a cap needs attention, spot clean it gently and let it air dry completely before storing.
Good storage habits, both before and after the ceremony, make a real difference in how the cap and gown hold up:
- Before the ceremony: Keep the gown on a hanger in a spacious area for as long as possible, so it stays as wrinkle-free as possible by the time it’s needed.
- Store the cap flat in a dry location. Humidity can cause the mortarboard to absorb moisture and lose its shape.
- After graduation: A plastic case with a tight-fitting lid works well for long-term storage. Adding a clothes deodorizer or moisture-absorbing packet inside helps prevent mold and mildew.
If you’d rather keep the gown, tassel, and other keepsakes together in one place, a Graduation Keepsake Bag is designed specifically for storing graduation items long-term.
What Should Kids Wear Under Their Caps and Gowns?
Graduation caps and gowns are opaque enough to cover most clothing underneath, so children can wear almost any color comfortably. That said, lighter colors are recommended under a white gown, so nothing shows through.
A few fit and wearing notes worth passing along to families:
- Gowns should be worn with the zipper on the front.
- Caps are sized to fit young children and come with an elastic band sewn in for a snug fit.
- Tassels are typically worn on the right side and moved to the left once a child receives their diploma.
Getting Ready for the Big Day
Caring for a cap and gown doesn’t have to be complicated. In most cases, the outfit needs little more than a hanger and a bit of time to look its best on graduation day. Knowing the right way to spot-clean a stain, smooth out wrinkles, and store everything afterward means one less thing to worry about while planning the rest of the ceremony. With these few simple steps, your little graduate’s cap and gown will look polished for the big day and hold up well as a keepsake for years to come.
Shopping for graduation day? Browse AlphabetU’s graduation gowns and graduation caps to find the right fit for your little graduate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you clean a graduation gown?
Most graduation gowns don’t need washing before the ceremony, since they’re typically worn only once or twice. If a gown needs cleaning, shiny gowns should be spot washed by hand only, while matte gowns can be machine washed on a cold, gentle cycle and hung to dry. Avoid the dryer for either finish, since heat can affect the fabric.
Can you machine wash a cap and gown?
It depends on the finish. Matte graduation gowns can generally be machine washed on cold and hung to dry, but shiny gowns should only be spot washed by hand to protect the glossy finish. Graduation caps aren’t machine washable — they should be spot cleaned if needed and stored flat in a dry place.
How do you store a cap and gown after graduation?
Once the ceremony is over, store the gown and cap in a plastic case with a tight-fitting lid to protect them long-term. Adding a clothes deodorizer or moisture-absorbing packet inside helps prevent mold and mildew from developing. A dedicated keepsake bag also works well if you’re storing the cap, gown, and other graduation mementos together.
Do graduation gowns need to be washed before the ceremony?
Not usually. Since most children wear a cap and gown only once or twice, the outfit typically doesn’t accumulate enough dirt to need a full wash. A quick inspection after unpacking is usually all that’s required.