1. Lace is Everywhere (and Your Clients Are Nervous)

Designers are splashing lace across everything this spring/summer: wedding gowns (of course), but also power blouses, cocktail jackets, even premium jeans. It’s delicate, glamorous, and expensive—exactly the kind of fabric that makes customers think twice before tossing it in a washing machine. Translation? They need you.

2. The Hidden Hazards Lurking in Today’s Lace

• Hand-dyed trim: Indie designers are using small-batch dyes that can bleed in solvent or water.
• Sizing breakdown: The stiffening agents that give lace “body” can oxidize and turn ecru lace yellow or brown during cleaning.
• Glue-on appliqués: Modern gowns often use heat-set adhesives; solvent or high reclaim temps can loosen them.
• One-yarn construction: Once a strand snaps, the entire pattern can unravel.
  Knowing these pitfalls lets you set realistic expectations—and charge appropriately for the extra care.

3. Five-Point Lace Intake Checklist

1. Light table inspection: Look for broken or thin threads at stress points (underarms, seat, hems).
2. Color scan: Compare trim and body under bright white light for dye variations.
3. Attachment test: Gently lift an edge—sewn or glued? Flag glued pieces for low-heat handling.
4. Heirloom alert: Ask, “Is this vintage or sentimental?” Weak fibers need a gentler cycle.
5. Sign-off: Get a release for any dye, glue, or pre-existing damage you spot. Customers appreciate the transparency, and you’re covered.

4. Processing Playbook

Step	Dry clean	Wet clean	Laundry	Pro Tips
Bag it	Net bag, inside-out	Same	Same	Zip, button, and cover hooks first
Cycle	Fragile/short	Gentle/short	Delicate	Minimize drum rotation
Chemistry	Fresh, filtered solvent	Neutral detergent	Mild detergent	Avoid oxidizers that yellow sizing
Reclaim	Lowest temp for your solvent	Low air flow	Hang-dry preferred	Heat is the enemy of glue

Offer an “Ultra-Delicate Lace Package” at a premium price point that guarantees net-bagging, low-heat reclaim, and hand finishing. Customers will pay for peace of mind.

5. Upsell Opportunities That Boost Ticket Average

• Pre-event Fresh-Press: Same-day press for wedding and gala clients.
• Color-safe Refresher: Light deodorizing mist for pieces that can’t handle full cleans yet.
• Restoration Consults: Partner with a specialty dyer for yellowed vintage lace and take a referral fee.
• Keepsake Packaging: Acid-free boxes and tissue upsold at checkout.

6. Marketing Angle: Become “The Lace Doctor”

Post a quick video of you inspecting a Chantilly sleeve under magnification, then explain one pitfall (e.g., glue failure). Finish with a call-to-action: “Drop your lace dress here and we’ll treat it like couture.” Positioning yourself as the local lace authority drives social engagement and foot traffic.

Bottom line: Lace’s 2025 boom equals high risk for DIY washing and high reward for cleaners who master gentle handling, clear client communication, and premium add-ons. Nail the process now, and every lace-trimmed garment this season becomes a revenue multiplier