Owl Cleaners Preservation

I took my daughter’s wedding dress to Owl Cleaners and they did such a amazing job, my daughter had gotten married in the desert and she had red dust all over the bottom of her dress, Owl cleaners had gotten it out , her dress looked brand new , Heather was very nice and professional and made sure we were happy with the dress before she preserved it !!!, the box they put the dress in was very nice and sturdy , I had tears in my eyes just looking at her dress ,they did such a fantastic job I highly recommend them

This review is for bridal gown cleaning and restoration. Heather and the staff at Owl Cleaners in Warrendale were great from start to finish. I took my daughter's wedding gown in for cleaning and preservation after it had been in a storage bin for 5 years! I had actually intended to try to tackle it myself, then I changed my mind, but forgot about it. Needless to say it was dirty and had "sugar" stains in several places. The gown was heavily beaded and sequined lace over satin. It also had a beaded belt attached. Upon arrival at the Warrendale location, I was cheerfully greeted by staff members, Heather introduced herself, and the gown was inspected carefully, and problem areas were marked. Heather pointed out all of the issues, said they would do their best, and would carefully remove the belt, marking its position on the gown so it could be sewn back on exactly where it was. Keeping in mind this bride and groom had a really good time, as did we all, and so the dirt and grease on the hem of the gown's satin underlining was ground-in, and many of the sugar stains were almost brown after setting for five years. I didn't expect miracles...and Heather did not make any promises other than that her people would do their absolute best...but Owl Cleaners came pretty darn close to performing a miracle! About 4 weeks after I dropped it off, Heather called me to come and inspect the gown. I could hardly believe my eyes...Every sugar stain, regardless of how brown, was completely gone from the intricate lace overlay, the belt was exactly where it was originally, and although it did not need cleaning, the veil was carefully steamed and waiting to be boxed. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, some of that ground-in dirt left some subtle gray marks, but they did a great job considering how dirty that satin was, and those marks could barely be seen under the lace. Overall, I was thrilled with the result of their efforts. The gown, veil, and other items my daughter wanted in the box were then carefully wrapped in museum quality acid-free tissue and boxed in a big, white, windowed box. The box was then inserted into a muslin cover and tied with a silky braided cord, making a very pretty presentation. I wanted to use a local business for this endeavor, rather than to risk sending the gown off to New York, New Jersey, or California even though some of those places were less expensive. So during my research of cleaners in the Pittsburgh area that provide this service, Owl Cleaners had great reviews everywhere I looked. I can totally understand why! Thank you to Heather and everyone at Owl who had a hand in saving this beautiful gown and creating a lasting keepsake! So brides...don't wait...get that gown to Owl as soon as you come back from your honeymoon!

My dress looks exquisite! I am so enthused by the quality and how Heather went above and beyond to turn my sample dress that had been well sampled into a dress that looks brand new! I would recommend her services to friends and family and anyone else considering.

My dress has various layers of lace, and even a layer of glitter. I searched high and low to find a company that would dry clean and preserve as the glitter layer was alarming the cleaners. I spoke to Heather and she really truly cared about my dress. She called the bridal salon where I bought my dress and asked her professional colleagues for opinions/ideas (all before even looking at the dress in person). Based on her discussions, we scheduled a consultation for her to get a feel for what could be done. They were able to test an area of the glitter and found no issues with losing any of it and continued the process. Even through the Coronavirus pandemic, Owl’s kept in touch on the status and answered all of my questions throughout. My dress came out PERFECT! It looks brand new. I couldn’t be happier.

All aspects of my experience with Owl cleaners was top notch! I had my wedding gown preserved through them and I am so glad I went with them. I did research and got recommendations from friends and I chose to go with the family owned business. They were very responsive through out the whole process. They were very friendly and respectful with my gown. I was kept informed through the entire process. It was unfortunate timing that I dropped my dress off and the same week the government shut down non essential businesses which made it difficult for Owl cleaners to get my dress done. Despite the difficulties they got it done in a timely manner and kept me informed the whole time. Heather, one of the owners, kept in close contact with me and sent me pictures of the dress through out the process. The finished product was absolutely exceptional. In addition to the excellent quality of service I received, the price was great as well! They were very reasonable for the quality of the product that I got in return. I could have gotten it done cheaper through David’s bridal or some other big box location, but I would not have gotten the quality with them as I did here. I would recommend any bride in the Pittsburgh area if you are looking for a reasonably priced place to get your dress beautifully preserved to go to with Heather at Owl Cleaners!

Brought my mother's ball gown from 1960 to Owl's for restoration for my daughter to wear on her big day. I with moderate expectations as to how much could be done. What came back after Heather, Sandy and their staff finished? A brand new, right out of the store result!! The color was back to the original and there was not one stain in sight - anywhere. Most amazing was the feel of the organza fabric - it had been stiff from age, and now it is as soft as if it was just taken from the cloth bolt to be made into a dress for the first time. It truly was as if it was brand new - but better! HIGHLY recommend!!!

I just got my wedding gown back from Owl Cleaners in Warrendale and I cannot speak any more highly of them. Both professionals that I worked with, Sandy and Danette, were excellent and made this process so easy. I would absolutely recommend getting your gown preserved because I feel you would be missing out not taking advantage of their work! My gown is perfect

My daughter asked me to take care of getting her bridal dress clean after the wedding. I picked the dress up yesterday. Sandy, who has been cleaning & repairing bridal dresses for 41 years did a fantastic job. I was able to thoroughly check out the dress to ensure that all repairs and dirty marks were gone. Then, using white gloves, she carefully put the dress in an acid free box, packed in acid free paper, to ensure the gown does not yellow with the passing of time. Very professionally done.

It had long been my dream to wear my grandmother's satin and lace wedding gown from 1957, sewn by her mother, for my own wedding. In fact, I tried on the dress the day after my fiance (now husband!) and I got engaged, and it fit perfectly. The only problem? The lace that covered the bodice and part of the skirt and flowed down to the train had become significantly discolored. I researched options for restoration and eventually came across Owl Cleaners. I met with Sandy on two separate occasions before actually dropping off the dress to be cleaned and was nervous that it might not hold up. However, when I picked it up weeks later, it was perfect. In particular, the color of the lace, which prior to cleaning had stood out from the rest of the dress, was much more consistent. A few months later, Bonnie spent five hours tacking—by hand—parts of the lace that had come loose, even fixing holes where the lace had worn away. I had the dress and my veil pressed, and my reception dress hemmed, by Owl Cleaners as well and couldn't be happier with how everything turned out. I would highly recommend them!

Highly recommend Owl Cleaners! My Mom and I had a fantastic experience with Sandy. My wedding gown had delicate beading and the gown was silk chiffon. Sandy took us through the whole process and we got to inspect it before and after she cleaned it. Watching her box the gown up was such a neat experience, took every care and caution. Sandy was kind, considerate and we could tell she loved what she does! Overjoyed that my dress will be properly preserved. The box has a window that you can see in, and every detail was thought of. It was on the expensive side, but well worth it considering that cheaper options do not take nearly the care that Sandy did. Would do it again and highly recommend!

I had my daughter's wedding dress cleaned and preserved. We couldn't have been more pleased. The location I used sent it to the main office. Within a week I was contacted with the cost and estimated time needed. The dress was ready sooner than estimated, we had the opportunity to do a complete inspection and the dress was packaged and sealed in front of us. I highly recommend Owl cleaners for this as well as alterations.

Sandy, a dedicated specialist at Owl Cleaners, was incredible. As mother of the bride I was in charge of getting 2 wedding dresses cleaned!! As a tribute my daughter put on her Grammy's wedding dress, which I happened to also wear at my wedding. This dress is 69 years old and a bit spotted and dingy so I wanted it cleaned along with my daughter's dress. Her dress and veil were quite long and therefore dirty. Sandy, lovingly and with white gloves, inspected each layer and every inch of both dresses looking for tears and spots. She was upfront about the time and cost to repair and clean both dresses so there was no surprises. Owl Cleaners is a 40 minute drive for me but it was recommended to me by our wedding planner and I am so glad I made the drive! The gowns are gorgeous, clean and lovingly preserved. Later I returned to have my mother-of-the-bride dress and mother-of-the-groom dress cleaned(yep--two kids married in the same year). If you live anywhere in the Pittsburgh area I would recommend you use Owl Cleaners for your gown cleaning.

After my wedding, we host an after party at Charlie Murdoch’s bar. At the end of the night, the bottom of my wedding dress was black. It was as though the floors at the bar had never been cleans and my wedding dress did the cleaning for them. I waited 5 months after our wedding to get cleaned and preserved. Mary at Owl Cleaners knew my wedding dress & I had a great time. 6 weeks later, it was time to see my Wedding dress. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw my dress— it was beautiful & CLEAN! I didn’t recognize my dress. It looked as though I never wore it. Perfectly clean- the beading was still perfect. i was unbelievably shocked in the best way ever.!! I can’t say enough of positive things about Mary, the box that is used to store the wedding dress, and Owl cleaners. Thank you so Owl Cleaners!

I researched a lot of different places before I decided to take my dress to Owl Cleaners as I was very nervous to let someone clean my dress. I have to say I could not be happier with the results! I worked with Sandy, the wedding dress specialist and she did an amazing job on my gown. She takes the time to look at each gown individually and make sure it looks as good as new. She then schedules a follow up appointment which you can inspect the gown and watch her put it in the box to take home. I know it is an expensive process, but I would definitely recommend Owl Cleaners. I am glad that I will be able to show my dress to my future children.

the bottom of the wedding gown was dragged all over the streets of Pittsburgh for (the most beautiful) photos. Owl Cleaners restored it to its beautiful original state!

I was cleaning out the attic of my parent's home and one of the items was my mother's wedding gown. It had been stored in a plastic, garment bag and had been in the bag for 50 years. We had it out five years prior for an event but it had never been cleaned or properly stored. I debated on taking it to a cleaner to have it preserved versus just getting rid of it. I thought it was worth at least a quote and opinion. To my delight I was told, yes it could be cleaned and preserved. The gown was badly faded and the silk organza extremely crumpled. It looked like a dress that little girls might play dress up in. I decided to proceed. When I picked the dress up and saw it for the first time in its former glory I got tears in my eyes. I could just imagine my Mom on her wedding day. (She had passed away three years prior) The gown glowed in its former and true color. The wrinkles were completely gone, the material just flowed. You could now appreciate the beautiful embroidery in the bodice. I am so glad that I decided to have the gown preserved. This is a piece of my family's history and we can now pass it down for years to come. I imagine younger women in my family having the same thrill for years to come when they open the box and see great grandmother's or great , great Aunt's wedding gown from 1960. I would trust any delicate, special garment to Owl cleaner.

Sandy Thompson is awesome! My daughter wanted to use my 35 year old "vintage" wedding veil for her wedding on November 25, 2016. The cathedral length veil was bordered with lace and beads, but had yellowed and faded. Sandy assessed the situation and personally communicated the potential risks with the cleaning process. But she did it and had the veil ready well in advance of my requested deadline. I was amazed when I retrieved it--an outstanding job! Besides the sentimentality of using her Mom’s wedding veil, my daughter received many compliments on the veil’s beauty. Thank you to Sandy and her team at Owl’s for their exceptional work. A pleasure to deal with your staff!

Owl cleaners cleaned my wedding dress and fixed small holes. I could not believe how clean they got my dress. It looks brand new! Everyone was very nice! Highly recommend!!!!

5 stars! I had my delicate wedding dress ( lots of lace) cleaned and they handled with such care! and my dress looks brand new! Not to mention the customer service is wonderful!

I will never go to another cleaner! My dress was nearly 40 years old when I dropped it off at Owl Cleaners to be cleaned. I cannot tell you how thrilled I was when I picked it up. It was in pristine condition and looked as wonderful now as it did when I wore it. Sandy lovingly cleaned and restored my dress. It is organza fabric with many layers and she restored it to its original beauty. Sandy is one in a million--thank you for taking such loving care of my dress! You are the best!!

Very professional and nice staff. They did a great job with the cleaning.

My dress needed to be stored away. The box was beautiful. Owl Cleaners does an excellent. Job of preserving your gown! Everyone at Owl Cleaners is knowledgeable, but most importantly they are nice! There is no one else I would entrust my wedding gown to!

I had my wedding gown cleaned years and years ago and had it in a regular box in the attic. I showed my daughter and it was yellowed and stains removed before had reappeared. I went to Owl Cleaners and dealt with Sandy. She was amazing. My gown was yellow and stain free and preserved. Highly recommend.

Owl Cleaners took excellent care of my dress. I had dirt along the hemline and they cleaned it twice to remove it. They placed it in a beautiful preservation box with clear cover so I can still look at it and remember my day. Thanks!

Owl Cleaners was a complete joy to work with. The customer service was exceptional and the care they took for my garment was one-of-a-kind! My sister is now having her gown treated there as well. I was incredibly impressed at the timeliness and helpfulness of the staff at Ow Cleaners. I would trust them with any piece of clothing I would need professionally cleaned. There is no one else like them!

I was very impressed and pleased with my cleaned/preserved wedding gown. Sandy was wonderful to work with and did a fabulous job cleaning the dirt from the bottom of my gown. Would highly recommend!

Sandy from Owl Cleaners is amazing! She managed to get out every stain! It was rainy the day I got married so my train was pretty dirty. She got the dirt out from each layer. I also had a guest spill beer on it and had stains from self tanner. It was all gone after being cleaned. Customer service at Owl Cleaners is also great! Sandy was able to work with me and my busy schedule to find a time to pick up my dress so she could go over every detail of the cleaning and preservation. It is stored in a beautiful box so I can peek at it whenever I want! It looks as if I just picked my dress up from the bridal store! Highly recommended!!!

My daughters wedding dress had red wine spilled down the lower front of her gown, that has two layers of lace. It was an outdoor wedding. The satin on her gown was very stained from dragging on the ground all day and evening. They were able to get all of the stains out! Even all of the red wine! My daughter and I are extremely happy. It looks like we just brought it home from the bridal salon. It is well worth the price. Sandy who took care of everything was wonderful. You can't go wrong with Owl Cleaners.

My wedding dress looks just as beautiful as it did before it was worn all day at a wedding on a farm. They allowed me to see the cleaned dress before the packed it in the preservation box. They were great to work with and came recommended directly from my seamstress.

My dress was terrible by the end of the day. However, Sandy and the folks at Owl Cleaners made it look like new. I'm so happy that's clean and safe and sound!

I thought my dress was completely ruined - Sandy proved me wrong! Excellent customer service. Took their time talking to me about what the steps were to keep my dress amazing and hopefully someday my daughter will want to wear it! This is a bride's place to go to!

My dress was dirty along the bottom. And I had not gotten a preservation box for my dress. I scheduled an appointment to take my dress in to get cleaned. Once the dress was cleaned we set up another appointment to look over the dress to make sure it was just like new. I then got to watch them put my dress into the preservation box. This was the coolest experience!!!