Academic Regalia Cleaning Houston — Graduation Gown and Hood Care

Graduation is one of life’s milestone moments, and the academic regalia worn at commencement — gown, hood, tam, and stole — represents years of work and achievement. Whether you are a student preparing for graduation or a faculty member who wears regalia at multiple ceremonies throughout the year, professional cleaning keeps these garments looking their best and lasting for years.

River Oaks Cleaners has been Houston’s professional garment care specialist for over 35 years. We clean and press academic regalia for students and faculty at Houston’s many universities and colleges, including Rice University, University of Houston, Houston Baptist University, Texas Southern University, and more.

What We Clean

Graduation Gowns

Academic gowns are typically made of polyester, sometimes with silk velvet accents on the yoke and sleeves indicating degree level. Polyester gowns can be cleaned professionally to remove perspiration, storage odors, and any stains from ceremony day — including makeup, food at pre-ceremony gatherings, and outdoor celebration.

Hoods

The academic hood is the most complex and meaningful part of regalia, with velvet trim indicating degree and satin lining in the colors of the institution. The combination of velvet and satin requires professional attention — velvet cannot be safely cleaned at home without crushing the pile, and the lining colors must be preserved.

Tams and Mortarboard Caps

Mortar boards and soft tams can be spot cleaned and freshened. We assess each hat individually and recommend the appropriate cleaning method.

Stoles and Sashes

Honor society stoles, honor cords, and departmental sashes are often made of satin or silk-like polyester. These can be carefully pressed and freshened to look crisp for the ceremony.

Faculty Regalia

Faculty who wear regalia regularly at multiple ceremonies per year benefit from annual professional cleaning. Faculty robes accumulate perspiration and dust through the academic year, and proper cleaning before storage keeps them ready for next season without yellowing or odor.

Before the Ceremony

If your regalia has been in storage for a year or more, bring it in for professional pressing at minimum. Academic gowns pack down heavily and may have deep set wrinkles that cannot be steamed out with a home iron. A professional press restores the clean, structured look that photographs well and honors the occasion.

If the gown has any stains, odors, or visible soil from previous wear, cleaning before the ceremony is recommended.

After the Ceremony

If you plan to keep your regalia — either for re-wear at future ceremonies or as a keepsake — cleaning it promptly after the ceremony gives it the best chance of lasting. Perspiration and body oils left in fabric over time cause yellowing and fiber degradation, especially in storage.

Clean regalia stored in a breathable garment bag in a cool, dry location will last for decades. Houston’s humidity makes proper cleaning before storage especially important.

Convenient Service Across Houston

River Oaks Cleaners has nine locations across Houston, and we offer free pickup and delivery throughout Greater Houston. If you cannot make it to a store, schedule a pickup online or by phone and we will come to you.

Contact us today for academic regalia cleaning and pressing. We look forward to helping you celebrate your achievement — looking your very best.