Spray any soiled areas of the dress with dry-cleaning fluid and let it dry as instructed on the bottle. The areas of a dress that usually require cleaning are the neckline, under the arms and the hem of the skirt.
Fill a clean sink or basin with cold water. Pour in 2 to 3 tablespoons of gentle dish detergent. Stir the water with a wooden spoon to evenly dissolve the detergent. Alternatively, pour the detergent solution into a spray bottle to spot clean.
Put the entire dress into the water if you wish to clean it all. Alternatively, soak soiled areas such as the hem or bodice in the water, and use the spray bottle to apply the detergent solution only where it is needed.
Keep the satin in the detergent for five to 10 minutes to allow the solution to absorb the dirt and grease from the soiled areas. Gently squeeze the dress to release as much water and detergent froth as possible. If you are spot-cleaning, dab the areas that the detergent solution was sprayed on with a clean towel.
Place the dress on a dry towel. Drain and rinse the sink. Return the dress to the sink and rinse the detergent thoroughly with cool, running water. Alternatively, spray with clean water to spot clean. Gently press the fabric together to release any excess water instead of wringing out the water.
Lay the dress flat on a large bath towel. Roll the towel with the dress inside to absorb any excess water. Unroll the towel and lay the dress on another clean, dry towel on a flat surface. Let the dress air dry.