How to Smooth Out a Vinyl Tablecloth

Vinyl tablecloths are difficult to stain and easy to clean. Unfortunately, they are susceptible to wrinkles, which are often difficult to smooth. This is a problem for owners of new vinyl tablecloths. Heat can be used to remove wrinkles from fabric tablecloths but manufacturers do not recommend this method for vinyl. However, with extreme care and some creativity, you can make your vinyl tablecloth smooth with a small amount of heat.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Iron
• Heavy objects, such as big books
• Towels
• Hair dryer

1. Drape the tablecloth over the shower rod in a steaming bathroom and let the heat and steam straighten the folds.

2. Take the tablecloth outside on a sunny day and lay it on a flat surface. Place heavy objects on the tablecloth when it is warm to smooth out the wrinkles.

3. Place the vinyl tablecloth in a dryer with damp towels. Set the dryer to a low heat. Check the tablecloth every 20 seconds to prevent it from burning and remove it when it is warm. Stretch it out on a flat surface to smooth the wrinkles.

4. Lay the tablecloth on a flat surface, flannel side up, and point a hair dryer at the creases. Hold the dryer about 4 inches away from the tablecloth and move it evenly over the surface to avoid burning the tablecloth. Stretch the tablecloth as it warms to remove the creases.

5. Put the tablecloth on an ironing board, vinyl side down. Place a cloth on the flannel side and iron the tablecloth on a low heat. Do not use the steam function.

6. Put the vinyl tablecloth in hot water for a minute. Remove it and lay it flat to dry, flannel side up. Stretch the tablecloth while it is warm to remove the creases.

References

• Making Vinyl, Plastic, and Rubber Handbags: Sewing Stylish Projects from Unusual Materials; Goldstein-Lynch, Ellen, Malone, Nicole, Mullins, Sarah; 2007