How to Take Care of Table Linen
Tablecloths and napkins and their subsequent care have been a part of the dining experience for centuries. According to Table& Kitchen Linen in the article, "History of Table Linen," "By the 12th century the custom of using table linen was almost universal throughout France and Italy...The use of tablecloth spread quickly from the aristocracy to the merchant classes and by the 15th century the use even spread in the smaller sections." Stain prevention and storage are essential elements in the care of table linens. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Linens
- Stain treater (such as Spray N Wash or Oxiclean)
- Washing machine
- Detergent
- Dryer
- Stain solution recipe (optional)
- Needle
- Thread
- Iron
- Plastic or mesh zipper storage bag
Instructions
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1
Remove the table linens from the table.
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Check the napkins and tablecloth for staining or spots. Remove food residue if any is found on the linens.
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Use a commercial stain remover such as a spray or stain stick to treat all of the necessary spots or stains following the stain removal manufacturer's instructions.
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Wash the linens according to the care label instructions. If in doubt or if the table linens have no care labels, wash the items in cold water.
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Remove the articles from the washing machine. Verify the removal of the stains on the linens.
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If there are no spots or stains remaining, dry the tablecloth and napkins according to their care instructions, and machine dry on a low setting or hang dry.
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If the stains persist, check to see if the table linens are colorfast, and try this stain treatment. The label on the table linens should be marked if the linens are colorfast. If there is any doubt and the table linens are any color other than white or ivory, do not try this stain remedy. Amy Dacyczyn, author of The Tightwad Gazette, offers the following stain recipe: "Add 1 cup each of powdered Cascade and Clorox II to five gallons of the hottest water to come out of your faucet. Soak...overnight and launder as usual. This procedure will remove about 90 percent of the stains that do not come out with normal laundering."
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Repeat stain removal steps if necessary. It is essential that the table linens not be dried in the dryer if the stain persists as the stain will be locked in and very difficult to remove after drying.
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Repair and mend any holes, or hem any torn hems with a needle and thread if necessary.
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Once linens are dry, lightly iron the cloth and napkins. Do not sharply crease folds or iron folds; a light ironing is all that is necessary.
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Loosely fold the linens to the size of the zippered storage bag, and insert the linens into the bag.
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Store in a cool, dry drawer such as in a buffet or china cupboard drawer.
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Tips & Warnings
Some stains will not come out. If after repeated attempts the stain persists, the stain is probably permanent. Sachets of lavender or baking soda are good stored alongside the stored linens. This is especially nice if the linens are stored in a mesh bag as the linens will hold a light scent when taken out and used in the future.
