Jun 24 2008

Table-Cloths and Napkins

Published by dodo at 9:34 pm under Cupboard, Decoration, Dish Washer, Oven, Plate, Table Ware, Texture

Care of table linens will depend on the materials from which they are made. By and large, synthetics require less attention than most pure cottons and linens, or mixtures of natural and man-made fibres. But the beauty of starched cloths and napkins is often well worth the effort involved in laundering and ironing them.

Synthetic fabrics should be washed in accordance with maker’s directions but as a general rule they may be either machine-washed on the appropriate programme or hand-washed in warm water. Hand-washed articles may be pre-soaked but should not be wrung out, simply drip-dried. Usually ironing is not necessary, although some fibres can be lightly pressed with a warm iron if liked. Synthetic fabrics should not be starched.

Natural fibres such as cotton and linen may be machine-washed (delicate hand woven linens, embroidery or lace-worked articles should be placed inside an old pillow case); but many people prefer to hand-wash. Pre-wash soaking in tepid water for about half an hour will loosen small particles of grime and any marks or stains. Whites are washed in very hot water and boiled every few washes to retain whiteness. Coloured linens should be tested for colour fastness by ironing between pieces of cotton. Fast colours can then be washed in cooler water. Cotton organdie is similarly treated. All natural fibres, except seersuckers and similar `bubble’ materials, may be starched (see below).

Kitchen EssentialThorough rinsing in clean water will help to keep your table linen gleaming and fresh. Greying linens may be brightened up with good old-fashioned blueing agents. These come in powder or liquid form, and it is essential to dissolve them thoroughly or spotting will occur. Articles should be loosely immersed and evenly wetted in the solution. If a cloth is over-blued a further rinse in warm water with a splash of white vinegar will adjust the tint.

There is now a range of stain and dye removing agents readily available. Each stain remover is clearly marked with the type of stain for which it is effective, such as ink, blood, wine, etc. There is also a stain remover to remove loose dye from white material. All you have to do is to soak the fabric in water for a couple of hours.

This may be helpful for established tea-stains or other persistent food stains in table linen.

Starching

Only starched napkins can be folded into ornamental shapes that stay put. With powder starches that dissolve in water, table linens are starched wet immediately following washing/ rinsing. If necessary fold each item neatly and dip one at a time. Hang out to dry keeping as flat as possible. Aerosol starches should be evenly sprayed on to damp linen. Starching is easier to iron while still damp. If it does over-dry, damp-down by sprinkling with water, folding and rolling into a small parcel. Leave for about an hour. Always iron from the centre out, gently pulling the napkins and cloths into shape: they should have good square corners and really straight edges.

Ironing and folding table linens

All table linen, especially if starched, needs to be correctly folded: then it will store without creasing and those odd diamond shaped folds which seem to appear by magic will be an irritation of the past.

Table mats Iron starched table mats flat on both sides, teasing out with your fingers fringed edges that have become tangled. They may also need some persuasive stretching to become completely square again.

Embroidery on cloths and napkins should be pressed face down onto a soft cloth or towel to restore its beauty. The plain parts are first ironed and folded as above.

Lace Cotton lace should be ironed from -the centre out while being gently pulled into shape. Delicate lace should be protected between sheets of tissue paper.

CHINA

Take care when washing-up to use warm soapy water with the detergent liquid well dissolved. Too hot water or neat detergent poured onto the china will in time spoil both colour and glaze. Rinse in clean warm water and drain, allow to drip dry and polish with a soft cloth, or wipe dry. Most china can be placed in a dish washer, but, where the china is very valuable, it is wiser to wash it by hand. This rule certainly applies to china decorated with gold leaf or other precious metal decoration.

Do not put plates into a hot oven or under the grill to warm unless sold as oven-proof.

Stains

Silver stains from cutlery can easily be removed from china by a silver polish. Do not use harsh abrasives as they will remove the glaze. A small amount of salt on a dish cloth will shift tea stains. Alternatively soak in detergent solution.

Fill a badly stained teapot with detergent suds to which has been added a good teaspoon of salt. Allow to stand for one hour, then rinse out thoroughly.

Storing best china

In spite of the fact that cups look very nice on hooks, it is not a good way of storing your best ones, since there is too much weight on delicate handles. If you store valuable plates in piles, protect them from scratching by interleaving with soft tissue or cloth. Allow plenty of space for storing your best china rather than pile it into a small cupboard where it can easily be damaged.

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