How To Care For Antique Table Linens
Antique table linens are often very hard to come by, but it is possible to find excellent quality tablecloths that are worth more than their price. Antique table linens are often passed down from generation to generation and the last thing you want to do is have your tablecloth fall apart in just a few years, as it could have been a very expensive piece.
However, with the right care, antique table linens can be passed on from one generation to the next. You will often find that tablecloths that were once only worn in the home have been passed down and many of them can be quite valuable. There is nothing worse than purchasing an exquisite tablecloth only to find that it is in pretty poor condition.
Antique table linens can be a wonderful touch and add style and elegance to any dining room. However, they can also become quite expensive if they are not cared for properly. It is important to keep in mind that you may be lucky enough to get hold of an antique table cloth at a very low price, but you may find that it needs some restoration work.
Basics
If you would like to get hold of some excellent quality antique table linens then you must take some time out and clean your linen regularly. This should be done at least twice a year or more depending on the temperature of your house, but it is best to get it done regularly.
Clean linen should be vacuumed and rinsed with cold water and a mild soap solution. After this is done, it is important to dry the linen with a soft cloth. It should not be put in a towel as it can cause damage to the material.
Steam Cleaning
The next thing that you want to do is steam clean the antique table linen using a gentle washing machine. Be careful that you do not use too much pressure as this may cause damage to the material. It should not be dried under any type of lamp as this can cause the material to shrink.
For antique table linens that need cleaning, even more, you can use a soft fabric cleaner which can be found in any furniture store. However, it is important to make sure that you do not over-wet the cloth. This will make it impossible for the cloth to remove stains as well as it will cause it to become wet to dry.
Before using a tablecloth to clean the linen, you should ensure that you wipe down the table with a soft cloth or sponge first. This is so that the cleaning solution does not stick to the linen. Once you have washed the linen it is now ready for the antique table cloth cleaner. Make sure that you follow the instructions given to clean the tablecloth.
Cleaning Products
To do this, you can either buy the appropriate cleaning solution or if you do not want to go through the trouble, you can purchase a special antique table cloth cleaner. These cleaners are available from any furniture store and are quite affordable.
When you are using the antique table cloth cleaner, make sure that you allow it to completely soak in the cleaning solution before you even use it. This will help to prevent your linen from looking dirty as it should after the solution has been applied.
After you have cleaned the linen, let it air dry for several minutes before you put it back into its display case. This will ensure that the linen will not become matted when you put it back into the case.
Finally, you must give your antique table cloth a coat of protective coating if you intend to use it as a table cover in the future. You should do this by sealing it in some type of varnish or oil.…
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