Caring for Vintage Tablecloths

Because vintage tablecloths are old the fabric can be fragile and needs to be handled with care. Here are some tips on caring for vintage tablecloths to help you keep your tablecloth looking great for many years to come.

First and foremost, you should never wash vintage tablecloths in the washing machine or dry them in the dryer. The delicate fabric can be easily harmed in the machine and requires much more delicate handling. Instead, always hand wash your tablecloth using the mildest detergent possible.

Liquid ivory is a good choice since it is very gentle, although you should test on an inconspicuous area to make sure there won't be any problems before you wash with any detergent. Always make sure that all of the soap or detergent is thoroughly rinsed from the tablecloth with plenty of fresh, clean water before laying it out to dry since leftover detergent can deteriorate the fabric.

To wash the tablecloth, fill your bathtub or a large tub with cool, clean water. If you are using a mild detergent add a small amount to the water. Soak your tablecloth in the water, swirling it around slightly to help loosen dirt or stains. Keep a close eye on it while it is soaking to make sure that the colors are not fading. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing on the fabric since it can do a lot of damage to a vintage tablecloth. Once you are done washing, completely rinse the soap from the tablecloth. When the tablecloth is wet you should only pick it up using the corners to avoid stretching the fabric.

To dry the tablecloth, lay it out in the sunshine flat on the grass, or hang it gently on a clothesline to air dry. The sun will help to lighten any remaining stains or discoloration that may be left in the fabric. If you are hanging the tablecloth on a clothesline or rack to dry, you may want to first hang thick towels on the line and then hang the tablecloth over them. This will keep the vintage tablecloth from having contact with the clothesline and prevent any staining or discoloration that may have caused.

Vintage tablecloths should never be stored on a hanger. Instead, store the tablecloth flat wrapped in acid free paper. If you do not use the tablecloth for long periods of time you should occasionally re-fold it using different fold lines to prevent damage from being folded.

If you treat your vintage tablecloths gently and use care when handling them you can have them for many more years. With any vintage fabric, always use the least invasive method of cleaning it possible to help to lengthen its life.

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