October 05, 2005

By: Carole Bertrand
Website: http://www.all-linens.com

How to Care for Your Vintage Lace Tablecloth

Lace adds elegance like nothing else does! Have you ever found a gorgeous antique vintage lace tablecloth at an estate sale or perhaps in grandma’s attic and were overjoyed at your marvelous find until you laid it all out and found a stain right in the center of the beautiful embroidery work? Well, I guess you could throw it in the washer since, after all, it was a bargain….but don’t do it! Delicate vintage lace tableclothes and a washer and dryer don’t mix. Whether you spent a lot of money on beautiful antique lace tablecloth,napkins or placemats of just happened upon an old embroidered set of vintage napkins and doilies, remember that the fabric is old and fragile. The following steps will help you preserve your memorable vintage treasure:

• First, soak your tablecloth in cool water and a mild soap overnight.
• Rinse well in cool water
• Squeeze water out very gently …don’t wring out
• Lay flat on clean white towels until dry or hang on the line
• If you still have stains, use OxyClean and follow the directions( do not to use it on nylon, silk or wool or on any metallic threads).
• For rust stains, mix a paste of white vinegar and salt and rub it on the spot with a toothbrush, then rinse thoroughly.
• For allover brightening – soak for an hour in a solution of 3 parts water to one part vinegar , then rinse well.

Lace vintage linens should be ironed when slightly damp. If a crisp linen finish if desire, use spray starch moderately. If the fabric is very old and delicate, use a pressing cloth . Make sure that the tablecloth or napkins are completely dried before storing. Never store delicate vintage linens in plastic bags. The delicate fabric needs to breath. Also, never store your tableclothes in a cedar chest because the cedar oil can cause staining. Large tableclothes can be rolled up. This will eliminate fiber stress which happens along the folds of the fabric.

Of course, if you own vintage tablecloths from 1930 or earlier, have a professional clean them…they would be considered antiques and worth quite a bit….therefore, well worth the extra expense. For additional information on discount table linens, or to choose from a variety of related products, please select the link above.

About The Author:

Carole Bertrand is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.all-linens.com.