Cleaning tablecloths is not as easy as simply throwing them into a washing machine and being done. For some reason, being able to keep these formal dinning essentials clean takes a little 更多 time than when cleaning sheets 或者 blankets. Tablecloths, typically the fine tablecloths that we use for our fine and formal dinning experiences, are not cheap and require care and patience when protecting these investments. One of the necessary steps in cleaning tablecloths is the correct way of storing them as well.
Materials:
•    Mild dish soap (grease fighting is best)
•    Soft-bristled toothbrush
•    Grease-fighting stain remover
•    Starch
•    Iron
•    Ironing board
Procedure:
1.    Remove. It may sound a bit redundant, but the very first step in being able to properly clean your tablecloth is to remove it from the table. Take it outside and shake it out. This should remove all the loose 食物 that has been spilled on it and help to make it easier to clean.
2.    Spot Treat. Bring your tablecloth back inside and stretch it out on a flat surface. Look over the surface and see if 你 notice any stains. If not then 你 can go ahead proceed to the 下一个 step. If there are some stains, then 你 are going to need to spot treat them. Do this 由 mixing 1/4 cup of grease-fighting dish soap and some hot water. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub the mixture onto the stained areas. Once 你 have done this, 你 should be able to begin washing your tablecloth.
3.    Wash. Set your washing machine to warm (if the care instructions say that 你 can) and begin washing the 表 cloth. When 你 start, do not add any detergent and only place the tablecloth into the washing machine until the tank is halfway full. If, after the wash cycle has been completed, there are still stains, then 你 will need to try slightly 更多 drastic measures. Try using something along the lines of a grease-fighting stain remover and let it sit on the cloth for about fifteen minutes. Once 你 are finished, run it through the washing machine again.
4.    Starch. Once 你 have dried your 表 cloth it is time to get it ready for storage. This means that 你 need to starch and press it. Add some starch to the washing machine during the rinse cycle. Once 你 have added the starch, just remove the tablecloths from the washing machine after the spin cycle is finished. 你 should be able to save some time when it comes time to begin pressing them.
5.    Dry. After 你 have finished washing the 表 cloth, it is time to dry it. Do not use a machine to dry it, but try to place it on a flat surface 或者 outside and let it air dry.
6.    Press. Stretch out the tablecloth on an ironing board and let the reverse side be up when 你 do this. Use low heat and this is going to help avoid any apparent watermarks.
7.    Store. Once 你 have properly pressed everything, it is time to go ahead and store the tablecloth. Fold the tablecloth nice and neat and then store it in your linen closet. When storing your linens 你 want to make sure that 你 are using a location that is well ventilated and avoid using such things as cedar chests, cardboard boxes and plastic bags. (Taken 由 www.victoriasdeco.com)