How to Steam a Tablecloth

Tablecloths have been used throughout the world dating back to Roman times. They are made of cotton, linen or silk, among other fibers and require a direct heat source to remove wrinkles. Steaming linens and cloths removes wrinkles by driving heated moisture into the fabric to relax the fibers. While steam machines are ideal because of their larger surface area, irons with a steam setting can remove wrinkles as well. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Using a Steam Press

1

Fill the steam press with distilled water. Activate the steam press; choose your heat setting; and allow it to warm up.

2

Place a section of the tablecloth within the press and close the press for approximately 3 seconds before lifting the press lid.

3

Repeat Step 2 on each section of the tablecloth. For more aggressive wrinkles, a second pass through the press may be required.

4




Use a steam iron to press out even the most wrinkled tablecloth.

Using an Iron

5

Set up the ironing board. Fill the iron with distilled water and place the iron heat setting to the desired level. Special settings exist on an iron for cotton, linen and silk.

6

Lay a section of the tablecloth over the ironing board; gently move the iron back and forth in a downward motion, pressing the steam button to inject moisture into the fabric. Keep the iron surface moving to avoid burning the fabric. More delicate fabrics will require a lower heat setting.

7

Repeat Step 2 on each section of the tablecloth until all wrinkles are removed.