How to Clean Table Linens
When it comes to using 100 percent linen fabric, some people are wary of the wrinkle factor. Personally, I find that it adds a nice texture to the table, but if you're a purist (yet still want to avoid busting out the iron), here's a little secret I learned from a French grandmother:
-
Wash your linen, remove it from the washing machine, and use your hand to smooth out the wrinkles.
-
Fold it while still damp and set it aside for an hour, or overnight if you're lazy like me!
- Unfold it and hang it to dry if still damp.
- If it is warm outside (or in your apartment) you can spray the tablecloth with a light sprit of water while it is hanging or on the table. Then run your hands over it to smooth the wrinkles, and watch your table cloth transform from wrinkly to wrinkle-free before your eyes.
& Voila! Your linen fabrics will be a little crisper and perfectly "ironed." For a softer look or feel, before you use them, toss them into the dryer with a damp cloth for fifteen minutes. (This is my preferred method, because I like the textured vibe. It will give your table that “I just threw this together,” romantic look.)
And if you need a little video demonstration you can check out this video from Instagram here.
*This is an excerpt from my new book JOIE: A Parisian's Guide to Celebrating the Good Life (Clarkson Potter, April 18, 2018).
