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Ironing Fine Linens How to Iron Linens

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Ironing linens enhances and contributes to the look of your table. Keeping them looking crisp is easy if you follow these guidelines.

Specific questions? Just ask here.

Use a clean iron

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Before you begin, make sure that the soleplate of your iron is clean. If you’re using a steam iron, test it on an old cloth to be sure that there are no mineral deposits being left by the iron. Those droplets will cause brown staining.

Use a well-padded ironing board

Use a well-padded ironing board with a smooth heat-reflective cover.

Start with damp linens

The linens should be damp for easier ironing. You’ll press them until they are smooth but not completely dry and allow them to finish drying in the air.

Starch or Sizing?

If you like to fold napkins into fancy shapes, you’ll need to use starch and a hot setting on your iron to get the crispness you need. For a softer look, use spray-on sizing and iron on a medium setting.

Light or dark colors?

For light-colored linens, iron on the wrong side first, then on the right side to bring out the sheen. On dark-colored articles, iron on the wrong side only.

Prevent mildew staining

Do not fold up just ironed linens - they should be kept spread out for some time to dry.

Prevent more wrinkles as you iron

Place your ironing board near a table when ironing large items such as tablecloths. Roll finished sections of the cloth over the table rather than letting it pile up under the ironing board.

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