The flowers are blooming and sunshine-filled summer days are heading our way – now is the time to Spring clean and get your table linen prepared for the season of entertaining.
Quality linen is an investment – something that’s worth caring for to ensure it retains its value. Caring for your Sixteen product the right way will ensure that your table linen stays in pristine condition and can be passed down from one generation to the next. The tablecloth you set your family’s meal upon this festive season could well be the same tablecloth your grandchildren use one day.
Part I: Treating stains
Did someone take spilling the tea a bit too literally? It’s okay. Linen is a natural fibre that is good at releasing stains. The best way to deal with any stain is by acting quickly.
As soon as the spill happens:
Pre-treat your table linen with your preferred product (Vanish works well on white!)
Leave the product on for 15 – 20 minutes
Wash in the washing machine: regular cycle using cold water
Red wine stains:
Firstly, blot up any additional liquid using a paper towel
Then… use table salt. Pour a large heap of table salt onto the red wine spill and leave it for about an hour. During this time the salt will soak up the wine out of the table linen and prevent staining.
Brush the salt off.
Machine wash with cold water.
Grease stains:
Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch onto the grease spot.
Leave the powder to soak up the grease.
When you see the powder thicken, scrape it off and reapply fresh powder if needed.
Make sure all the powder is off before cold-washing the item.
Stains can be stubborn! If the stain doesn’t come out the first time, try again. Hot air can set stains, another reason to avoid putting your table linens in the tumble dryer.
Part II: Washing – the Do’s and Don’ts
Each of our collections comes with specified washing instructions – make sure to check these out. Other than those care instructions, here is a list of general dos and don’ts when it comes to washing your table linens.
Do:
Machine wash using cold water.
Use mild detergent.
Wash matching linen tablecloths and napkins together, whether soiled or not, this allows the linens to wear at the same rate.
Wash linen colourways separately – especially on the first wash!
Let your table linen air dry.
Do NOT:
Use bleach! Bleach can destroy the natural fibres of your table linen, cause them to yellow, or for the colours of your table linens to deteriorate.
Place washing powder directly onto your linen.
Leave wet items to dry on wood as this can lead to stains.
Tumble dry: This can increase shrinkage.
Wring out or twist your table linens. Rather gently tug to release wrinkles after washing.
Use fabric softener – it can leave a residue on the fibres of your linens.
Part III: Drying
The preferred way for your linens to dry is on the washing line. Do not tumble dry your table linens as this can increase shrinkage and set stains into the fibres. Never tumble dry fine hemstitched linens.
Full sunlight will help keep white linens bright but will fade darker colours. For the darker colours, it is best to avoid direct sunlight for prolonged periods to prevent fading and sun bleaching of the natural fibres.
Ironing:
It is best to iron your table linens when they are still slightly damp – this will give them a fresh, crisp look. We specifically recommend this for The Occasion Collection.
The Everyday Collection and Country Collection can be ironed or left to dry naturally which gives the linen a more relaxed look and creates an informal feel to the table setting.
If you do decide to press your linens, you will get the best results by hot ironing them while they are slightly damp.
Storage:
We recommend storing your table linens on clothing rails and then covering them with a plastic bag – just make sure they’re completely dry before covering them.
This prevents your linen from creasing and ensures it is ready to use for your next occasion. Store your linen in a cool and dry place, out of direct sunlight. You can also place tissue between the folds of your linen to soften the edges and avoid sharp creases. Creases in your linen can weaken the natural fibres over time.
And remember, Sixteen’s fine quality table linen requires no tricks, no fancy products, and no dry cleaning – just good old-fashioned care.
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Spring Clean with Sixteen
The Do’s and Don’ts of cleaning your table linen.
The flowers are blooming and sunshine-filled summer days are heading our way – now is the time to Spring clean and get your table linen prepared for the season of entertaining.
Quality linen is an investment – something that’s worth caring for to ensure it retains its value. Caring for your Sixteen product the right way will ensure that your table linen stays in pristine condition and can be passed down from one generation to the next. The tablecloth you set your family’s meal upon this festive season could well be the same tablecloth your grandchildren use one day.
Part I: Treating stains
Did someone take spilling the tea a bit too literally? It’s okay. Linen is a natural fibre that is good at releasing stains. The best way to deal with any stain is by acting quickly.
As soon as the spill happens:
Red wine stains:
Grease stains:
Stains can be stubborn! If the stain doesn’t come out the first time, try again. Hot air can set stains, another reason to avoid putting your table linens in the tumble dryer.
Part II: Washing – the Do’s and Don’ts
Each of our collections comes with specified washing instructions – make sure to check these out. Other than those care instructions, here is a list of general dos and don’ts when it comes to washing your table linens.
Do:
Do NOT:
Part III: Drying
The preferred way for your linens to dry is on the washing line. Do not tumble dry your table linens as this can increase shrinkage and set stains into the fibres. Never tumble dry fine hemstitched linens.
Full sunlight will help keep white linens bright but will fade darker colours. For the darker colours, it is best to avoid direct sunlight for prolonged periods to prevent fading and sun bleaching of the natural fibres.
Ironing:
It is best to iron your table linens when they are still slightly damp – this will give them a fresh, crisp look. We specifically recommend this for The Occasion Collection.
The Everyday Collection and Country Collection can be ironed or left to dry naturally which gives the linen a more relaxed look and creates an informal feel to the table setting.
If you do decide to press your linens, you will get the best results by hot ironing them while they are slightly damp.
Storage:
We recommend storing your table linens on clothing rails and then covering them with a plastic bag – just make sure they’re completely dry before covering them.
This prevents your linen from creasing and ensures it is ready to use for your next occasion. Store your linen in a cool and dry place, out of direct sunlight. You can also place tissue between the folds of your linen to soften the edges and avoid sharp creases. Creases in your linen can weaken the natural fibres over time.
And remember, Sixteen’s fine quality table linen requires no tricks, no fancy products, and no dry cleaning – just good old-fashioned care.
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