Maya Ellison
Plastic table covers are convenient and easy to maintain, but they can be a challenge to press and make look nice. While ironing is a common solution for removing wrinkles from fabric, it is not suitable for plastic table covers as it may damage the material. Instead, there are a few alternative methods to achieve a smooth and wrinkle-free finish. One popular method is to combine heat and moisture by using a damp cloth with an iron on a low-heat setting. This technique, known as wet ironing, relaxes the fibres of the plastic, resulting in a smoother finish and reduced risk of scorching. Another option is to utilise the permanent press cycle on washing machines and dryers, which employs gentle agitation and slower spins to minimise friction and creases. Finally, hanging the plastic table cover in direct sunlight is a natural way to remove wrinkles, though it may take longer. By employing these techniques, you can effectively press out your plastic table cover and achieve a neat and presentable appearance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic table cover care precautions | Avoid ironing |
| Permanent press options | Use permanent press options while washing and drying |
| Sunlight | Hang in the sun to dry |
| Heat and moisture | Wash, dampen, and iron with steam function |
| Hairdryer | Use on a low-heat setting |
| Double-sided tape | Apply to the underside of the tablecloth at strategic points |
| Tablecloth clips | Easy to use and come in various styles |
| Rubber bands | Secure weights in pockets created by folding corners |
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What You'll Learn
Use heat and moisture when ironing
Plastic table covers are not suitable for direct ironing. However, there are alternative methods to press them out by combining heat and moisture. Firstly, wash and dry your tablecloth. Then, dampen the cloth with a spray bottle as you lay it on the ironing board. Set your iron to the appropriate heat setting as indicated by the manufacturer and activate the steam function. You can add a cotton or linen cloth over the area you are ironing to protect the fabric against direct contact with the iron. The steam will penetrate the plastic table cover, loosening up the wrinkles.
Another method is to place a warm, damp towel on top of any especially difficult wrinkles and iron the towel. This will create steam to loosen the wrinkles. Be careful not to burn yourself as the towel will become very hot.
If you do not have an iron, you can use a hair dryer on a low setting to get the wrinkles out. Hold the dryer about 8 inches above the cloth and pass the hot air back and forth over the tablecloth. Smooth it with your hand. Avoid getting the hair dryer too hot or too close to the tablecloth, or you risk melting a hole in it.
After removing the wrinkles, store the tablecloth properly to prevent future creasing. Instead of folding it, roll the tablecloth to minimise the risk of wrinkles reappearing. Store it in a cool, dry place until it is ready to be used again.
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Apply double-sided tape to the underside
Applying double-sided tape to the underside of a plastic table cover is a great way to keep it in place. This method is especially useful for outdoor parties, where the wind can easily lift the tablecloth and ruin your carefully set table.
To start, cut small strips of double-sided tape and apply them to the underside of the tablecloth at strategic points. Focus on areas that are most likely to lift, such as the corners and centre. Be sure to use small strips rather than one large piece to avoid leaving residue on your table or tablecloth.
Once the tape is in place, carefully lift the tablecloth and position it on your table. Smooth out any creases or bumps, ensuring the tape adheres well to the table's surface. Gently press the tablecloth onto the table, paying extra attention to the taped areas.
If you're concerned about the tape damaging your table or leaving residue, consider using a removable type designed for delicate surfaces. Alternatively, you can use tablecloth clips, which are easy to use and come in various styles to match your tablecloth colour. Another option is to tie the corners of the tablecloth in loose knots around the table legs, adding a unique touch to your table setting.
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Weigh down the corners with duct tape
Plastic table covers are lightweight, smooth, and thin, which makes them prone to blowing away in the wind. To prevent this, you can weigh down the corners of your plastic table cover with duct tape. This method is best suited for informal gatherings, as it may leave residue on the tablecloth and cause creases in the corners.
- Spread the plastic table cover over the table evenly to ensure it is in place.
- Fold over a corner of the table cover to create a small cuff.
- Use duct tape to secure the folded corner to the table cover itself. Ensure that the duct tape is firmly attached to both the table and the cover to create a strong hold.
- Repeat this process for all four corners.
- For added security, you can place heavy objects, such as small weights or stones, on top of the duct-taped corners.
This method will help weigh down the corners of the plastic table cover and prevent it from blowing away. However, keep in mind that it is a temporary solution, and the wind conditions and table shape will also impact the effectiveness of this method.
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Use the permanent press option when washing
The permanent press cycle on a washing machine is designed to wash clothes with minimal wrinkling. It is more gentle than the regular cycle and ideal for certain types of clothes, especially those labelled permanent press. Clothes made of synthetic, semi-synthetic, or blends should go in the permanent press cycle. This includes polyester, nylon, acrylic, rayon or knitwear, or clothes made with a blend of synthetic and natural fibres. Clothes made of natural fibres that wrinkle easily, such as button-down shirts or pants, should also be washed on permanent press.
The permanent press cycle washes clothes in warm water and rinses them in cool water, with mild agitation and spin cycles. On a dryer, the permanent press cycle uses medium heat. The cool rinse and lower heat settings help prevent wrinkles from forming and help release ones that do form. The permanent press cycle also helps minimise fading, shrinking, and pilling.
If your washer/dryer does not have a permanent press cycle option, you can use cooler water and cool dry cycles to mimic the wrinkle-reducing effects of a permanent press wash. It is important to promptly remove clothes from the dryer to further minimise wrinkles.
Fabrics that are likely to be finished with a permanent press finish include cotton, rayon, and linen due to their susceptibility to wrinkling. Other types of fabrics like polyester and nylon can have features like pleats permanently pressed into them. Clothes that have been treated with permanent press finishes should be washed and dried using the permanent press cycle settings on your washer and dryer.
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Hang it out in the sun to dry
Hanging your plastic table cover out in the sun to dry is an effective way to remove wrinkles. This method is preferable to ironing, as plastic table covers are not suitable for ironing due to the risk of scorching and melting.
To begin, find a suitable outdoor location for hanging your table cover. Choose a spot that receives direct sunlight, as the sun's rays will help to naturally remove creases and wrinkles from the plastic fabric.
There are a few different ways to hang your table cover. One option is to use a clothesline or a drying rack. Securely attach the table cover to the line or rack, ensuring it is taut and smooth, with as few folds or creases as possible. If you don't have access to a clothesline or drying rack, you can also hang the table cover over a fence, balcony railing, or even a couple of chairs. Just make sure that the table cover is securely draped and won't be disturbed by wind or other elements.
Once your table cover is hung up, let the sun do its work. The heat from the sun's rays will help to relax the plastic fibres, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. If you need faster results, you can also use a hairdryer on a low-heat setting to apply heat to any remaining creases. Just be sure to keep the heat on low and constantly move the hairdryer to avoid melting the plastic.
After your table cover has been hung out in the sun to dry, it should look and feel refreshed, with any wrinkles or creases noticeably reduced. This method is a natural and gentle way to care for your plastic table covers, ensuring they remain in good condition for future use.
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Frequently asked questions
If you don't have an iron, you can use a hairdryer on a low-heat setting to press out your plastic table cover. Be sure to keep the heat on low and move the hairdryer constantly to avoid melting the plastic.
Combine heat and moisture by washing and drying your tablecloth, then dampening it again as you lay it on the ironing board. Set your iron to the appropriate heat setting and activate the steam function. It may be helpful to add a cotton or linen cloth over the area you are ironing to protect the fabric against direct contact with the iron.
The steam function on an iron is a way to recreate the same conditions as ironing a wet fabric without having to wash or dampen the table cover beforehand. Just remember to use the appropriate heat setting as indicated by the manufacturer labels.
Double-sided tape can be applied to the underside of the tablecloth at strategic points, like the corners and centre. Then, press the tablecloth firmly onto your table. Alternatively, you can use tablecloth clips or tie the corners of your tablecloth in loose knots around the table legs.
