Omar Khalid
Plastic table covers are a convenient and economical option for covering large amounts of tables, especially for big parties. However, they often come with the problem of creases and wrinkles. Luckily, there are several ways to solve this issue. One way is to use a hairdryer on a low-temperature setting, holding it 8 inches above the table cover and moving it back and forth to smooth out the creases. Another method is to hang the tablecloth on a clothesline a day or two before your event so that the heat from the sun can remove the creases. If you have a vinyl tablecloth with felt backing, you can also try ironing on low heat on the felt backside only.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fastest way to unwrinkle plastic table covers | Using a hair dryer on a low-temperature setting from 2 to 8 inches away from the plastic table cover |
| Second fastest way to unwrinkle plastic table covers | Using an iron on a low-temperature setting with a damp towel between the iron and the table cover |
| Slowest way to unwrinkle plastic table covers | Hanging the table cover outside in direct sunlight for a full day |
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What You'll Learn
Using a hairdryer
Once the hairdryer is at the correct temperature and distance, gently move it back and forth over the wrinkled areas. If you have an extra set of hands, you can smooth the plastic with your hand as you heat it with the hairdryer. This will help speed up the process. Depending on the size of the table cover and the number of wrinkles, this process can take anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour.
If there are too many wrinkles for the hairdryer method, you can place the whole table cover in the dryer. Choose a low, delicate setting and only put it in for one-minute intervals. Take it out, shake the wrinkles out, and place it back on the table. You can also try placing a warm, damp towel on top of any especially difficult wrinkles and ironing the towel. This will create steam to help loosen the wrinkles.
Before using the hairdryer method, it is recommended to test a small portion of the corner of the table cover to ensure that the heat will not melt the plastic. Additionally, proper storage of plastic table covers can help prevent future wrinkles. Instead of folding the table cover, roll it loosely around a cardboard tube to minimize creases.
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Using an iron
Firstly, ensure that your plastic table cover is clean and placed on a flat surface, such as a table or countertop. This provides a stable base for you to work on and prevents any potential damage to other surfaces from the heat of the iron.
Next, set your iron to a low-heat setting. Excessive heat can damage the plastic, so it is crucial to avoid high temperatures. If you are concerned about the plastic coming into direct contact with the iron, you can dampen a towel and place it between the iron and the table cover. This provides an extra layer of protection and helps distribute the heat more evenly.
When ironing, keep the iron moving in a circular motion or up and down over the wrinkled areas. Avoid keeping the iron in one spot for too long, just as you would when ironing clothes. For vinyl tablecloths with felt backing, it is recommended to iron only on the backside of the vinyl, not the front.
If your plastic table cover has an elastic edge, take extra care not to apply heat directly to the elastic, as this could affect its elasticity. It may be helpful to flip the table cover inside out and iron the backside, avoiding the elastic areas.
Finally, once you have finished ironing, allow the plastic table cover to cool down. Check that all the wrinkles have been removed and, if necessary, repeat the process, ensuring you follow the above steps carefully.
By following these instructions, you can effectively use an iron to remove wrinkles from plastic table covers while minimizing the risk of damage.
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Hanging outside in the sun
Hanging plastic table covers outside in the sun is an effective way to remove wrinkles. The heat from the sun will soften the plastic, causing the creases to relax and straighten out.
To start, find a suitable hanging apparatus, such as a clothesline, and lay the tablecloth flat. If there are any major creases, you can smooth them out by hand. Ensure the tablecloth is taut and secured so that it won't blow away.
The time it takes for the wrinkles to come out will depend on the intensity of the sunlight, the thickness of the plastic, and the severity of the creases. It is recommended to leave the tablecloth out for a full day to ensure all wrinkles are removed. Remember to rotate and rehang the tablecloth periodically so that all areas are exposed to sunlight.
While the sun is an effective method for removing wrinkles, it is important to exercise caution. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause damage or fading to the tablecloth. Avoid leaving the tablecloth out for extended periods, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Once the tablecloth is dry and wrinkle-free, bring it inside and store it appropriately.
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Using a clothing steamer
Firstly, hang the tablecloth on a flat surface, such as a wall or door, to ensure it is fully opened out. If you don't have a flat surface available, you can use backdrop stands, which can be rented for around $40. Make sure the tablecloth is securely attached and won't fall.
Next, prepare your clothing steamer. Clothing steamers can be rented for around $10, making them a cost-effective solution. Fill the steamer with water and turn it on, allowing it to heat up.
Once the steamer is ready, start applying steam to the tablecloth. Hold the steamer 1-2 inches away from the fabric to avoid water spots. Move the steamer up and down directly over the wrinkled areas, gently stretching the tablecloth as you go. The steam will help relax the fibres, releasing the wrinkles.
For optimal results, you can also try hanging the tablecloth in a steamy bathroom before steaming. The steam from the shower will help loosen the wrinkles, making them easier to remove.
Finally, allow the tablecloth to air dry. Hang it in a well-ventilated area to cool, and gently smooth out any remaining wrinkles by hand.
By following these steps, you can effectively remove wrinkles from plastic table covers using a clothing steamer. This method is quick, gentle, and effective, and it will leave your tablecloth looking crisp and smooth.
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Rolling and storing
Cardboard tubes are an excellent way to store your tablecloths. First, lay the tablecloth on a flat surface and fold it once to make it fit the tube. Then, start rolling the tablecloth from one side. You can use a cardboard tube organiser to label and store multiple tablecloths.
Proper rolling and storage are the best ways to avoid wrinkles. If you decide to fold your tablecloth, do it properly to protect it from getting creased or wrinkled. Store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Avoid overstuffing your storage location.
Regular rotation of stored linens helps prevent permanent creases and ensures even wear across your collection.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to unwrinkle a plastic table cover. One way is to use a hairdryer on a low setting, holding it 8 inches above the table cover and moving it back and forth. You can also try hanging the table cover outside in direct sunlight for a few hours.
If your plastic table cover has a felt backing, you can use an iron on low heat to remove wrinkles. Place a towel between the iron and the plastic table cover to avoid damage. Keep the iron moving and don't let it rest in one spot.
Yes, a blow dryer can be used to unwrinkle a plastic table cover. Set it to medium heat and hold it 2-4 inches away from the table cover. Move the blow dryer in a circular motion over wrinkled areas or up and down over creases.
When using heat to unwrinkle your plastic table cover, be cautious to avoid melting the plastic. Test any method on a small portion of the table cover before applying it to the entire surface. Avoid using excessive heat or holding the heat source too close to the plastic.
After removing wrinkles from your plastic table cover, be sure to store it properly to prevent future creasing. Roll the table cover instead of folding it to minimize wrinkles. Store it in a cool, dry place until ready for use.
