How to Care for Damask

Hand-washing and Drying

• Washing damask linens by hand is the safest option. Fill a bath with cold water and add 1/2 cup of mild, bleach-free detergent. Submerge the linens and leave them to soak for at least one hour. Gently rub the surface of the damask with your fingertips to remove any dirt. Rinse them under clear, running water to remove any excess detergent. Hang them out to dry on a tight clothesline to prevent them from creasing, and take them off for ironing while they are still slightly damp.

Machine Washing and Drying

• Damask linens are machine washable; however, they always should be washed in cool water. Set the washing machine to the lowest setting and use a mild, bleach-free detergent. When the cycle has finished, place the linen into a dryer, also on the lowest setting, to remove any excess water. Remove them while they still are slightly damp, for ironing.

Red Wine Stains

• Red wine stains are problematic and should be addressed as soon as possible. The sooner damask is treated after exposure, the higher the chance of removing the stain. Pour table salt over the stain and immediately rinse it under cold water. If the stain already has set, pour club soda onto the surface while you run it under the tap.

Damp Pressing

• New damask linens shrink. To prevent this from happening, press them while they are damp. Press heavy linens such as tablecloths with the iron on a high setting. Press thinner linens such as napkins with the iron on the lowest setting. If your damask has an embroidered design, iron it between two other cloths or inside a pillowcase.

Storage

• Once the damask has been ironed, gently fold it up and place it in a well-ventilated area. Make sure there is nothing resting on top, as pressure could cause it to lose shape. Do not wrap damask in tissue paper as the paper may contain acids that cause spots to form. Damask also should not be stored in plastic or polyethylene bags. These bags prevent evaporation, which could lead to mold development.