Irish linen tablecloths are a long-standing tradition. Linen itself is an early fabric. There are world renowned museums with pieces of linen that date more than 6,000 years in age. When mummies are unearthed by archeologists, their wrappings are linen. Some credit it as being one of the oldest cloths known to man. Once farming became a way of life, flax was grown. From flax, linen was born. Many people point to verses in the Bible, which reference flax and linen. (Even the curtains in the Old Testament Tabernacle were made from linen.) Some people feel linen is symbolic of purity and simplicity. Many people dressed in linen in the accounts of the Bible. Priestly garments were made from linen in Judaism as well as Christianity.
The town of Ulster in Ireland is a well-known linen community. The linen industry is alive, well, and enjoying a long history with the people of the area. As a matter of fact, the linen industry in Ulster is the foundation for the entire economy. It’s widely believed that the first flax seed was planted in Ireland over 2000 years ago. Irish linen tablecloths have become a sought after item in many parts of the world, which has benefitted the Irish linen community in Ulster and other areas. The Irish Embassy chose an Irish linen tablecloth. So do many fine establishments dotting the globe.
Linen is more expensive than cotton due to the labor involved in bringing the flax seed into being and then cultivating the seed into cloth. Additionally, Irish linen tablecloths hark back to a different era, one before the mass produced commonplace items that can be found in any home up and down the same block. Irish linen tablecloths are a piece of originality and class.
Cleaning Irish linen tablecloths require special care and cleaning. Many of them are very delicate and fragile. You want to take care as you launder them. Always use cold or lukewarm water on your linen tablecloth. Soak the tablecloth in the water to loosen the stain. You can use a pre-treater for stains, but you want to be sure you have one that is very gentle. After soaking, you may use your washing machine, but only on the delicate cycle. Use a gentle detergent (baby detergent is a good choice). Do not put your linen tablecloth into the dryer. Hang it on the clothesline. You may iron your Irish linen tablecloth to straighten it, but only do so on a warm setting.
You want to pay close attention to how you care for your Irish linen tablecloth. Your children will likely fight over this family heirloom! With proper care, you should be able to pass it down with ease. Irish linen is durable and its beauty only increases with use and proper laundering.
Take care as you store your Irish linen tablecloth. You won’t need mothballs as linen naturally deflects the insect. But do store on slatted shelves so it can get circulating air. Don’t risk discoloring! Do not store your Irish linen tablecloth near your hot water heater or the connecting pipes. Discolored linen can often be restored when it is stretched out in the sun. Rather than folding up your Irish linen tablecloth, roll it up for longer lasting life.