Features of Teflon Coated Tablecloths
Teflon tablecloth is an amazing combination of beauty and practicality. The sophistication of products is emphasized in different ways: lace, pendants, transparency of the material, shine or rich pattern. It is not a shame to put a dear guest at a table with such a coating. And after the banquet, thanks to the special properties, it is easy to put the tablecloth in order.
What it is?
First, let's figure out how mankind learned about Teflon, which is used not only to cover kitchen utensils, but also in many industries, has a technical and household purpose.
Polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) was invented in 1938 by accident by a young scientist, Roy Plunkett, who worked for Kinetic Chemicals. Kinetic Chemicals received a patent for a product only in 1941, and in 1949 the company merged with the American corporation DuPont, which to this day owns the rights to this invention.
In our country, the non-proprietary technical name of the substance is used - fluoroplast-4, which has come to us since Soviet times.
Now let's find out how a strange chemical can improve the properties of an ordinary kitchen tablecloth. Without Teflon, expensive linen or cotton textiles cannot be washed after spilled wine, sauce or coffee. Of course, you can use synthetic materials: they repel liquid, they are easy to wipe off and return a clean look to the coating. But oilcloths look cheap and are only suitable for working kitchen surfaces.
Teflon tablecloths are the best solution in this situation.Natural fabrics impregnated with a special composition receive protection from moisture and dirt, acquire water-repellent properties.
This happens with the help of a plus apparatus. The fabric - or a ready-made tablecloth - is dipped in an aqueous solution containing the chemical PTFE. Then the material is fixed and dried.
Due to the fact that the impregnation evenly covers only the fibers, keeping the space between them intact, kitchen textiles do not lose their breathable properties, they "breathe" and remain pleasant to the touch.
In this, Teflon coatings compare favorably with cloths on which a continuous polyethylene film is applied, which does not allow air to pass through and creates the feeling of a synthetic product, which is harsh to the touch.
Main characteristics
Impregnation of the tablecloth with polytetrafluoroethylene improves the practical properties of the finished product in many ways. The product acquires the following positive characteristics:
- Teflon protection does not allow spilled drinks to be absorbed into the fibers of the fabric, moisture is repelled and does not harm the tablecloth;
- oily stains can be removed immediately with a damp cloth, and they will not remain on the textiles;
- teflon can withstand high temperatures, you can put hot dishes on the tablecloth without worrying about the coasters, but it is better not to experiment with a frying pan that has just been removed from the heat;
- after washing, the product should be carefully dried, and it will not have to be ironed;
- high-quality painted material is not afraid of ultraviolet radiation;
- impregnation of the fabric lengthens its service life;
- Teflon tablecloths have a spectacular appearance.
To be objective, let's talk about the negative aspects of the product:
- when removing stains, you cannot use hard brushes - they can damage the teflon layer;
- after each machine wash, the polytetrafluoroethylene gradually collapses and the moment comes when the tablecloth can no longer repel moisture as before.
As you can see, Teflon tablecloths have few disadvantages and many advantages. They can be used to cover tables not only in living rooms and dining rooms, but also on verandas and even in the open-air courtyard.
Variety of models
Teflon tablecloths are diverse in their structure, shape, style, degree of impregnation and many other indicators.
By structure
Teflon is applied to tablecloths that vary in composition. It can be cotton, linen, blended or synthetic fabrics. The examples of products show how diverse they are:
- classic model "Milan" - made on the basis of flax;
- cotton fabric with basic impregnation;
- budget product made of polyester;
- teflon-impregnated jacquard tablecloth.
According to the degree of impregnation
According to the density of Teflon application, products are divided into three types:
- regular base layer - the fabric is easy to clean;
- enhanced impregnation - with its help, the liquid rolls down from the surface in droplets;
- double impregnation - the product repels moisture and dirt, usually used in outdoor conditions.
By form
The shape of the tablecloth should be identical to the shape of the table. Exceptions are round tabletops - they can be covered with both round and square models. With Teflon impregnation, products of any geometry are produced:
- the rectangular model has an attractive golden hue;
- tablecloth cover made especially for a square table;
- an ornament is harmoniously drawn on a round product, inserts and laces fit beautifully;
- oval tablecloths can be purchased in different sizes, it is important that the pattern matches your tabletop.
By appointment
The hostess purchases a tablecloth for different purposes:
- elegant options, beautifully decorated, are suitable for the hall;
- practical, wear-resistant products with reinforced impregnation are needed on the kitchen table;
- tablecloths of special strength with double teflon will be needed for the terrace;
- holiday options, even in appearance, can correspond to a specific event (New Year's, Christmas).
We offer a selection of examples of beautiful Teflon tablecloths for various purposes:
- products designed to celebrate the New Year and Christmas;
- Easter tablecloth;
- bright, cheerful options for the kitchen and dining room;
- a beautiful tablecloth with a Gzhel pattern for the living room combined with the dining room;
- exquisite models with lace are essential for meeting dear guests.
By color
Manufacturers provide a wide range of colors for their products. You should choose based on your preferences, as well as focusing on the style of the room, the tonality of the environment. We offer a selection of color solutions for Teflon-impregnated products:
- white banquet tablecloth with lace;
- blue set for a dining group, austere and elegant at the same time;
- rustic red product;
- model of delicate pistachio color for the living room;
- beige tablecloth with brown decor.
Secrets of choice
Going to buy a Teflon tablecloth, you need to take into account different nuances.
- The size. First of all, you should measure the table so as not to miscalculate with the parameters. You cannot sew the missing centimeters to the tablecloth, and too large a cloth will interfere with those sitting at the table.
- The form. The geometry of the tablecloth should match the shape of the table.
- The degree of impregnation. In the living room, purchasing a decorative tablecloth, you can choose a product with a subtle base impregnation. A reinforced version is suitable for the kitchen, and double impregnation is required on the table located in the gazebo, on the terrace, in the garden or in the yard.
- The composition of the material. It depends on the taste of the owner and the purpose of the model. In the kitchen or on the veranda, it is better to purchase a synthetic-based tablecloth. She perfectly keeps her shape and is not capricious in her care. It is better to choose tablecloths for decorating a hall or festive tables from natural materials: linen or cotton. They look rich and stylish. A thin Teflon layer will protect the product from spills and will not give the appearance of artificial turf. Those who love light shine and gloss can appreciate jacquard models.
- Colour. It's nice when the shade of the tablecloth matches the rest of the textiles in the room: curtains, bedspreads, pillowcases, towels. To meet guests, it is better to purchase sets of tablecloths along with napkins, then there will be no problems in choosing a color for setting the festive table.
- Style. The surface of the countertop must match the direction of the design in the room. For example, for the interior of Provence, you can choose pastel colors, slightly faded shades, small floral prints. For country, a cage is suitable, for high-tech style - cold gray and strict black shades.
General principles of care
Teflon impregnation will greatly facilitate the life of the hostess, but you should not let the care of the tablecloth go by itself either. You need to follow the simple rules of use.
- It is better to clean up spilled liquids immediately by collecting them from the surface with a sponge and wiping the stained area with a damp cloth. Greasy stains can be easily removed with dishwashing gel. This approach will keep the stains from drying out.
- If the moment is missed and the stains have dried up, they must be soaked in warm water and then removed with a soft cloth. For more difficult cases, use a soapy foam solution. Do not use abrasive care products: they will damage the Teflon layer.
- You should not be zealous with washing, if the common surface is still clean, stains can be easily removed with a soft cloth. After 5 or 6 washes, the Teflon layer becomes thinner, which means that the tablecloth will easily get dirty and difficult to clean.
In addition to general rules, tablecloth care may depend on the composition of the fabric, so pay attention to the manufacturer's recommendations.
How to wash and can I iron?
Even if stains are removed in a timely manner, over time, the general background of the tablecloth will lose its freshness. In this case, a general wash will be required.Better to make it by hand.
Pour warm water into the basin - with a temperature of no more than 40 degrees. From detergents, you can use laundry soap, dishwashing gel, baby powder for hand washing. Wash and rinse the tablecloth carefully so as not to damage the Teflon layer. Hang to dry over the bathroom, let the water flow down, you should not twist the product.
For washing in the machine, select the delicate cycle. The spin must be turned off. Use a warm, non-steaming iron when ironing. After washing, textiles can shrink, this feature should be taken into account when buying a product.
Natural fabrics with high-quality dyes retain their original appearance for a long time. Even if the Teflon layer wears out, the tablecloth can be used as a normal product.