Planning a party is all about the details—from the food to the décor, and yes, even the linens! Crisp, wrinkle-free tablecloths and napkins can elevate your event from casual to classy in an instant. But let's face it, steaming those party linens can feel like a chore if you don’t know what you’re doing. Worse yet, a few missteps can leave you with more wrinkles than you started with—or worse, ruin those beautiful linens entirely!
In this post, we’ll walk you through the 7 things to avoid when steaming linens—so you can avoid the drama and get back to the fun part: partying!
1. Don’t Overfill the Steamer
We get it—you’re in a rush, but cramming too much water into the steamer won’t make the process faster. In fact, overfilling it can cause sputtering or uneven steaming, which won’t do your linens any favors. Stick to the recommended fill line so your steamer can work its magic smoothly and keep those linens wrinkle-free.
2. Don’t Steam Dirty Linens
If you think steaming will hide those little stains, think again! Steaming dirty linens can actually set stains deeper into the fabric, making them much harder to remove later. So, before you start, be sure your linens are fresh out of the wash—clean and ready for their moment of glory.
3. Don’t Hold the Steamer Too Close
It might seem like holding the steamer right up against the fabric will get rid of wrinkles faster, but it can lead to a soggy disaster. Too much heat and moisture in one spot can cause water marks or even burn delicate fabrics. Keep a safe distance, about 6-8 inches away, and let the steam do its job gently.
4. Do Not Steam Linens While They Are On Furniture
Tempted to leave the linens on the table or chairs while you steam? Don’t! The heat and moisture can damage wooden surfaces or upholstery underneath. Always hang your linens or lay them on a non-damaging surface to steam. Trust us, you don’t want to turn your steaming session into a furniture repair project.
5. Don’t Use Tap Water
Tap water may seem harmless, but it often contains minerals that can clog up your steamer over time or leave chalky residues on your beautiful linens. To avoid this, always opt for distilled water. It’s a simple swap that will keep both your linens and your steamer in top shape.
6. Don’t Ignore the Manufacturer’s Instructions
Every steamer has its quirks, so make sure you’ve skimmed through the manual before getting started. Ignoring those instructions might not only damage your linens but could also break your steamer! Take a few minutes to review the do’s and don’ts—it’ll save you a lot of headaches (and wrinkles) in the long run.
7. Don’t Rush the Process
Rushing through steaming can leave you with half-wrinkled linens or worse, damaged fabric. Take your time, move slowly, and make sure each area gets the right amount of steam love. After all, perfectly steamed linens are worth the extra few minutes!
Steaming your party linens doesn’t have to be a hassle—as long as you avoid these common mistakes. By taking your time, following a few simple steps, and treating your fabrics with care, you’ll have your table looking crisp and elegant in no time. For more handy guides and expert event tips, be sure to check out our other blogs. We've got everything you need to make party planning a breeze!
