A tablecloth is a festive table covering that gives it an elegant look. It is important for housewives that the product is not only beautiful, but also practical, which is why Teflon-coated tablecloths are becoming increasingly popular. This fabric does not allow moisture and dirt particles to pass through, does not fade, and retains its attractive appearance for a long time.
Teflon coating - what is it?
When people talk about a Teflon tablecloth, they do not mean a fabric of some special structure, but one coated with Teflon, a material invented in the 1930s by specialists from the American chemical company DuPont.
Teflon is applied as an aqueous solution either to the fabric during its creation or to the surface of the finished textile product. In the first case, cotton, linen or synthetic fabric is dipped into a chemical solution in a plus machine and then dried. The Teflon coating traps the fibers, but the space between them remains free, resulting in a breathable fabric. In the second case, the product is covered with a continuous layer of Teflon, due to which the breathability disappears.
Properties and characteristics of Teflon tablecloth
Protective fabric is a practical solution for a modern kitchen. Impregnations used for tablecloths are classified as follows:
- Basic protects fibers from fat, oil, moisture, this is the thinnest coating;
- Reinforced can be recognized by droplets of water rolling into a ball; they are held on the surface until dry and do not spread;
- Double impregnation protects the fibers from all types of contaminants, including soot from dishes, dirt from vegetables, fruits.
The functionality of the models depends on the type of coating.
Teflon tablecloths with reinforced or double coating can be seen on open terraces and unglazed balconies. The impregnated fabric retains elasticity, softness, and all other properties of the fabric. Only a specialist will determine the type of coating by appearance; the base layer is almost imperceptible. Polymers are not afraid of precipitation or a layer of dust. Clean the moisture-repellent surface using special solutions.
The impregnated fabric retains elasticity, softness, and all other properties of the fabric.
A Teflon tablecloth does not need to be ironed; it does not wrinkle. The impregnated fabric is resistant to high temperatures; you can place hot plates and mugs with drinks on it without a stand. Of course, the tablecloth may not be able to withstand a baking sheet from a preheated oven or a cast-iron frying pan with sizzling potatoes. But you don’t need to use napkins to serve first and second courses.
The dense coating can withstand heating up to 130°C without damage. Protection from higher temperatures is required in the form of stands made of wood, ceramics, or dense fabric.
The impregnated fabric is resistant to high temperatures; you can place hot plates and mugs with drinks on it without a stand.
Advantages of Teflon coating
The popularity of Teflon fabric is due to many advantages. Product:
- Repels moisture. Does not absorb water, non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks.
- Not afraid of fat and coloring products: sauces, ketchup, oil, spices.
- Temperature resistant. Does not deform when in contact with hot dishes (but not red-hot ones).
- Does not react to contact with a smoldering cigarette or burning ashes.
- Does not fade, even if direct sunlight falls on the surface every day.
- Doesn't wrinkle. Maintains an attractive appearance for a long time.
How to choose a Teflon-coated tablecloth
Considering the advantages and disadvantages of Teflon-coated kitchen textiles, many users decide that they should choose an expensive tablecloth from a reputable manufacturer, and the disadvantages will be avoided. But it is not so.
The need to carefully and promptly clean the tablecloth and the abrasion of the coating due to frequent washing do not depend on the textile manufacturer. Depends on the manufacturer:
- choice of base fabric: fabric composition and its manufacturer; type of color and quality of fabric dyeing; the quality of coating application (if the coating is applied after sewing the tablecloth) or the choice of fabric manufacturer with ready-made Teflon impregnation for sewing kitchen textiles.
There are many manufacturers offering Teflon tablecloths at different price points. For example, inexpensive tablecloths that Russian consumers love:
- DiMi – Russia, Orenburg; Mogotex - Belarus; SEVEN - Poland; ARYA - Türkiye.
To create a stylish interior, expensive tablecloths made from high-quality natural jacquard fabrics impregnated with Teflon from the following manufacturers are ideal:
- FRIEDOLA DIAMOND – Germany; BLUMARINE – Italy; ENSOLEILLADE - France.
Most manufacturers from Turkey or Taiwan offer both inexpensive products for everyday use and festive kitchen textiles.
In addition to individual tablecloths, you can order sets that include table napkins in quantities of 6, 8 or 12 pieces.
Disadvantages of Teflon tablecloth
Like all types of fabric covering, Teflon tablecloth has disadvantages. Although there are more advantages, and they are more significant. Of the minuses it should be noted:
- Chemical origin of the coating. This confuses lovers of natural and environmentally friendly materials.
- The need to follow care instructions.
- Limit the service life of the Teflon coating to 5 years if the tablecloth is used regularly.
- Destruction of Teflon film after 6-7 machine washes or chemical treatments.
What are the differences in the products?
Teflon tablecloths are essentially cuts of any fabric - linen, cotton, polyester, acrylic or polyester. Only a water-repellent chemical composition is applied to their surface.
Moreover, impregnation comes in different densities:
- with the presence of a base layer of Teflon, the fabric does not absorb oil and liquid;
- enhanced impregnation can retain moisture on the surface for a long time;
- double impregnation repels dirt.
You should also pay attention to how a transparent tablecloth looks on the kitchen table.
A wet puddle on a tablecloth can be easily removed by blotting it with a napkin or sponge.
The fat should be washed with a foam sponge and soap, then wiped with a clean damp cloth or paper napkin.
Dried food residues and stains on the tablecloth must first be soaked with water or soap suds, and then collected with a wooden or plastic spatula and wiped with a sponge.
A Teflon tablecloth needs to be washed if a sponge and soap do not work . Repeated washing will lead to wear and loss of quality of the coating.
It should be washed completely only if absolutely necessary. Machine washable, water temperature should not be higher than 40 degrees (often 30 is enough).
It is better to use the delicate mode.
You can wash it by hand, do not rub or twist too much. Any washing powder can be used, at the discretion of the housewife.
But you can see what a tablecloth looks like on an oval kitchen table and what colors are available here.
On video, a tablecloth with Teflon coating:
Do not squeeze or twist the product. After all, creases form in the places of folds when squeezing and twisting, and the coating will be damaged there.
It is also worth learning more about what chiffon is and what kind of fabric it is.
Care depends on the composition of the fabric. Study the manufacturer's care recommendations and follow them!
You can see what round kitchen tablecloths look like and what sizes exist here.
After washing, shake off the tablecloth, straighten it, and allow the water to drain.
Expert opinion
Smirnova Ekaterina Anatolevna
7 years of experience in interior design, professional architect
Dry flat, in natural conditions, preferably in the air, but keep away from direct sunlight. Do not dry near heating devices.
Iron from the wrong side, without pressing, with a not very hot iron.
Tablecloths with a base made of natural materials may shrink. Take this point into account when choosing, buy with a margin of length. For every day, it is better to buy a tablecloth made of synthetic fabrics.
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How to properly clean a tablecloth?
There are no difficulties in cleaning; you need to take a sponge, laundry soap, a small spatula, and a non-aggressive cleaning agent.
Algorithm of actions:
- To remove moisture, just use a sponge;
- if you need to remove dirt, then take soap or a cleaning product, foam it, and apply it to the stain;
- wait until the stain gets wet and remove it with a sponge;
- if the stain is old and ingrained, then scrape it off with a spatula.
If these measures do not help, you will have to wash it by hand or machine. In the first case, the basin is filled with warm water, the detergent is dissolved in it, and the product is immersed. When washing, do not rub or crumple, as this can damage the Teflon, but use a sponge. After washing, they do not wring it out, but take it out of the basin, allow the water to drain, and then carefully hang it on the balcony.
When washing in the machine, set the delicate cycle, do not spin.
Caring for Teflon-impregnated kitchen textiles
There are several ways to clean a tablecloth from dirt: wet cleaning, hand or machine washing. Mechanical manipulation deteriorates the structure of the coating, opening access to the fibers. They begin to absorb liquids, fat, dirt, and quickly become sloppy.
Mechanical manipulation deteriorates the structure of the coating, opening access to the fibers.
You can preserve the appearance of a beautiful, favorite tablecloth with Teflon by following a few rules:
- Stains must be removed immediately before they dry; when wet, they can be easily removed;
- For cleaning Teflon, a porous sponge, non-woven wipes, and foam rubber are recommended;
- The liquid is removed with paper or dry cloth napkins; they absorb any stains well and do not leave streaks;
- If dried traces of food remain, they are not cleaned off with abrasives or scraped off with a knife;
- Old stains are pre-soaked and a damp cloth is left on the table;
- After removing stains and traces of food, wipe the Teflon layer with a clean damp cloth, then dry;
- It is not recommended to wash the tablecloth frequently so as not to damage the integrity of the Teflon.
To clean contaminants, it is advisable to follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Care depends on the composition of the fabric and the type of coating.
To clean contaminants, it is advisable to follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
Any Teflon-impregnated tablecloth has a limited service life. Nevertheless, such practical textiles are convenient to use for everyday and festive serving. Fabric with a protective coating will perfectly protect the tabletop from damage. It will bring new colors to the interior, make the world brighter, and the kitchen more comfortable. A good-quality Teflon tablecloth will be a good gift for March 8, wedding anniversary, or birthday.
Teflon coated tablecloths - selection criteria
We have long been accustomed to Teflon. Thanks to impregnation with polytetrafluoroethylene, Teflon tablecloth acquires unique properties. Teflon only impregnates the fibers, leaving space between them. The tablecloth retains breathability, breathes, and remains pleasant to the touch.
Trade brands “Skatertishop” (Moscow), “Kupchikha” offer different types of Teflon tablecloths made of linen, cotton, mixed fabrics, and polyester. We will talk about the features of such serving textiles. The practical canvas is appropriate on large tables during family dinners, will make the kitchen cozy, and will add bright colors to a picnic.
Among the wide variety of Teflon-coated serving textiles, you can find natural tablecloths for the festive table in pastel colors, plain and with small patterns. The products have an elegant look and are suitable for the most special occasions.
Polyester amazes with a riot of colors. Bright sunflowers in a kitchen with windows facing north will enliven the interior, adding warm colors and light to it.
Cotton tablecloths with an original, unusual print or thematic design will be appropriate in cafes and canteens; they will lift your spirits and enliven the atmosphere of a spacious room. The trend is for Teflon tablecloths for round tables; they are decorated with a border and fall from the edges with raised folds.
Available in various styles.
