How to Wash Damask

Hand washing

Fill a large basin or bathtub with cool water. Add a mild detergent that lacks optical brightener or bleach.

Wash gently by hand. Avoid any rigorous rubbing or scrubbing.

Rinse in room temperature water.

Allow to dry. Either line dry or use a dryer. Only dry until damp. If line drying, make it taut, to ensure that it dries without wrinkles.

Iron damp damask dry. This will ensure easier ironing and a wrinkle-free finish. There must be a press cloth between the iron and the damask fabric. This protects the fabric from scorching. Iron dark damask inside out, to prevent adding shininess to the front.

Washing machine

Check the tag for any recommended temperature. The usual temperature is 60ºC.

Treat stains directly with stain remover. Do not leave the damask to soak. If using a bleaching agent, only use one with hydrogen peroxide. This will release the stain without harming the fibers.

Place in the washing machine with a mild detergent. Do not overfill the machine; remove other items if it feels too full.

Allow to dry. Either line dry or use a dryer. Only dry until damp. If line drying, make it taut, to ensure that it dries without wrinkles.

Iron damp damask dry. This will ensure easier ironing and a wrinkle-free finish. There must be a press cloth between the iron and the damask fabric. This protects the fabric from scorching. Iron dark damask inside out, to prevent adding shininess to the front.

Cleaning wax off damask fabric

Scrape the wax off the damask fabric. Use a blunt butter knife, plastic knife or similar.

Cover the wax stain with paper towels.

Iron over the stain with a warm iron. The wax in the cloth will transfer onto the paper towel.

Remove the paper towel and inspect the stain. If it's still there, add new towel and repeat.

When you're happy that the wax has been removed, wash and dry as outlined above.