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The Citizen, 1989-02-08, Page 29* * THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1989. PAGE 29. or on linens which that will New table finery demands special care ♦ * A recent survey conducted by a china manufacturer found that new brides are more eager to entertain beautifully than they used to be. With that emphasis on fine table accessories comes a new responsi­ bility: taking care of the finery. Here are some guidelines suggest­ ed by manufacturers of crystal, linens, silverware and china. CRYSTAL Crystal is susceptible to varia­ tions of temperature and thermal shock can cause large crystal items to crack. Avoid drastic temperature changes when handling it. Although a dishwasher can be used to wash heavy crystal, place it only in the top section and make sure no glasses are touching. Hand-washing is preferable, espe­ cially for uncut and gold-trimmed glasses. When wine has left a sediment in a decanter, fill it with a room­ temperature solution of half-water, half-vinegar and soak. A bit of sand can be added to provide mild abrasion that won’t scratch the crystal when gently swished around. A denture cleaner can also be tried to remove red wine stains. If a vessel develops a white line from mineral deposits at the water mark, try adding water softener at room temperature to remove it. FINE LINENS Fine woven linens can last for generations if properly cared for. Follow the manufacturer’s instruc­ tions, but if there are none, mashine-wash new linens on a delicate cycle. Repeated bleaching isn’t recommended since it may fade the natural lustre of the fabric. Natural-fibre white damask can be bleached in a mild solution when necessary. Spots set if allowed to dry, but often can be removed when fresh. One of the most difficult to remove is red wine. The time-honored remedy is to pour table salt over it, then rinse with cool water. If the stain has dried already when discovered, pouring club soda through it may help. !C f\ | For your convenience we rent: ''•Rose Arbour •Candelabras *110605 •Chaonpagoe Fouotaios •Wicker Fern Staods We also carry Weddiog Cakes aod Toppiogs OFF WIDE SELECTION f OF INVITATIONS & ALL Q PAPERWARE AND PARTY PRODOCTS WEDDINGS N’ SUCH 216 Huron St. (at corner of John) > STRATFORD f Press damask and other wovens while damp; high-temperature settings can be used for pure cotton or linen. Lightweight table linens and synthetics require a cool iron, however. Embroidered, trimmed and lace tablecloths should be pressed between two pieces of cloth (a pillowcase or two sheets are good). As a rule, iron the wrong side first, then the right side to bring out the cloth’s sheen. If scorching should occur, rub a cut onion over the scorch mark, then soak the linen in cold water for about an hour before washing. Store linens folded hanger but don’t wrap ordinary tissue paper, likely to contain acid eventually cause spots on the fabric. Polyethelyne and plastic bags are not recommended be­ cause they don’t allow for evapora­ tion and can lead to mildew stains. Don’t store linens in hot or damp areas for the same reason. SILVERWARE Stainless, silver and silverplate can go into the dishwasher. How­ ever, pewter and ceramic- or wood-handled flatware should be washed by hand in hot, soapy water and dried immediately with a soft cloth. To prevent spotting, remove flatware from a dishwasher before the dry cycle and dry it by hand. Sterling and silverplate will tarnish less if they are used every day. CHINA Before using a dishwasher, make sure it is safe by checking with the retailer or manufacturer. Stack china carefully in the dishwasher so that plates do not touch. Scrape leftovers off the plates and rinse coffee and tea cups to prevent possibility of staining. If there is a stain, remove it by rubbing gently with a borax cleaning compound. Do not use steel wool pads or scouring powder, which can scratch fine china. If washing by hand, use a plastic dishpan in the sink to prevent chipping. I Crystal, fine linens, silverware and china need special care to retain their beauty.