In previous articles, we have told you about these fantastic elements called placemats. These incredible items help us with many things, such as decorating our table or protecting it from fluids and the heat of the food. However, one of the most important points to mention is the best way to take care of them. Placemats should remain impeccable and this does not have to be a headache.
Since in today´s world there are many types of placemats, you should know that not all of them need to be cleaned in the same way and can be damaged if we do not choose the right way.
Do not wait any longer and keep reading this article to learn about all the types of placemats and the best way to clean them, so that your table is always flawless, and your guests surprised!
Best Washable Placemats
How To Clean Placemats
When we work in the kitchen, cleaning is a process that although is not very exciting for most people, is important if we want to cook and serve safe food to our guests. Nobody will want to cook in a dirty kitchen, or to eat food with utensils that do not look clean or in proper conditions.
Every time that we finish eating, we need to take care of our utensils, including dishware, flatware, glassware, and all those elements that we used on the table. This is important if we want utensils that last longer, and also, they will be in perfect conditions for the next time we need to use them.
This time we are going to talk about how to clean placemats properly.
Remember that placemats are no more than pads that you put on the table to protect it from heat, crumbs, leftovers, and spills. Besides, they are a nice piece of decoration for the dining room table.
Cleaning the placemats will depend on the material from which they are made. Not all materials require the same care. For example, can you imagine washing a wooden placemat in a washing machine? That will probably will ruin both, the placemat and the machine!
However, do not worry, if you are not sure what is the best way to clean your favorite placemats, here we will show you:
Vinyl & Plastic
These materials are very popular for placemats due to their resistance. They are hard materials that do not absorb liquids, which is why you should never put them on the washing machine. They will probably break and be ruined. However, the machine is not necessary at all.
They are very easy to clean! You only need to wipe them with a damp cloth and then a dry one. Also, for a more thorough cleaning, you can hold them under running water and rub them with soap and water, then dry them using a cloth.
Cloth Placemats
These are the favorite placemats for homemakers and restaurants. This is because they are relatively easy to clean and they provide a sophisticated and classic look. Most fabrics are machine washable; however, you should be careful and read the label for washing instructions before doing so.
If you want to wash it in a washing machine, keep the following in mind: do not mix with other fabrics, as they could stain or become damaged.
If there is any stain on the placemat, special care must be given so that it is not stained after washing. You should remove stains quickly, in this way you prevent them from drying out on the placemat. A placemat with a permanent stain will no longer look good on your table.
Here are some tips to get rid of stains:
- Start by rubbing with a damp cloth and soap. You can help yourself using a soft bristle toothbrush and circular movements. Always use a gentle soap or cleanser that is suitable for the type of fabric of your placemat. Very strong soaps can damage the fabric.
- Hand wash and make sure all the soap comes out before letting it dry.
- To make the dry faster, you can place the placemat on a dry towel and roll it up, so excess water will be absorbed and you avoid wrinkling the placemat.
Follow these tips and your placemats will be clean and ready for the next use.
Bamboo, Wicker & Cork
These materials are used when you want a slightly more homely and cozy environment, especially if the meal will be on an outdoor patio. Today minimalist, bohemian, and above all, environmentally friendly designs are popular. These materials, being natural, do not involve (or very little) manufacturing processes with harmful chemicals.
To keep them clean, just using a damp cloth with a little soap will be enough to remove crumbs and any stains. However, to avoid harboring bacteria it is important to sanitize them, once or twice a week if you use the placemats often.
You can use vinegar, as it is a food-safe product and the smell dissipates quickly. Avoid rubbing them too much and do not put them underwater.
Finally, it is always ideal to follow the advice of the marker of your favorite placemats. This will help you to know perfectly how to care properly for these kitchen items.
What are the best placemats?
The best overall placemats
In general, the best placemats are those made of fabric, specifically linen. These will always provide a sophisticated and natural look to the dining table.
It is a durable material (more resistant than cotton), light, easy to clean because some can be washed in the washing machine, and if the placemat has a double layer it will provide better protection.
Among other advantages, we can mention that it does not cause allergies since linen is a natural material, which requires few chemical products to be processed.
The best protective placemats
If you are most concerned about protecting your dining room table from heat, the best material to choose is PVC. This material is resistant, and you can be sure that the heat will not reach your table. Most PVC placemats have vinyl or laminate cover with different designs that you can choose from to match the rest of the décor.
If we make a list of other advantages of these placemats, there are several that we believe necessary to mention. PVC placemats are affordable, easy to clean, flexible, stain-resistant, and they dry quickly.
Luckily for you, in Artydome we offer four different sets of placemats made of PVC with a laminated coating. There are different colors to choose from, and we are sure you will find the right one that fits your style.
The best decorative placemats
Without a doubt, placemats can be considered a decorative piece for our table. If what you need is to impress your guests with decoration and details, the best thing you can do is choose those with webbed designs. They are usually made of vinyl, which makes them look more luxurious.
Although they do not protect the table from spills, they will look great and can be used to décor other spaces of the kitchen.
The best placemats for kids
When there are children at home, we know that sometimes cleaning can be a complicated issue, since children like to play with everything, especially with food! So knowing this, do not try with cloth placemats. You will be washing them on the washing machine every single day.
The best for this task are silicone placemats. The good thing about these is that they adhere very well to the surface and do not slip easily. They come in different shapes and colors and some are dishwasher safe.
Consider that these placemats are not too big. They are the perfect size for kids, but it could be difficult to place all the utensils for an adult properly. As just kids will use them, make sure they are BPA free.
The best washable placemats
At this point, we can say that all the materials are relatively easy to clean. However, you can choose the ideal for you according to your lifestyle and the use that you are going to give it. If you prefer to use the washing machine because you think it is the best way to wash placemats and remove stains, choose a fabric that can be washed.
On the other hand, if you do not have enough time to be cleaning and be aware of the washing machine, you should choose PVC. These placemats just need to be cleaned with a damp cloth. So it will easier and faster to keep them clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it necessary to clean placemats every day?
Yes, they can be dirty after the meals, so you will need to clean the placemats after every use.
Are PVC placemats machine washable?
No, they can be damaged if you put them on the washing machine. Just clean them using a damp cloth.
Using and choosing placemats for special occasions can be fun. That is when you start to play with materials, textures, colors, and tones to create the look you want. Whether it is a casual or luxurious aesthetic, there is a placemat for you. Apart from the style, also keep in mind that it adapts to your need and lifestyle.
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