How should users store the Lace Table Runner to prevent creasing, stretching, or mildew growth between uses?

Prior to storing the Lace Table Runner, users must ensure it is thoroughly cleaned to eliminate any dirt, food particles, spills, or body oils that may have come into contact with the fabric during use. Lace, especially when used on dining tables, is highly susceptible to absorbing microscopic food residues, grease, and acidic liquids such as wine or vinegar. If these substances remain on the lace, they can degrade the fabric fibers, encourage insect infestation, or lead to long-term discoloration. Professional-grade textile care begins with choosing an appropriate cleaning method—ideally a handwash in cold or lukewarm water using a pH-neutral, bleach-free detergent specifically formulated for delicate fabrics. If the care label permits, a washing machine’s delicate or lace cycle can be used, enclosed in a mesh laundry bag for added protection. Avoid rubbing, scrubbing, or wringing the lace, which can distort its structure. Once cleaned, users should inspect the runner for any remaining spots or stains before proceeding to the drying stage.

After washing, the Lace Table Runner must be completely and naturally dried to eliminate any trace of moisture, as dampness is one of the primary causes of mildew, fiber rot, and microbial growth. This is particularly important for lace, which typically contains fine threads and openwork patterns that trap moisture more easily than tightly woven fabrics. Air drying is strongly recommended: the runner should be laid flat on a clean, lint-free towel in a well-ventilated, shaded area away from direct sunlight. Hanging it vertically can cause delicate lace to stretch or warp, especially when water weight pulls down on wet fibers. Under no circumstances should the runner be stored while even slightly damp, as enclosed spaces can accelerate mildew formation within 24 to 48 hours depending on temperature and humidity. For best results, allow an extra day beyond what seems “dry to the touch” to ensure all internal fibers are fully moisture-free.

Long-term folding of lace, particularly along the same crease lines, is one of the leading causes of fabric weakening, breakage, and distortion of intricate patterns. To prevent this, it is highly recommended that users roll the Lace Table Runner rather than folding it. This technique reduces concentrated pressure along specific fiber lines and helps preserve the openwork structure of the lace. The rolling surface should be smooth, cylindrical, and non-acidic—a fabric-covered cardboard tube, museum-grade archival roll, or acid-free paper tube is ideal. If reusing household items like gift wrap cores, users must first wrap them in cotton muslin or acid-free paper to prevent chemical migration that could damage the fabric. Once rolled, the runner can be further wrapped in unbleached muslin to secure it in place, offering both protection and breathability.

If space limitations require folding the Lace Table Runner, users should insert acid-free tissue paper between each fold to cushion the fabric, distribute tension, and reduce friction between contact points. This minimizes the risk of hard creases, thread separation, or pressure-induced tears. Acid-free tissue not only physically protects the lace but also chemically safeguards it by neutralizing the effects of ambient environmental acids and moisture. Ordinary paper, by contrast, may contain lignin or other compounds that degrade over time and leach into the fabric, causing brittleness or yellowing. For particularly valuable or heirloom-quality lace, interleaving each layer with archival tissue paper and storing inside a museum-grade textile box may be considered best practice.

High humidity can promote mold and mildew growth, while high temperatures can cause fibers to dry out, become brittle, and lose elasticity. Sunlight, particularly UV rays, causes fading, yellowing, and photochemical breakdown of delicate materials. Therefore, the ideal storage location is one that is climate-controlled, stable in temperature (generally between 18–22°C or 64–72°F), low in humidity (40–50% relative humidity), and fully protected from light. Examples include interior drawers, under-bed linen compartments, or closets in main living areas (not attics, basements, or garages, which fluctuate heavily in temperature and moisture).