Testing anti-bacterial tablecloths
The lotus effect allows tablecloths to repel dirt. They only look like they're made from plastic. But is this coating really that effective? Time for a three-way comparison.
I used to think that tablecloths were too fancy, but they've somehow become an integral part of my dinner table. They turn simple dishes into a feast for the eyes while protecting the table surface. Their shortcoming: pretty models made from natural fabrics such as cotton get dirty quickly, having to be washed and ironed. I have had good experiences with linen fabrics, but even they aren't immune to external influences. Fluids will be absorbed into the tissue if you don't react quickly enough. Such stains are particularly annoying on light-coloured tablecloths. An alternative must be found.
Do you have textile tablecloths that repel liquid? Then they should feel like actual fabric, not rubber. I saw a model being tested with red wine at a demo recently, but unfortunately I can't remember the manufacturer...
While browsing through our range, I meet like-minded people from the community. Like me, this anonymous user is looking for alternatives to the rubber-coated fabrics typically found in wax tablecloths. These are mostly polyester fabrics coated with soft PVC. This doesn't look or feel like cloth. Rather, they remind me of truck tarpaulins. And that just doesn't belong on a table.
The Lotus effect
«Anonymous» and I are searching for a cotton-like fabric with a self-cleaning surface. This property is referred to as the lotus effect in textiles or other materials such as glass. Lotus leaves simply let water roll off their surface. Keeping them clean. Some tablecloth manufacturers assure that their designs have this characteristic as well as a pleasant feel. To verify this, I compare three different tablecloths with each other. This includes a model that another community member recommended.
The three amigos
I chose two other tablecloths by the Swiss brands Cucina & Tavola and Sander as I like their design. All models have a light colour and different patterns. Their fabric consists mainly of polyester and was tested by me for the lotus effect.
«Raute» by Cucina & Tavola
This tablecloth, at just under fifty francs, sits in the middle price range among our test models. Since it retains some creases from the packaging after the first wash, ironing is required.
Compared to the other test models, this process is rather short. Nevertheless, the fabric doesn't look high-quality, nor is it pleasantly soft. It comes close to resembling cotton, and the delicate diamond pattern enhances this effect. For example, the tablecloth could fit into a modern arrangement consisting of rectangular plates. Best of all, it completely repels my syrup water.
«Loft» by Sander
In contrast to «Raute», «Loft» is thinner, softer and comes closest to cotton both visually and by its feel. Although this fabric is made from one hundred percent polyester, it looks high quality. But only after I ironed it longer than the other models. An elegant border that stands out in colour enhances the tablecloth and justifies the high price of around seventy francs in direct comparison. At first, I don't think that it'll pass the lotus effect test because the fabric is so thin. But I'm wrong: it passes with flying colours.
«Acryl» by Cucina & Tavola
The tablecloth, which costs around forty francs, is a combination of the first two models. On top, the surface of the plant leaves differs from the spaces between them. It's rougher and feels like truck tarpaulins. That's why the shape of the tablecloth is altogether stiffer than the other two designs and therefore more slip-resistant. Initial wrinkles are almost gone after a first wash, so I only have to iron over them for a short time. The only difficulty lies in choosing the correct setting for the iron. It can't be too hot so that the plant leaf elements melt. As with the previous models, droplets remain on the surface, where they can be removed a few minutes later.
Verdict
All three tablecloths tested allow liquids to run off and keep their promise: the lotus effect. All you have to do is pass over the surface with a damp cloth. The drops remain unchanged for minutes. They can even move around if you lift the fabric. This means that even stubborn liquids such as red wine cannot penetrate the material. So the only question remains in the choice of aesthetics. Since «Loft» can be most easily confused with a cotton-linen blend, it's my favourite. Although I wasn't a fan of polyester at the beginning, I now see tablecloths differently. Thanks to the lotus effect, any odd wash cycle can be omitted and the laundry stays beautiful for a long time.
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Pia Seidel
Senior Editor
Pia.Seidel@digitecgalaxus.chLike a cheerleader, I love celebrating good design and bringing you closer to everything furniture- and interior design- related. I regularly curate simple yet sophisticated interior ideas, report on trends and interview creative minds about their work.
