Grace Thompson
Altar linens are cloths used at the altar during the Eucharistic celebration and are considered sacred in the Catholic Church. As such, they should be treated with care and respect. While there is a surprising lack of information on how to care for altar linens, they should be cleaned and maintained using proper methods to preserve their beauty and longevity. This includes the use of specific cleaning products, ironing techniques, and storage practices, which will be outlined in the following paragraphs.
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Linen is best
Linen is a strong fabric with a long history of use in liturgy and scripture. It is mentioned numerous times in scripture, and the Shroud of Turin, which is believed to be the burial cloth of Jesus, is made of fine linen. Linen is also highly effective at releasing stains, and its tendency to wrinkle can be advantageous.
Linen is the best choice for altar cloths because of its strength and stain-releasing properties. It is important to care for altar linens with the reverence and respect due to their sacred character. When cleaning linen altar cloths, it is crucial to avoid hot water and bleach as these can damage the fabric and cause shrinkage. Instead, cold water and a linen stain remover like Biz can be used, followed by a gentle wash in the washing machine.
To iron linen altar cloths, the iron should be set to the linen temperature setting, which is the hottest. It is important to check the iron for any grime that might transfer to the linen. If the linen is not ironing well, it may be an indication that it needs less time in the dryer or that it should be ironed sooner after being removed from the dryer. Streaks may form if the starch settles unevenly, so it is important to iron the linen as soon as possible.
Linen corporals, which are used to catch crumbs or small particles of the consecrated host, should be rinsed in a sacrarium before being washed with laundry soap. They should then be ironed in a manner that contains any remaining particles. Purificators, which are used to wipe and purify the chalice, should be absorbent and easily laundered, and they should always be made of washable fabric rather than disposable materials.
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Bleach is damaging
Altar linens are considered sacred in the Catholic Church and are used in the liturgy, so they deserve special respect and care. They are often made of linen, a strong fabric that releases stains better than polyester. However, bleach should never be used on altar linens as it is very damaging to the fibres and will destroy the linen.
Linen altar cloths can be subject to various sources of staining, including wine, dust, soot, wax, lipstick, and the Precious Blood. In addition to stains, linens may also be damaged by flaming wicks or hot wax. It is important to treat stains as soon as possible to prevent them from setting. Several stain removal products are recommended for treating altar linens, such as Biz, Carbona Stain Wizard, and Carbona Stain Devils Coffee, Tea, Wine, and Juice.
When it comes to cleaning altar linens, proper cleaning methods should be used to preserve the beauty and life of the cloth. While corporals should first be rinsed in a sacrarium and then washed with laundry soap, most altar linens can be washed in a washing machine on the delicate cycle. Linens should be soaked in cold water, treated with glycerin, and rinsed with cold water before being washed in hot water and left to dry naturally. A natural repellent, such as lavender, can be used to store linens and prevent damage from moths and insects.
The use of bleach on altar linens is strongly discouraged due to its damaging effects on the fabric. Bleach can painfully shorten the life of altar linens and destroy the beauty of the cloth. Instead of using bleach, one should adopt a regular cleaning routine that includes stain treatments and proper laundering techniques. By avoiding the use of bleach and adopting proper care and cleaning methods, the life of altar linens can be extended, and their sacred character preserved.
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Soak overnight
Altar linens are made up of altar cloths, corporals, lavabo towels, palls, and purificators. They are used to cover the chalice at Mass to protect the Precious Blood from insects or foreign objects. Due to their sacred function, they require special attention when cleaning.
If an altar cloth has been on the altar for a long time and has a variety of stains, it is recommended to give it an overnight pre-soak before washing. Start by filling a laundry sink with water. Do not use hot water as it can cause shrinkage. Dissolve one scoop of powdered Biz, a linen stain remover, into the water.
Place the altar cloth in an extra-large washing machine bag. The bag will protect the altar cloth during pre-soaking and in the washing machine, allowing it to move freely while keeping it contained. Zip the bag and place it in the sink, ensuring the altar cloth is fully submerged. You can use gallon jugs filled with water to keep the altar cloth submerged. Let it soak overnight.
After the overnight soak, drain the solution, and the altar cloth will be ready for the next step of the cleaning process. If there are wax stains, you can apply EZ Wax Remover or isopropyl alcohol before washing.
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Ironing tips
Ironing Catholic altar linens requires careful attention to ensure the material remains intact and beautiful. Here are some detailed tips for ironing altar linens:
Firstly, ensure your iron is set to the linen temperature setting, which is typically the hottest setting. Always check your iron for any grime that might transfer to the linen before pressing the altar cloth. Use a hot iron cleaner to remove any residue.
It is best to iron linen when it is damp, not dripping wet. After washing, remove the linens from the water and squeeze out as much water as possible. The altar cloth should be slightly damp for optimal ironing. If it is too wet, ironing will be difficult, and if it is too dry, you won't achieve a crisp finish, even with misting.
For altar cloths with wax stains, do not use the iron to remove excess wax. Heat will likely set the stains. Instead, gently scrape or brush away any loose pieces of wax.
When ironing corporals, a type of altar linen, ensure that you follow their unique folding method. Iron the creases firmly into place to help hold small particles of the consecrated host.
Finally, for purificators, a specific type of altar linen, there is a particular folding method. First, iron the linen flat, then fold the opposite edges inward lengthwise, creating equal thirds. Iron these folds into crisp creases. Next, fold the linen in half, aligning the ends, and iron this final crease.
Remember to treat altar linens with great care and respect due to their sacred nature.
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Cleaning corporals
A corporal is a large square linen cloth, usually measuring 18" x 18". It is folded into thirds and placed underneath the chalice during Holy Mass. The deacon or another minister spreads the corporal in the course of the preparation of the gifts and the altar. When concelebrants receive the Eucharist from the altar, a corporal is placed beneath all chalices or patens to catch any crumbs from the host during consecration.
When cleaning corporals, they should first be rinsed in a sacrarium and then washed with laundry soap in the customary manner. Corporals should be soaked in water in a plastic tub or bucket, and the water should be poured out into the ground. This process should be done twice. After washing, corporals should be ironed in a specific way: their distinctive manner of folding helps to contain any small particles of the consecrated host that may remain after the Eucharistic celebration.
It is important to note that corporals are different from altar cloths or altar linens. Altar cloths refer to the drapings or frontals that are used to decorate the altar, while altar linens refer to the broader category of linens used in the liturgy, including corporals, purificators, lavabo towels, and palls. Unless the altar cloths have been stained with the Precious Blood, they do not need to be cleaned in the sacrarium. Instead, proper cleaning methods should be used to preserve their beauty and longevity.
The care and cleaning of corporals and other altar linens are considered sacred tasks in the Catholic Church. Those responsible for these duties are encouraged to accompany their work with prayer. The linens should be treated with the utmost care and respect, reflecting their use in the preparation and celebration of the sacred mysteries.
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Frequently asked questions
Altar linens should be cleaned every 2 weeks.
Altar linens should be soaked in water twice, then spot cleaned and washed normally in a washing machine. They should be washed separately from other laundry.
Yes, altar linens should be ironed and folded in thirds, bottom up, then half, crosses up.
Soak the altar linens in a laundry sink filled with water and a scoop of powdered Biz overnight. If there are only a few minor stains, treat them with a stain remover. Do not use bleach.
Altar linens should be made of linen as it is a strong fabric that releases stains better than polyester.
