Rachel Evans
Altar linens are used to cover the chalice at Mass and are considered sacred in Catholicism. As such, they require special care and attention when it comes to cleaning and maintenance. Altar linens are typically made of fine linen and can be adorned with various decorations. They are subject to a variety of stains, from wine to wax, and must be treated with respect during the cleaning process. The steps involved in washing altar linens include pre-soaking to remove stains, rinsing in a sacrarium, washing with gentle detergents, and ironing with care. The linens should not be bleached or washed in hot water to avoid damage and shrinkage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Stains | Wine, dust, soot, wax, mystery stains, oily stains, blood stains |
| Stain removal products | Wax remover (e.g. EZ Task Wax Remover), isopropyl alcohol, Biz, Stain Wizard, Stain Devils Coffee, Tea, Wine, and Juice, Stain treatments (e.g. Carbona) |
| Stain removal methods | Pre-soak overnight, gently massage linen, use a washing machine bag, do not use hot water or bleach |
| Washing | Use gentle laundry detergent, wash on delicate cycle |
| Drying | N/A |
| Ironing | Iron corporals in a specific way to contain particles of the consecrated host |
| Disposal | Burial or burning |
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Removing wax stains
Wax and soot are some of the toughest stains to remove from altar linens. Before attempting to remove wax, check the whole length of the linen for drippings and soot. It is important to deal with wax stains before treating other stains or laundering.
Firstly, remove as much wax as possible by gently flexing the fabric and scraping or brushing away loose pieces. You can also try freezing the linen or applying an ice cube to make the wax more brittle and easier to remove. A butter knife can be used as a gentle scraper. Do not use an iron to remove wax, as the heat is likely to set the stain.
Next, address any oily residue and soot left behind by the wax. Treat the area with a wax remover designed for fabric, following the instructions on the bottle. Let the wax remover sit for at least five minutes before laundering, and reapply just before placing the altar linen into the washer. If the wax remover does not work, try using isopropyl alcohol with the highest alcohol content available (ideally 99%). Apply the alcohol to the stain and gently massage the linen between your hands, then wash immediately.
Alternatively, place a blotting paper on the stain and cover it with an iron to pick up the liquid wax, then wash as usual.
If there are still wax stains on the altar linen after washing, reapply a wax remover such as EZ Task Wax Remover or EZ-Task laundry remover before placing it in the washer again.
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Presoaking linens
Step 1: Prepare the Washing Container
Fill a washing container with warm water. The water temperature should be checked to ensure it is not hot, as hot water can cause shrinkage. An extra-large washing machine bag can be used to protect the altar linens during presoaking and in the washing machine. The bag should be large enough to allow the linens to move freely while also containing them during the spin cycles.
Step 2: Add the Altar Linens
Place the purificators and corporals into the washing container filled with warm water. Ensure that the linens are fully submerged in the water. If using a washing machine bag, place the linens inside the bag before adding it to the water. You can use gallon jugs filled with water to keep the linens submerged.
Step 3: Soaking Time
Allow the linens to soak for a minimum of 10 minutes. However, the soaking time may vary depending on the type and severity of the stains. For example, purple stains may require up to 90 minutes of soaking. If the linens have been on the altar for an extended period and have accumulated various stains, an overnight presoak is recommended.
Step 4: Remove and Squeeze
After the soaking time, remove the linens from the water and squeeze out as much water as possible from each piece. It is important to note that the water used for presoaking should not be poured down the drain. Instead, it should be poured onto the ground outside as a sign of reverence and respect.
Step 5: Prepare for the Next Step
Place the presoaked linens into another wash container or directly into the washing machine, following the remaining cleaning steps as instructed.
By following these steps for presoaking linens, you can effectively remove stains and prepare the altar linens for the subsequent washing and laundering process.
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Cleaning corporals
Corporals are square linens used to catch crumbs from the host during consecration. They are placed underneath the chalice during the Eucharist. When cleaning corporals, it is important to treat them with the respect due to their sacred function.
To clean corporals, start by rinsing them in a sacrarium. Then, wash them with gentle laundry detergent in a plastic tub or bucket. The water should be warm, and the corporals should be soaked for a minimum of ten minutes. If there are wax stains, treat the area with a wax remover before laundering. If there are other stains, you can use a product like Biz or Carbona Stain Wizard. Do not use bleach, as this will damage the fibres.
After soaking, squeeze as much water as possible from the corporal and pour the water onto the ground. Repeat this process twice. Finally, the corporal can be washed in a washing machine on a delicate cycle. Use a laundry detergent or a scoop of Biz powder, and Woolite. Do not put corporals in the dryer, instead, dry them naturally.
Once clean, corporals should be ironed in a specific way. They are folded in thirds, bottom up, then in half, with the crosses facing up. The folds should then be pressed. Corporals are then stored in a distinctive manner, which helps to contain any small particles of the consecrated host.
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Stain treatments
Altar linens can become stained with wine, dust, soot, wax, and other mystery substances. Here is a step-by-step guide to treating these stains:
Wax Removal
Firstly, check the altar linen for wax drippings and soot. These are difficult to remove without leaving a stain and need to be addressed before other stain treatments. Start by removing as much wax as possible by gently flexing the fabric and scraping or brushing away loose pieces. Freezing the linen or applying an ice cube can make the wax brittle and easier to remove. A butter knife can be used to scrape, but be gentle to avoid damaging the fabric. Do not use an iron to remove wax, as the heat will set the stain.
Stain Treatment
Once the majority of the wax has been removed, you will likely need to treat the oily stain and any remaining soot. Apply a wax remover designed for fabric, such as EZ Task Wax Remover, following the instructions on the bottle. Let it sit for at least five minutes, then reapply just before laundering. If the wax remover is ineffective, try using isopropyl alcohol with the highest available percentage of alcohol (ideally 99%). Gently massage the linen between your hands and wash immediately.
Pre-soak
If the altar linen has been in use for a long time and has accumulated various known and unknown stains, an overnight pre-soak is recommended. Use an extra-large washing machine bag to protect the linen during the pre-soak and subsequent wash cycle. Dissolve one scoop of powdered Biz (a linen stain remover) in a laundry sink filled with water. Do not use hot water, as this can cause shrinkage. Place the linen inside the washing machine bag, then submerge it in the solution and let it soak overnight.
Wine Stain Treatment
For wine stains, Don from St. Martha's Guild recommends Carbona Stain Devils Coffee, Tea, Wine, and Juice. He soaks the stained area in the product overnight, and the stain washes away the next day.
General Stain Treatment
For unknown stains, the Carbona Stain Wizard is a good option.
Lipstick Stain Treatment
To remove lipstick stains, treat the area with glycerin to loosen the grease. Apply liquid shampoo and gently rub it in. After 15 minutes, rinse the linen. If the stain persists, apply hot water to the affected area.
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Laundering
Altar linens are made up of altar cloths, corporals, lavabo towels, palls, and purificators. They are treated with great respect and care due to their sacred function and character. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to launder altar linens:
Pre-soaking
Place the purificators and corporals in a washing container filled with warm water. Allow the linens to soak for a minimum of 10 minutes, but keep in mind that purple stains may require up to 90 minutes of soaking. If the altar cloth has been on the altar for a long time and has accumulated various stains, an overnight pre-soak is recommended. Use a stain remover like Biz or Carbona Stain Wizard to treat any minor stains before pre-soaking. For wine stains, Carbona Stain Devils Coffee, Tea, Wine, and Juice is recommended.
Wax stain removal
If there are wax stains, treat the area with a wax remover meant for fabric. Let it sit for at least five minutes before laundering. Reapply the wax remover just before placing the altar cloth into the washer. If the wax remover is ineffective, try using isopropyl alcohol with the highest alcohol content available (preferably 99%). Gently massage the linen between your hands and wash immediately.
Washing
Place the pre-soaked linens into another wash container. Use an extra-large washing machine bag to protect the altar cloth during the wash cycle. Dissolve one scoop of powdered Biz (a linen stain remover) in a laundry sink filled with water. Do not use hot water as it can cause shrinkage. Add the altar cloth inside the washing machine bag to the water and let it soak overnight. Keep the linen submerged by placing gallon jugs of water on top. Do not use bleach as it can damage the linen fibres.
Finally, wash the altar cloth in the washing machine on the delicate cycle, using a scoop of Biz powder and Woolite.
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Frequently asked questions
Altar linens are made up of altar cloths, corporals, lavabo towels, palls, and purificators. They are used to cover the chalice at Mass and to protect the Precious Blood from insects or foreign objects.
First, pre-soak the linens in warm water for a minimum of 10 minutes to allow any remnants of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ to dissolve. Then, squeeze out as much water as possible and place the linens in another wash container. Rinse corporals in a sacrarium and then wash with gentle laundry detergent. Wash the rest of the linens in a washing machine on a delicate cycle using laundry soap and a linen stain remover such as Biz or Woolite. Do not use bleach as this will damage the linen fibres.
Treat the stain with a wax remover meant for fabric, such as EZ Task Wax Remover. If this does not work, try isopropyl alcohol with a high alcohol content. If you are dealing with a wine stain, soak the area in Carbona Stain Devils Coffee, Tea, Wine, and Juice overnight.
Altar linens should be dried by pouring the wash water on the ground outside. They should be ironed in such a way that their distinctive manner of folding helps to contain any small particles of the consecrated host that may remain.
