To properly use a floorcloth, particularly after it has been rolled up or stored in cold conditions, the key is allowing it to adapt naturally to its environment.
Initial Handling and Placement
A floorcloth, often made of sturdy material like canvas treated with paint and varnish, needs careful handling when first put into use or after storage. Here's what you need to know:
- Temperature Sensitivity: A floorcloth can feel stiff, especially if kept in a cool place. In cold weather, they become less flexible.
- Restoring Flexibility: Once the floorcloth reaches room temperature, its flexibility will return naturally.
Flattening a Floorcloth
The critical step when using a floorcloth that has been rolled is allowing it to flatten correctly to preserve its finish.
- Unrolling: After unrolling the floorcloth, place it directly on the floor where you intend to use it.
- Natural Flattening: The most important instruction is to let the floorcloth flatten out on its own. Do not attempt to force it flat by bending or creasing it.
- Preventing Damage: Forcing a stiff floorcloth to flatten can cause the paint or finish to crack, damaging the appearance and durability of the cloth.
- Patience is Key: The floorcloth will flatten over time just by being laid out on the floor.
In summary, using a floorcloth effectively upon placement involves ensuring it's at room temperature and then simply laying it out and allowing gravity and time to do their work in making it lie flat.
