On one side, we spread tablecloths to protect the table from dirt. On the other hand, we expose the fabric itself to pollution, which is sometimes so unpleasant and persistent that it cannot be removed in any way. Do you have a dirty tablecloth after Sunday dinner with your family or after an evening meeting with friends? With these tips, you’ll learn how to clean tablecloths without ruining them and how to remove stains from tablecloths – from wine to grease to juice and chocolate.

How to wash tablecloths?

Each tablecloth has different washing requirements depending on the material it is made of. Therefore, always check the label before cleaning with the manufacturer’s recommendation. Here are some general rules:

  • cotton and polyester – these materials are usually machine washable. Use warm water and mild detergent, but avoid mixing white with colored;
  • linen and silk – these delicate fabrics require special care. Hand washing in cold water with mild detergent is recommended;
  • plastic or vinyl tablecloths – their maintenance is the easiest. Just wipe them with a damp cloth and mild soap.

For delicate fabrics such as lace or satin, it works well to put them in a protective bag before putting them in the washing machine.

How to remove stains from a tablecloth?

Tablecloth stains can be a real challenge, but each type of stain requires a different approach. Here are proven ways to deal with the most common stains.

  • Wine stains

Immediate response: Absorb the excess wine with a paper towel. Avoid rubbing to prevent the stain from penetrating deeper into the fabric.

  1. Salt will help you – sprinkle the stain with a thick layer of salt and let it act for 10 minutes. The salt absorbs most of the liquid.
  2. Rinse and wash – rinse the tablecloth with cold water and then apply a mild detergent to the stain. If the tablecloth is white, you can use a mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide (1:2). After a few minutes, wash according to the instructions on the label.
  • Greasy spots
  1. Oil absorption – sprinkle the stain with baking soda or potato flour and leave for a few minutes to absorb the grease.
  2. Cleaning paste – mix dishwashing liquid or gray soap with baking soda (1:1), apply to the stain and leave for 20 minutes. Then rinse with warm water and wash.
  • Stains from juice and fruit
  1. Immediate intervention – rinse the stain with cold water, place a towel under the stain to remove as much pigment as possible.
  2. Natural methods – apply lemon juice or white vinegar to the stain and then sprinkle it with baking soda. Leave on for 10 minutes before washing.

Chocolate stains

Remove excess chocolate – carefully remove it with a knife or spoon.

Cold water and detergent – Rinse with cold water from the back of the stain to wash away as much residue as possible. Before washing, apply dishwashing detergent or gray soap and leave for 10 minutes.

  • Wax stains
  1. Removal of excess wax – wait for the wax to harden and then gently scrape it off.
  2. Ironing method – put sandpaper on the stain and iron it with a warm iron so that the wax melts and absorbs into the paper.

How to clean tablecloths so they don’t get damaged?

In order to keep tablecloths in perfect condition, it is important to follow a few simple rules.

Avoid heat – don’t use hot water or a dryer if the fabric can’t handle it. High temperatures can cause fabric to clump or colors to fade.

  • Choose gentle detergents – the best are cleaning products designed for delicate fabrics. Avoid aggressive bleaches.
  • Test the detergents on a small part – before using a new detergent, test it on a small, invisible part of the tablecloth.
  • Dry flat – it is best to dry tablecloths made of delicate materials flat and avoid direct sunlight.

By taking proper care of tablecloths, you will extend their lifespan and aesthetic appearance. Follow these tips and your tablecloths will always be ready for your guests.

Do you want to starch a tablecloth for the holidays? Just put them in the washing machine