Wine, coffee or juices are just some of the substances that can leave hard-to-remove marks on fabrics. How to deal with them in order to avoid aggressive detergents and at the same time not to damage delicate fabrics? Read about practical home remedies for stains on tablecloths.

The most common stains on tablecloths and how to remove them

Stains on tablecloths often occur despite careful use – especially during holidays or Christmas dinner, when the table is full of different foods and drinks. Wine, beetroot, coffee or juices are just some of the typical stains that have to be dealt with naturally. Below you will find practical tips on how to effectively remove the most common stains without chemicals.

Wine stains

How do you remove wine stains? Reach for table salt. Spread the salt evenly over the stain as soon as it appears, then rinse the tablecloth in cold water. The salt absorbs most of the liquid. Another way is sparkling water. Gently pour sparkling water onto the stain and dry with a paper towel. Repeat the procedure several times.

Beetroot stains

Lemon juice can be an effective beet/beet stain remover. Apply a small amount of juice to the stain and leave it on for a few minutes. Then rinse with cold water and you’re done. White vinegar will also work successfully for this purpose. Mix it with water in a ratio of 1:2 and rub the stain gently, then rinse the tablecloth.

Juice stains

Milk works well for juice stains. Dip the soiled part of the tablecloth in a bowl of milk for about 15 minutes and then rinse under running water. In addition, you can reach for potato flour. Sprinkle the stain with this powder, spread it lightly and leave it on for a few minutes. Finally, rinse with water.

Greasy spots

Potato starch will be an effective agent. Sprinkle the stain with starch and leave it on for a few minutes. Then wipe it with a brush and wash the tablecloth in lukewarm water. Another way to get rid of greasy stains is to use a baking soda paste. Mix baking soda with a little water to make a paste. Apply it to the stain, wait 10 minutes, then rinse.

How do you get rid of stubborn stains on tablecloths?

Christmas gatherings full of warmth and a good atmosphere often leave stains that are more difficult to remove due to the nature of the food served. It is worth knowing the proven methods of how to deal with them so that the tablecloth continues to look flawless.

Coffee and tea

Baking soda will help also remove coffee and tea stains. Wet the soiled fabric and sprinkle it with baking soda, then rub gently and wash. Lemon water can also be helpful. Mix lemon juice and water in equal proportions, then apply to the stain and leave for a few minutes.

Chocolate

For chocolate stains try use milk. Soak the soiled part of the tablecloth in milk for about 20 minutes and then rinse with cold water. Alternatively, use lukewarm water with a little natural soap to remove the stain.

Fruits

An effective means of removing stains from fruit is sparkling water. Pour it on the stain and then dry it with a paper towel. Lemon juice will also work well, which is especially good for berry or raspberry stains.

Universal home remedies for stains on tablecloths

During festive dinners, it can easily happen that unexpected stains appear on the tablecloths. If you are not sure what exactly caused the stain on the tablecloth, use universal methods that work on many types of stains. They are safe for most fabrics and easy to apply at home.

  • Wash in cold water – cold water effectively washes away most fresh stains before they settle. This method is recommended for delicate fabrics that can be damaged by heat.
  • Corn starch – acts as a natural absorbent of grease and moisture. Just sprinkle on the stain, rub gently and leave for a few minutes, then rinse.
  • Potato flour – ideal for absorbing wet stains, especially from greasy sauces. You can apply the flour directly to the stain and rinse with lukewarm water after a few minutes.
  • White vinegar – an all-purpose cleaner that works on many types of stains, such as coffee, tea and fruit stains. Simply mix it with water in a ratio of 1:2 and apply to the stained area.
  • Baking soda – acts as a gentle abrasive and neutralizes odors. It can be used in the form of a paste (baking soda with water) to remove more difficult stains. Baking soda is also safe for colored fabrics as it does not stain them.
  • Gray soap – this is a classic remedy that works well on greasy stains from sauces or grease. Just soap the stain gently and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing.
  • A mixture of vinegar and baking soda – the combination of these two ingredients creates a natural chemical reaction that effectively breaks down stubborn stains, for example from borscht or red wine. But be careful with delicate fabrics – this mixture can damage them.

How to prevent stains on tablecloths?

During holidays and other celebrations, it is worth taking care to reduce the risk of stains on the tablecloth. A few simple steps can significantly reduce the risk of stains and make cleanup easier.

  • Use mats and napkins – they protect the tablecloth from direct contact with food.
  • React quickly – the sooner you deal with the stain, the greater the chance of its successful removal.
  • Try protective tablecloth covers – choose tablecloths with Teflon treatment, which prevents liquids from being absorbed.

Did the greasy sauce drip on your blouse? Spray it before washing. It “eats” even the worst stain in an instant.