Tablecloth Cleaning Guide

Tablecloths are important pieces of dining room decoration and contribute to both the aesthetics and the protection of the table surface. However, their care requires attention to maintain their quality and appearance intact. By following the guide below, you can care for your tablecloths, square covers(kare), and table runners in the best way!

Tablecloth Washing and Care Instructions

1. Read the Instructions:

As you should do before washing all linens, check the tablecloth label for care instructions from the manufacturer. Each fabric may have different requirements and if the instructions are not strictly followed, you are likely to damage its weave and color. Separate the tablecloths based on their material, as well as their color. Check which tablecloths can be washed together and place them in the washing machine. 

2. Pre-treating Stains:

If there are stains, try to remove them before washing. Use a stain remover detergent or natural detergents, depending on the type of stain. A detailed guide on removing each type of stain can be found later in the article. In any case, stains should be treated immediately and always before machine washing. 

3. Machine Washing:

Select a washing program that is suitable for the material of the tablecloths, consulting the manufacturer's instructions. Choose a low to medium water temperature and add the recommended amount of mild liquid detergent, which should be suitable for delicate fabrics. Colored tablecloths should be washed at a lower temperature, around 40 Celcius. Avoid using an excessive amount of detergent, as this can leave residues. Make sure you do not exceed the maximum load recommended by the washing machine, which will ensure more effective cleaning for your tablecloths. 

4. Tumble Dry or Air Dry:

If you use a dryer, choose a low temperature and a delicate fabrics drying program. Do not choose a high drying temperature, as this would make stain removal extremely difficult. Alternatively, you can let the tablecloths air dry naturally, away from direct sunlight.

5. Ironing and Storage:

If the tablecloth material is suitable for ironing, set the iron to a low temperature and iron it on the reverse side. For ironing, you should consult the manufacturer's instructions, otherwise there is a risk of fabric damage. Jacquard tablecloths should be ironed with a steam function. If you want to avoid wrinkles during storage, you can hang the tablecloths on a hanger instead of folding and stacking them. Use hangers with clips for even better results.

How to remove any given stain from tablecloths

Removing stains from tablecloths is a process that no one can avoid. No matter how careful you are, at some point your tablecloth will get a stain and you will have to remove it. The removal method differs from stain to stain, which is why we will suggest common methods for removing various common tablecloth stains:

Juice: 

If you notice the stain immediately, rub it with a lemon that you have cut in half and then wipe it with a damp cloth. Otherwise, you can create a mixture of one teaspoon of water, half a teaspoon of ammonia, and another teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide. You can also use baking soda and gently rub the stain. If the tablecloth is linen, you can let it soak for an hour in milk. Whichever method you follow, you must place the tablecloth in the washing machine after removing the stain. 

Beer:

You can remove the beer stain by wetting it with water and a little vinegar. Then rinse well. You can also use ammonia and pass it over the stain with a cloth. Another method is to create a mixture with a little soap, a little soda, and water and let it soak for several hours. Then put the tablecloth in the washing machine and if you notice that there are still marks, use hydrogen peroxide.

Grease - Oil:

Treat the stain as immediately as possible by taking up most of the moisture using talc, flour, and soda. After the liquid part of the stain has been absorbed by the above materials, add dish detergent and rinse it with hot water. Then wash the tablecloth in the washing machine. 

Sauce:

Treat the stain immediately using soda (soft drink). Pour soda on a cloth and rub the stain. For even better results, you can also sprinkle salt on the stain. Then wash the tablecloth in the washing machine after treating the stain with soap. If marks remain, sprinkle them with citric acid and perform another two or three washes for the tablecloth. 

Coffee - Tea:

Stains of this kind are among the most difficult. Apply warm glycerin with fine salt to the stain and rub it. If the tablecloth is white, you can wash it in the washing machine with bleach and chlorine products, otherwise limit yourself to a normal wash with common detergent.

Cherry - Strawberry:

Fill a basin with water and add a little powdered baking soda. Place the stained part of the tablecloth in the basin and let it soak for more than ten minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water and repeat the process if necessary. 

Wax:

Carefully remove the solid part of the wax after it has melted, using a knife. The remaining residue can be removed by placing a paper towel over the stain and passing the iron over it. This will make the wax stick to the paper and your tablecloth look like new. 

Wine:

One of the most common and stubborn stains on tablecloths is wine. We will suggest various methods for removing it. First, you should know that you do not need to rub the stain, as this will help it penetrate even deeper into the fabric. With a clean damp cloth and blotting motions from the outside in, try to remove the moisture. Then, create a mixture of soap, water, and half a teaspoon of baking soda and place it on the stain for a few minutes until you rinse it with clean water. You can also pour white wine on the stain and remove it again with blotting motions, using another clean cloth. After a while, pour sparkling water on the stain and continue the blotting motions. Then, place salt, talcum powder, or baking soda on the stain to absorb it. If the stain persists, pour boiling water on the stain and make the tablecloth act as a filter through which the water will pass and end up in a basin. Finally, put the tablecloth in the washing machine, do not let it dry before putting it in the washing machine. If you find an old, dried wine stain on the tablecloth, place the tablecloth in a basin with warm water and add detergent. Let it soak for an hour and then try to remove the stain by rubbing it.

What do the icons on the care instructions symbolize?

Most linens have instructions on how to wash, iron, and dry the products. Generally, you should know that the basin symbolizes washing with water, the circle symbolizes dry cleaning, the triangle symbolizes bleaching, and the iron symbolizes ironing. Some of the most common washing symbols are the following:

To choose the ideal tablecloth for you, consult the corresponding tablecloth buying guide from designdrops and visit our linens category to find tablecloths and many other quality products!