How to Remove Stains from Linen Tablecloth?

• Tablecloths are probably the most vulnerable interior detail in terms of spills.
• No matter how many napkins you'd put on the table - they won't save your table linens from getting dirty.
• Luckily there are a few really effective methods on how to remove stains from table linens easily.

Linen tablecloths are beloved and very welcome table accessories for those who love natural, high-quality, fresh-looking interior details. One of the best things about linen tablecloths is that they are very universal - you can decorate your table with them both for special occasions, and for casual family gatherings.

Combined with colorful freshly-cut flowers and some nice cluttery - linen tablecloth looks simplistic but very gorgeous!

However, despite our big efforts decorating the table, something HAS TO SPILL on our beloved tablecloth almost every time we have a meal. Red wine, tomato sauce, candle wax, and other food leftovers...you name it!

Anyway, there's no reason to get upset about things you can avoid - especially when there are many different and natural ways to remove all kinds of stains from your linen tablecloth.

In the article below, we will share with you some tips on how to clean different types of stains. Bear in mind, that the effectiveness of each method depends on how old the stain is. Surprise surprise - to remove old stains you will need more effort.

Important: Before you start any kind of stain removal procedure, make sure you know how to wash linen. It is always recommended to test a small area of the fabric to see if the cleaning solution safe for a particular tablecloth. Also - always pay attention to the care label instructions (when choosing water temperature, using bleach, or drying your linens).

Okay, enough talking - let's dig in!

How do you get brown stains out of linen fabric?

Brown stains are the ones that catch the eye the most. They are visible and look messy. On the other hand, it is easy to notice them, therefore the chance is that you will notice them faster and it will be easy to remove them!

Perhaps, the most popular among brown stains are coffee or tea stains. So, how do you remove them?

What you'll need:

• Liquid laundry detergent or a stain remover
• Alternatively - a piece of soap bar
• Cold water
• Washing Machine

The stain removal process is pretty straightforward:

1. Make sure you scrape off any food leftovers off your tablecloth;
2. Pour some stain remover or liquid laundry detergent directly on the stain and gently rub it for a few minutes (this is the time where you should pay attention to the care label of your linens);
3. If you chose to use the soap bar - delicately rub the stains with it for a little bit;
4. Rinse your tablecloth in cold water for a few seconds before washing (optional);
5. Finally, launder it as usual in the washing machine;

Afterward, check the cloth thoroughly to make sure it is clean. In case the stains remain - repeat the process.

Olive oil, butter, salad dressing, gravy...are also very common food leftovers that leave marks on our table linens from time to time. Anyway, it is not worth worrying about it too much - there are pretty easy cleaning methods to get those yellow-ish stains out of your favorite linen tablecloth!

Wash the stain with the grease-busting dishwashing liquid

What you'll need:

• A laundry detergent that would contain an enzyme
• Baking soda
• Grease-busting liquid dish detergent
• Warm water

The cleaning process:

1. Scrape off and soak up any food leftovers from the table linens; Squeeze a generous amount of grease-busting dish liquid all over the stained area. Smoothly massage it for a little bit;
2. Leave the dish liquid-covered area for about 15 minutes to soak it up;
3. After that, drop your table linens into the washer and wash them as usual (but only with warm water, the heat might help the stain to set in the fabric);
4. Afterward, investigate the stains to see if the stain removal was successful. If not, repeat it again;
5. Air-dry your table linens in a very well-ventilated area or outside in the fresh air. If you use the dryer machine - be careful with the heat. The hot water can help the stains to set into the fabric and it will be even harder to remove it. Only the low heat setting is suitable for most of the linen fabric.

Tips:

• For old stains or grease stains, add about 2 spoons of baking soda powder along with the laundry detergent. Baking soda is very effective when you treat old stains or grease stains.

• Treat fresh stains with baking soda by applying it directly to the stain. This way, baking soda will soak up all the excess of the stain and will make it easier to remove it.

Important: please note that improper use of any cleaning detergent may result in damaging your linen fabric. Make sure you follow our official linen care guide carefully.

How do you get old stains out of linen tablecloths?

As already mentioned before, any stains on the tablecloths should be treated ASAP, just after you notice them. The longer you wait - the more difficult it will be to get rid of it. Stains noticed early are much easier to remove.

However, in case you need to remove an old stain - there is one very effective way.

Heavy Grease Stains

1. Take some clean paper towels and spread them on the flat surface.
2. Take your linen tablecloth and place it on those paper towels in a way that the stained area would be face down.
3. Then, take a heavy-duty or enzyme-containing laundry detergent and cover the stain from the back of the fabric.
4. Change the dirty paper towels to the clean ones when they soak up the liquid detergent.
5. After repeating this process a couple of times, rinse the fabric thoroughly with clean warm water.
6. Run the laundry through the regular washing cycle (choose the hottest water temperature the fabric could tolerate).
7. Air-dry the table linens outside on the hangline.

Dry Cleaning

Want it or not, not all the stains can be treated and removed at home. Especially if the linen is specific, expensive, and requires special washing and cleaning methods.

Also, sometimes, at-home solutions are not enough to remove old stains.

In cases like this, or if you simply unsure how your fabric will react to any of the cleaning solutions - it would be best to dedicate this job to the professionals and bring it to dry cleaner services.