Table linens add a touch of elegance to any dining experience. To keep your tablecloths looking their best, wash them regularly and promptly clean up spills or stains.
For water-soluble stains, try blotting the affected area with a cloth soaked in white vinegar and dish soap. Then, launder the tablecloth according to its care label instructions.
How to clean a tablecloth?
If you use linen tablecloths in your restaurant, it's important to keep them looking pristine. To do this, regularly wash and iron them. If you use a washing machine, be sure to wash them with cold water and use the permanent press cycle. Also, avoid fabric softeners to prevent yellowing and faded colors. After washing, air-dry your linens rather than putting them in the dryer to prevent unwanted shrinkage.
If a stain does occur, spot treat it right away with hydrogen peroxide. Work from the outside of the stain toward the center to prevent it from spreading. Then, rinse with clean water and wipe it down with a damp white cloth. Repeat the process until the stain is gone.
Another common stain is grease. To remove this, pre-treat the linen with a solution of one part vinegar and two parts water. Then, soak the tablecloth in cool water until the stain disappears. This will remove the odor as well as the stain.
You can also remove oil stains with baking soda and water. Soak the affected area in a mixture of equal parts baking soda and water. Once the stain has soaked for about 30 minutes, wash it according to the fabric care label instructions. This method will work on most types of oil stains, but you may need to repeat the process several times before the stain is completely removed.
While most table linens are made of white fabric, restaurants often have colored tablecloths and napkins for special events or for customization. Before soaking or washing a colored tablecloth, make sure that it is colorfast by dipping a corner of the linen in a detergent and water mixture and blotting it on a white paper towel. If the color does not transfer, the linen is safe to wash and can be washed with other white linens.
For best results, store your linens in a cool place with low humidity. Linens that are stored in a humid environment can develop mold or mildew, which can be difficult to get rid of. Linens should be dried thoroughly before storing, and it's a good idea to hang them if possible. If you must store them in a closet, be sure to use a padded hanger for heavy linens like tablecloths and sheets and a regular hanger for lighter linens like napkins.
What size tablecloth do I need?
Tablecloths are more than just a decorative accessory; they need to be the right size to fit properly on the table. This will help keep diners comfortable, prevent them from hitting their legs or restrict their access to the chairs. While it is possible to get custom-made tablecloths, standard sizes are typically available in most service providers and stores.
To find out the correct table linen size, first measure the length and width of your table. Then, add twice your desired drop to each side’s dimension. This will give you the tablecloth size you need.
BBJ Linen has a wide selection of tablecloth sizes that are perfect for every event. Visit our website to shop for table linens that will set the tone for your event and impress guests from start to finish. Our expert team can help you select the right size tablecloth for your needs. We also offer a variety of other types of table linens, such as napkins and runners.
How to prevent stains on a tablecloth?
Tablecloths add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any dining experience. But they aren’t without their challenges. Stains are a common problem, and it can be difficult to remove them. The key to preventing stains on your linen tablecloth is regular washing. In addition, blotting the stain right away can help prevent it from setting in. You should also avoid drying the linen in a dryer, as heat can set stains permanently.
Grease stains are the most stubborn, as oil tends to bind with fabric fibers. Try blotting the excess grease with paper towels or cloths, then sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda on top of the stain. This will absorb the grease and help lift the stain. Finally, wash the tablecloth in a washing machine with cold water and a stain-removing laundry detergent.
Food stains are another common concern, especially those from colored foods like berries or tomato sauce. To tackle these stains, apply liquid dish soap or laundry detergent to the stained area and blot until the stain is lifted. You can also soak the linen in a solution of white vinegar and dish soap before laundering it.
Wine or coffee stains can be particularly stubborn, but there are several different methods to remove them. First, blot the stain with paper towels or cloths to wick away as much of the spill as possible. Next, make a paste with baking soda and water, and apply it to the stain. Leave it for about 30 minutes, then rinse and launder the tablecloth.
If the stain remains, you can always try a commercial stain remover such as Shout or OxiClean. However, it’s best to avoid using bleach, as this can cause color fade.
Once your tablecloth is clean and stain-free, be sure to allow it to air dry completely before storing it. This can help preserve the natural texture of the linen and prevent shrinkage. Hanging your tablecloth in a shaded area is the best option, as direct sunlight can cause fading. If your tablecloth is prone to sliding, consider ironing it before storing it. This will flatten out wrinkles and add a little extra stiffness, which can help keep it in place during parties.
How to remove stains from a tablecloth?
Table linens can be subject to a lot of wear and tear, so it’s important to regularly wash them to keep them looking good. It’s also essential to address stains promptly and to pre-treat them if necessary before laundering. This will prevent the stains from setting in and making them more difficult to remove.
The type of stain will determine what treatment is required. Fresh food stains can usually be removed by blotting them with liquid dish soap or white vinegar. If the stains are older, you may need to soak them in a solution safe for the fabric or use a commercial stain remover. Mildew stains can be particularly stubborn and should be treated with special care, as they can damage cotton or linen fabric. They can be brushed off or soaked in a solution of water and mild detergent, followed by rinsing and drying.
For wine or coffee stains, you can try a combination of white vinegar and dish soap. You can also soak them in a solution of warm water and vinegar or in a solution of cold water and baking soda. If the stains persist, you can try using a commercial stain remover or rubbing alcohol. You should always test a stain remover on an inconspicuous part of the fabric before applying it.
Oil and grease stains can be especially tough to tackle, but they are not impossible. Soak the tablecloth in a solution of hot or warm water and laundry detergent, then rinse it. To make a stronger stain remover, mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water, and apply the solution to the stained areas. You can also use a commercial product like OxiClean.
You can also treat mildew stains with a bleach solution safe for the fabric or a solution of water and commercial stain remover. Mildew can cause permanent damage to fabric, so it is essential to deal with it quickly. It’s also a good idea to air-dry tablecloths and napkins or use a tumble dryer on low heat so they don’t become over-shrunk and hardened.