How do you care for a linen tablecloth?
Already a favourite for bed linen, linen is making its way onto our dining tables, too. How should you care for your linen tablecloth on a day-to-day basis? From washing, drying, and ironing to stain removal—discover how to preserve your tablecloth's vibrant colour while enjoying its softness and exceptional durability.
- The initial wash
Before using the tablecloth for the first time, soak it for several hours in a basin of cold water mixed with 250ml of white vinegar. Afterward, you can machine wash it at 40°C using a gentle spin cycle. This step is highly recommended to fully set the colours in the fabric, soften it slightly, and prevent shrinkage.
- Everyday washing:
To properly care for your linen tablecloth, it is important to sort colours and avoid overloading the washing machine drum. You can then machine wash your linen tablecloth at temperatures between 40°C and 60°C.
Above all, do not use chlorine, bleach, or whitening agents. These chemicals can damage linen fibers. We also recommend avoiding fabric softeners, as linen is naturally soft. Ultimately, it is best to choose a gentle, natural detergent to preserve the qualities of this fabric, which boasts so many benefits.
If you choose to use a machine, you can also protect the coluor by occasionally adding a glass of white vinegar to the wash.
Drying and ironing a linen tablecloth
Once your linen tablecloth has been washed, you can choose whether to air-dry it or tumble-dry it (on a low heat setting). If you opt for the latter, make sure to unfold the tablecloth fully to ensure even drying. In either case, it will dry quickly and take on a lovely, naturally crinkled look.
Ironing is also optional. You are free to keep the linen’s slightly crinkled appearance or iron it for a smoother finish. If you choose to iron it, it is best to do so on the reverse side to avoid unwanted creases.
- Removing food stains
- Removing grease stains
- Removing other types of stains
Nothing beats a candle for dressing up a table, though wax can sometimes drip onto your tablecloth. If this happens, gently remove the wax with your fingernail. Then, place the tablecloth between two sheets of tissue paper (or blotting paper) and apply a warm iron for a few seconds. This allows the paper to absorb the remaining wax.
Finally, if you need to remove an ink stain, we recommend soaking the fabric in milk before gently applying white wine vinegar.
One last tip for caring for your linen tablecloth: feel free to wash it at the same time you put your linen napkins in the machine. This ensures your table linens maintain a uniform appearance.
