topic Re: How do you keep your table linens stain-free? in Kitchen

How do you keep your table linens stain-free?

house_cat — Mon, 28 May 2018 17:47:42 GMT

I love vintage table linens, and retro-inspired new ones, too. I have this one in my shopping cart, but I shudder at the thought of it becoming stained. This one is 100% cotton, which is what i prefer.

How do you keep yours from getting stained?

Is it feasible to spray them with Scotch Guard before each use?

I found a company called Maison d' Hermine that has beautiful things. I can't post the link here, unfortunately.

I mostly prefer these novelty ones from a site called TheVintageTable, but they are nearly impossible to find in the 60x84 size that I need. If anyone has a source, please share it.

Re: How do you keep your table linens stain-free?

Sweet Caroline 1 — Mon, 28 May 2018 18:04:58 GMT

House cat, I LOVE linens and these table cloths are fabulous! I eat in front of the TV so my stains are on the front of my shirts. I hope you get some good suggestions... SC

Re: How do you keep your table linens stain-free?

PA Mom-mom — Mon, 28 May 2018 20:26:29 GMT

@house_cat Our neighbors brought us a beautiful tablecloth from Bermuda. We stained it with some kind of turkey or ham juice. We didn't bring it out for several years; then, my husband decided to try soaking it in OxiClean. It worked like a charm!

Re: How do you keep your table linens stain-free?

jackthebear — Mon, 28 May 2018 20:28:11 GMT

you can buy clear plastic "tablecloths" to go over them not the prettiest solution

Re: How do you keep your table linens stain-free?

RedTop — Mon, 28 May 2018 21:09:49 GMT

My tablecloth gets dirty from the packages and stuff that gets piled on it as my husband and kids pass thru the dining room more so than from food spills. I seem to wash it weekly, and agree with using Oxy Clean.

Re: How do you keep your table linens stain-free?

greamy — Mon, 28 May 2018 21:18:36 GMT

Been spraying mine with Scotchguard for years, really works. My cloths are stain free!

Re: How do you keep your table linens stain-free?

froggy — Mon, 28 May 2018 21:30:17 GMT

I agree that OxyClean and stain removers like Shout work great on most stains - even grease. I prefer cotton also but the newer indoor/outdoor fabrics are great for heavy everyday use.

Re: How do you keep your table linens stain-free?

brandiwine — Mon, 28 May 2018 21:37:53 GMT

Another vote for OxiClean. I used it on a very old, lace tablecloth and it was sparkling! I don't dry them in a dryer, I have a clothes line and it works great!

Re: How do you keep your table linens stain-free?

Zhills — Mon, 28 May 2018 21:50:11 GMT

Get a bar of Fels-Naptha soap. I keep my clothes spot free with it. Safe for colors also.

Lots of good info if you google Fels-Naptha.

Re: How do you keep your table linens stain-free?

tucsongal — Mon, 28 May 2018 22:56:42 GMT

We put coordinating place mats on top of the table cloth when we eat, then take them up again. We have ordered a slightly larger round table and our table cloths will no longer fit. I’m afraid I’m going to really miss them.

Re: How do you keep your table linens stain-free?

house_cat — Mon, 28 May 2018 23:02:27 GMT

@jackthebear

My mom covered hers in plastic and my husband always thought it was so awful. Maybe it was considered tasteless to some people, but she always had a beautiful, clean home and the linens I inherited from her were stain free... until I got my hands on them, anyway.

Thanks for the suggestions of OxyClean. I love all things "laundry", but for some reason I have never tried it. I did buy that Fels-Naptha soap, on the recommendation of some forum friends here. It's in my linen cabinet somewhere - I guess I should use it!

I may also try the ScotchGuard.

Re: How do you keep your table linens stain-free?

LonestarBabs — Tue, 29 May 2018 00:07:37 GMT

We dine very casually at home. I stopped using tablecloths/linens altogether. Had a piece of glass cut to protect the wooden table, then use cloth placemats or pretty kitchen towels, inexpensive woven mats, etc. I launder the placemats and towels in my usual laundry detergent with OxiClean added. The woven mats are cleaned with a sponge. None remain on the table after eating and are always put away until the next use.

Re: How do you keep your table linens stain-free?

jackthebear — Tue, 29 May 2018 00:14:25 GMT

@house_cat wrote:
@jackthebear

My mom covered hers in plastic and my husband always thought it was so awful. Maybe it was considered tasteless to some people, but she always had a beautiful, clean home and the linens I inherited from her were stain free... until I got my hands on them, anyway.

Thanks for the suggestions of OxyClean. I love all things "laundry", but for some reason I have never tried it. I did buy that Fels-Naptha soap, on the recommendation of some forum friends here. It's in my linen cabinet somewhere - I guess I should use it!

I may also try the ScotchGuard.

I had a book on vintage tableclothes, like the ones you added, I sold it but I think it had info on care as well

Re: How do you keep your table linens stain-free?

Sweetbay magnolia — Tue, 29 May 2018 00:58:10 GMT

Have you checked out what Cheryl would say (Home Comforts)? I did a quick look and it seems useful. Too lengthy to repeat here.🏡

Re: How do you keep your table linens stain-free?

house_cat — Tue, 29 May 2018 01:50:53 GMT

@Sweetbay magnolia

thank you - I'll look into that

@jackthebear

That book looks wonderful! I'll look for it on Amazon - thank you.

Re: How do you keep your table linens stain-free?

ID2 — Tue, 29 May 2018 10:09:26 GMT

OP I have that birdie tablecloth. No problem keeping it clean! I just throw in in the wash, dry and I'm ready to go. This bird tablecloth is adorable by the way!

Re: How do you keep your table linens stain-free?

shaggygirl — Tue, 29 May 2018 11:04:14 GMT

I use plastic over mine but what I get comes on a long roll from Joann's fabric store. It gets cut to length at the table where fabric is cut. It comes in different thicknesses from very thin to very sturdy and in totally clear to a matte or slightly cloudy kind of look. It's in an area of the store where the long tubes are leaned on an agle towards the wall as opposed to the reels. The only disadvantage is if you forget and set something really hot directly on it a permanent sort of indentation will stay there and you'll be able to see it sometimes depending on how light shines on your table at various times of day. My place mats of course are used on top of it for meals and pot holders or trivet type things for hot dishes.

Re: How do you keep your table linens stain-free?

Mominohio — Tue, 29 May 2018 12:17:39 GMT

@tucsongal wrote:
We put coordinating place mats on top of the table cloth when we eat, then take them up again. We have ordered a slightly larger round table and our table cloths will no longer fit. I’m afraid I’m going to really miss them.

This is what I do as well, except for the most formal of meals.

The layered look in doing this seems popular in magazines and online looks at tablescapes. I just make sure the placemats are easily washable and will look good afterwards. It has really saved having to wash the tablecloth all the time.

Re: How do you keep your table linens stain-free?

151949 — Tue, 29 May 2018 13:11:10 GMT

I too love vintage tablecloths. Since my table is right next to my living room it is important for it to always look especially nice. Right now I have a patchwork red , white and blue one out, and I'm in the process of making a quilted fall colors tablerunner. I am always perusing the linens section in antique stores. I have a round lace one from the Eisenhower Whitehouse. It's really beautiful. My dining room table is 44" octagon shape so when there are no boards in, a round tablecloth is best but I can use a square one too. I also have oblong ones to accommadate when we have boards in.

I'm interested to hear how others keep their cloths clean.