Stains On Tablecloth (Effective Methods & Quick Solutions) - TableCoversNow.Com
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Stains On Tablecloth: Effective Washing Methods For White Tablecloths & Linens

When you get stains on tablecloths and linens, they can be challenging to remove. In this guide, we explore effective washing methods to restore your tablecloths to their pristine condition. From pretreatment techniques to choosing the right detergents and washing methods, we provide practical tips that can tackle even the toughest stains.


Whether you’re up against wine, coffee, grease, or anything else, get stains out of your tablecloths with our help.

Stains On Tablecloth: Effective Washing Methods For White Tablecloths & Linens

Key Takeaways

  • Removing stains from tablecloths is all about blotting to remove excess liquid, then pretreating with a stain-removing solution before rinsing and laundering.
  • Different stain removal solutions work better for different types of stains and fabrics, so you should explore your options carefully.
  • Older stains are often more difficult to remove, and may require stronger solutions and repeated treatments.
  • We supply high-quality custom polyester tablecloths that resist staining and provide elegant, personalized solutions for your table settings.

How To Remove Stains On Tablecloth?

To effectively tackle stains on tablecloths, it’s important to act promptly. The general steps amount to blotting the stain to absorb excess liquid, then applying a pretreatment solution. For food stains, a mixture of dish soap and water can be effective, while solutions that include vinegar or hydrogen peroxide may be more effective for tougher stains like wine and coffee.


Always test your solution on a small, inconspicuous area first, and rinse thoroughly after pretreatment. Once this stage is complete, you will need to launder the tablecloth with a quality detergent, so make sure you are filled in on how to wash tablecloths properly. Swift action and adherence to the fabric’s care instructions are important considerations in how to get stains out of tablecloths.

a coffee stain for stains on tablecloth

How To Remove Stains From White Tablecloths?

Effectively get stains out of white tablecloths by acting swiftly. Here are some guidelines for different types of stains:

  • Food stains: Create a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the affected area. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes before rinsing away.
  • Wine or coffee: These tougher stains require a slightly different approach. First, soak the tablecloth in a mixture of cold water and oxygen-based bleach or hydrogen peroxide for about 30 minutes. Then, launder the tablecloth. Alternative pretreatment involves lemon juice, which you then expose to bright sunlight for natural bleaching.

If you want to use bleach, make sure it is suitable for the fabric and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid damage. Use a mild detergent and a gentle wash cycle when you launder the tablecloth, avoiding hot water as it can set stains. Air drying is the best drying method to protect the fabric.


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How To Get Stains Out Of Linen Tablecloths?

You can get stains out of linen tablecloths by ensuring a swift response to the staining. Blot away excess liquids with a paper towel, and avoid rubbing. If you have a food stain, apply a mixture of water and mild detergent, gently rubbing it into the affected area. For coffee or wine stains, create a paste with baking soda and water, apply to the stain, and leave it to sit for 30 minutes before rinsing.

There are certain precautions you should take when washing linen tablecloths:

  • Use cold water and mild detergent.
  • Avoid heat, as it can set stains.
  • Always air dry, as linen is prone to shrinking in the tumble dryer.


With regular spot cleaning and gentle washing, you will maintain the longevity and natural beauty of your linen tablecloth. When accidents happen, like spills, act quickly before they set in too deep.

How To Remove Stains From Polyester Tablecloths?

If you have a polyester tablecloth, the first step in stain removal is to blot up excess liquid with a paper towel. Dish soap and warm water can be applied directly to the stain if it is from a food spill, and you should rub it in gently with a cloth. If you have a wine or coffee stain, create a baking soda paste with water to apply to the stain and allow it to sit for 15-30 minutes before rinsing.


The most stubborn stains should be tackled with white vinegar diluted in water. Apply the solution to the stain on your polyester tablecloth and let it sit for a few minutes before blotting away. You may need to repeat this process a few times. After pretreating the stain, follow the best practices for how to wash a polyester table cover before air drying to restore its pristine look.

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Can Vinegar And Baking Soda Remove Tough Stains From Tablecloths?

Vinegar and baking soda are very effective natural cleaning solutions for tough stains. White vinegar has acidic properties which are great for breaking down coffee, wine, and grease. Baking soda, meanwhile, is absorbent and can function as a gentle abrasive to help lift stubborn stains.

Using the two of them together can be powerful for removing stains from tablecloths.

  1. Start by blotting any excess liquid from the stain.
  2. Sprinkle baking soda over the stained area, then spray or pour white vinegar over it.
  3. The mixture will fizz a little. Gently scrub with a soft brush or cloth to work the paste into the fabric.
  4. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes to lift the stain.
  5. Rinse away with cold water to remove the vinegar and baking soda.
  6. Repeat if necessary, then wash the tablecloth in cold water with mild detergent.

How To Remove Yellow And Brown Stains From Old Tablecloths And Linens?

To get yellow and brown stains out of old tablecloths and linens, there are several effective methods available to you:

  • Hydrogen peroxide is useful for whitening and lifting old stains. If you have a white tablecloth, apply it to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then launder as usual.
  • Commercial stain removers designed for delicate fabrics can be effective, and you need only follow the manufacturer’s instructions to use them.
  • Home remedies could involve baking soda and water or lemon juice and salt. Apply to the stained area, let them sit, then rinse and launder.


The toughest old stains are likely to require repeated treatments. It may be effective to soak them in a solution of oxygen-based bleach and water. Whether you have custom printed tablecloths or basic old ones, always test your treatment first on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric.

drinks on a table for stains on tablecloth

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How To Deal With Tough, Set-In, And Old Stains In Tablecloths

To remove stains from tablecloths when they are tough and set in, you will need to be persistent. If the stain has already been washed and dried, we recommend treating the stain with a commercial stain remover designed for the specific fabric type. Always adhere to the product instructions.

If you want to use a home remedy, we suggest a mixture of white vinegar and water. Apply the solution directly to the stain and let it sit for several minutes before blotting with a clean cloth. Another approach could be to make a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the stain, and gently scrub before rinsing and laundering.


For the toughest of stains like wine or ink, your best approach may be to soak the tablecloth in a solution of warm water and oxygen-based bleach overnight before laundering. This will only work with white tablecloths, however, and you should check the care label first to ensure it is compatible.

How To Remove Specific Stain Types From Tablecloths?

There are various types of stains that you might need to get out of a tablecloth, each of which takes a different targeted approach. Customers who buy our custom digital print tablecloths often find themselves having to deal with spills and stains involving:

  • Red wine
  • Coffee
  • Makeup

All of these should be treated with different things, but it is important to act quickly with all of them. The first task is to avoid the stain setting in. Be mindful of checking the care labels before using any solution, and avoid using heat until the stain is fully removed.

How To Remove Red Wine Stains?

Here’s how to get red wine stains out of a tablecloth:

  1. Act quickly: Blot the stain with a paper towel to absorb as much wine as possible without rubbing.
  2. Apply salt: Sprinkle salt generously over the stain. It will help absorb more of the wine to prevent it setting in.
  3. Pour club soda: Gradually pour club soda over the salt. Its effervescence will help lift more of the stain from the fabric.
  4. Blot and repeat: Gently blot the stain again, and keep repeating this entire process until the stain is significantly lightened.
  5. Launder: Wash the tablecloth according to its usual care instructions with a regular detergent.
  6. Dry: We recommend air drying the tablecloth, as using heat might set the stain in permanently.

This method is more effective the faster you respond to the initial spill.

How To Clean Up Coffee Stains?

Getting coffee stains out of tablecloths can be effectively managed with the following tips for both fresh and set-in stains.

For fresh coffee stains:

  1. Blot immediately with a paper towel to remove excess liquid without rubbing.
  2. Apply cold water to rinse and dilute the stain.
  3. Mix one part vinegar with two parts cold water and use this solution to blot the stain. The vinegar will help neutralize and lift the coffee.
  4. Launder the fabric as recommended with a regular detergent.

For set-in coffee stains:

  1. Pretreat the stained area with cold water and apply a stain remover or liquid laundry detergent.
  2. Soak the fabric in warm water for around 30 minutes - this should loosen the stain.
  3. Use oxygen-based bleach diluted in water to tackle stubborn stains. This is suitable for white fabrics, and you should follow the instructions closely.
  4. Air dry after ensuring the stain is gone.

How To Remove Makeup Stains?

To remove makeup stains from a tablecloth, you should handle with care to avoid spreading the stain. Follow this process for effective removal:

  1. Blot the stain: Gently blot the excess makeup with a paper towel. Do not rub, as this will push the stain deeper.
  2. Apply makeup remover: Dab a small amount of makeup remover onto a cotton ball. Gently blot the stain, allowing the makeup remover to break it down. This works best with oil-based makeup.
  3. Rinse and blot: Rinse the area with cold water and blot with a clean cloth to remove the loosened makeup.
  4. Use dish soap: Add a drop of liquid dish soap onto the stain and gently scrub with a cloth to break down the remaining residue.
  5. Launder: Wash the fabric, following its care instructions closely. Air dry to avoid setting any remaining staining in further.


These steps are effective for removing makeup stains without damaging your fabric.

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What Is The Most Powerful Stain Remover For Fabric?

When dry cleaning a table cover, professionals use strong solvents to remove dirt and stains. The most powerful stain remover for fabric is generally considered to be an enzyme-based cleaner. These work by breaking down protein, starches, and fats in stains. This makes them highly effective for things like food, blood, sweat, and grass.

OxiClean is a popular oxygen-based bleach that provides another powerful option. It releases oxygen bubbles that lift stains from the fabric, and it can even be used for some colored fabrics as well as whites, making it a versatile choice. Hydrogen peroxide can also be very useful for removing stains, particularly organic ones like blood and wine.


For greasy or oily stains, dishwashing liquid is very effective with its grease-cutting properties. Ultimately, a combination of these products with proper treatment and laundering techniques is the best approach to stain removal.

spilt wine for stains on tablecloth

Top Stain Removers For Various Fabrics

Selecting top stain removers to get stains out of tablecloths involves carefully consideration of the type of stain and nature of the fabric:

  • Cotton and linen: Enzyme-based cleaners are usually highly effective, breaking down the proteins in stains effectively.
  • Silk and wool: Gentler solutions are needed for these delicate fabrics. Mild detergents or a diluted vinegar solution are your best bet.
  • Synthetic fabrics: Oxygen-based bleaches work well, lifting stains without harming the fibers. They’re great for various types of stains.


Overall, enzyme-based cleaners are the most powerful and versatile for natural fabrics, while oxygen-based bleaches work best for synthetics. However you proceed, always test on a small, hidden area first to ensure compatibility. Matching the stain remover to the fabric type will enable you to achieve optimal stain removal results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stains On Tablecloth

How Do You Remove Stains On Table Linens & Cloths?

We recommend using enzyme-based stain removers for these types of fabric. Alternatively, some natural solutions can work. Always start by blotting, then pretreat with the stain remover before laundering fully.

How To Get Stains Out Of Linen Tablecloths?

Linen is a natural fabric, so enzyme-based cleaners usually work best. However, you might want to try solutions involving white vinegar, baking soda, or lemon juice first for a more natural solution.

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