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How To Wash Linen Tablecloth: Step-By-Step Process And Prevent Shrinkage

Linen tablecloths are a timeless choice for dining spaces, combining elegance with durability. However, proper washing and care are essential to maintain their beauty, and many wonder how to wash a linen tablecloth with shrinkage, fading or fabric damage.

In this guide, we explore steps to clean linen tablecloths by hand or in a machine, with tips on stain removal, drying, ironing, and storage. With the right techniques, your linen tablecloths will stay soft, fresh, and beautiful for a long time.

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How To Wash Linen Tablecloth: Step-By-Step Process And Prevent Shrinkage

Guide created on 12th of March of 2025, and updated on 12th of March of 2025.

Key Takeaways

Gentle washing methods are important to preserve linen fibers and prevent shrinkage. Hand washing is ideal for more delicate or embroidered table covers.
Avoid hot water and harsh detergents to maintain the strength of the fabric.
Air drying is the best option to dry your linens, and proper ironing and storage are important to prevent creases.
We supply high-quality custom polyester tablecloths as a low-maintenance, cheaper alternative to linen that still looks great.

How To Wash Linen Tablecloth
Can You Machine Wash A Linen Tablecloth Without Damage?
Is Hand Washing Better For Linen Tablecloths?
How To Wash White Table Linens
How Do You Remove Stains From Linen Tablecloths?
Can You Dry Linen Tablecloths In A Dryer?
Does Linen Shrink After Washing And Drying?
How Should You Iron Linen Tablecloths?
How To Store Linen Tablecloths And Linens Properly
How Do You Care For Embroidered Or Detailed Linen Tablecloths?
Why Proper Care Is Important For Luxury Linen Tablecloths?

How To Wash Linen Tablecloth

Washing a linen tablecloth properly begins with using cold or lukewarm water and a mild detergent, as this helps preserve the fabric. Before you begin, it is a good idea to pre-treat stains by gently dabbing them with a suitable stain remover.

If you are using a washing machine, here are some other important tips for washing linen tablecloths:

Select a delicate or gentle cycle to minimize stress on the fabric.
Wash linen tablecloths separately to avoid excessive friction that could contribute to wear.
Avoid harsh detergents and fabric softeners as these can cause the fabric to stiffen and lose breathability.

Thorough rinsing is essential to ensure no detergent residue remains. Leftover soap may weaken fibers and make linens feel rough. Once washing is complete, drying plays a vital role in preserving the fabric’s integrity. We recommend air drying as the safest option, though it may be safe to use a tumble dryer on a low heat.

If you want tablecloths that are simpler to maintain, order custom printed linen tablecloths from us.

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Can You Machine Wash A Linen Tablecloth Without Damage?

Machine washing a linen tablecloth is certainly possible, but it takes careful handling to avoid damage. The correct wash settings are the most important factor to wash a polyester tablecloth, as well as linen and any other material.

Let’s look at some specifics:

Temperature: Always choose a cold or lukewarm setting to avoid fabric shrinkage and weakening of fibers.
Wash cycle: Choose a delicate cycle to ensure minimal stress is placed on the material.
Spin speed: A slow spin will help preserve the integrity of the fibers.

Avoid overloading the machine as this could cause undue friction on the fabric.

You could protect the linen further by putting it in a mesh laundry bag to shield against agitation. Fabric softeners and bleach should be avoided at all costs as they can lead to discoloration and weakening of fibers. Once your tablecloth is washed, remove it from the machine immediately to avoid wrinkles.

You can gently stretch the fabric while damp to help maintain its original shape.

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With our custom digital print tablecloths, you can get a table cover with a personalized design that is easy to wash and maintain.

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Is Hand Washing Better For Linen Tablecloths?

Hand washing is usually considered the best approach for delicate linen tablecloths as it puts less mechanical stress on the fabric, thus prolonging its lifespan. It’s particularly beneficial for vintage linens, embroidered tablecloths, or anything made from particularly fine linen. Even custom cloth napkins may be better off with hand washing.

Here’s how to hand wash properly:

Fill a basin with lukewarm water and a gentle detergent.
Submerge the fabric and swish it gently to release dirt and stains.
Let the tablecloth soak for 10-15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with clean water.
Avoid scrubbing or wringing the fabric as this can distort the weave. Excess water should be pressed out gently rather than twisted.

By following this method, you will keep your linen soft and undamaged. It takes more effort than machine washing, but it is effective and helps preserve the fabric.

How To Wash White Table Linens

White linen tablecloths require a little extra care to maintain their brightness and prevent yellowing over time. To keep your white linens fresh and clean, pre-treat stains before you wash. A solution of baking soda and water, or a mild stain remover, is usually effective to get stains out of white linens, whether they are food stains, wine spills, or grease.

Here are some tips for the washing part:

Use an oxygen-based bleach (not chlorine bleach).
Wash white linens separately to avoid dye transfer from other fabrics.
Use warm - not hot - water to help maintain color vibrancy.
Dry in natural sunlight to enhance brightness.

Avoid harsh chemicals and follow these care steps to ensure your white table linens remain crisp and pristine.

Need to cover a square table with an elegant aesthetic?

Our custom square tablecloths mimic the look of linen with a low-maintenance, easy-to-clean fabric that you can personalize to match your theme or decor easily.

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How Do You Remove Stains From Linen Tablecloths?

Stain removal is an important component of proper linen care as untreated stains can become permanent. Different stains require different treatments, so here is some guidance to treat wine, grease, coffee, and ink stains:

Wine: Dab with club soda or cover with salt to help absorb excess liquid.
Grease: Tackle this by applying cornstarch or baking soda before washing.
Coffee/tea: A solution of white vinegar and water is effective to get a coffee stain out of a tablecloth.
Ink: We recommend using rubbing alcohol for this.

After you treat the stain, the tablecloth should be washed using cold or lukewarm water with a gentle detergent. Avoid hot water as it could set the stain deeper into the fabric. If the stain persists, repeat the treatment before drying. Prompt action is important, along with the right method, to ensure stains don’t become permanent.

a mug of coffee on a linen tablecloth for how to wash linen tablecloth

Can You Dry Linen Tablecloths In A Dryer?

Ideally, air drying is recommended for linen tablecloths to avoid exposure to the risk of shrinkage and preserve the fabric’s natural texture. However, if you have limited time, you could tumble dry on low heat occasionally.

The key to this is to remove the tablecloth before it is completely dry. This way, you will prevent deep wrinkles and excessive shrinkage. You should never expose your linen to high heat as this could cause irreversible fabric damage.

For best results, lay the tablecloth flat on a drying rack or hang it evenly to ensure it dries without creating any creases. If you do choose to air dry, the fabric should be gently smoothed out while damp to ensure it maintains the correct shape. The table linen market is growing steadily, so more and more people need to be educated on how to care for their linens properly.

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Linen tablecloths are notorious for wrinkling. Choose a wrinkle-resistant, durable alternative with our wrinkle-free-tablecloths and add logos or other custom design elements.

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Does Linen Shrink After Washing And Drying?

Linen is notorious for shrinking after washing and drying. The biggest risk factor for this is exposure to high temperatures. There are two main things you can do to minimize shrinkage:

Always wash in cold or lukewarm water.
Avoid drying in high heat in a tumble dryer.

Many people like to pre-wash linen tablecloths before the first use as this pre-shrinks the fabric to the level it would otherwise shrink to. This is a helpful step to prevent unexpected size changes after the first wash. If you find that a tablecloth does shrink unexpectedly, you could dry gently steaming or ironing while it is damp to relax the fibers and restore some of the original size.

Some choose to bypass linens altogether and opt for more low-maintenance polyester tablecloths. Or you could completely remove fabric from the equation and opt for vinyl coasters and placemats to protect your tables instead.

How Should You Iron Linen Tablecloths?

Proper ironing of linen tablecloths is important to ensure they remain smooth and free from deep wrinkles. The best practice is to iron while the fabric is still slightly damp, as the moisture helps relax the fibers so creases remove more easily.

It is important to check the manufacturer’s care label for specific temperature recommendations, but here are a few general tips for your linen table covers:

Use a steam iron on a medium to high setting.
Always iron linen on the reverse side to prevent shine marks.
If the linen is already dry, lightly mist it with water or use a damp pressing cloth.
Prevent scorch marks by always keeping the iron moving rather than holding it in one spot for too long.
At higher heat settings, place a cotton cloth between the iron and the linen for additional protection.

We supply high-quality custom-printed tablecloths made from polyester that offer many of the benefits of linen with simpler maintenance and greater durability.

Explore the best alternative to linen table covers

Our custom polyester tablecloths offer a similar aesthetic to linen, but they are customizable and easy to wash and care for. Enjoy hassle-free table settings with an elegant, bespoke look.

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How To Store Linen Tablecloths And Linens Properly

Proper storage is another essential step to keep linen tablecloths fresh, clean, and wrinkle-free when not in use. It is easier to get wrinkles out of polyester tablecloths than linen ones, so take extra care with your linens to keep them looking pristine.

Here are some tips:

Fold them neatly and store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
Avoid keeping linens in plastic containers as these can trap moisture and cause mildew growth.
Opt for breathable cotton storage bags or fabric-lined drawers to allow proper air circulation while protecting against dust.

Prevent deep creases by rolling the tablecloth instead of folding. This can help to maintain a smoother appearance. If you have no option but to fold, place acid-free tissue paper between the layers to minimize hard creases. You could even add small sachets of lavender or cedar to deter pests while keeping your linens fresh.

How Do You Care For Embroidered Or Detailed Linen Tablecloths?

Embroidered and detailed linen tablecloths need specialist care to preserve those intricate designs and delicate stitching. We recommend hand washing in lukewarm water with a gentle detergent, avoiding harsh chemicals that could weaken embroidery threads. Linen’s woven fibers are even useful in medical applications for cleansing wounds, so they are very special but can be delicate.

If machine washing is unavoidable, place the tablecloth in a mesh laundry bag and wash on a delicate cycle to minimize agitation. To dry the fabric, place it flat on a clean towel rather than hanging, which can stretch the embroidery. You should iron the reverse side with a pressing cloth on top to prevent direct heat damage.

If you have heirloom or vintage embroidered tablecloths, it may be best to opt for professional dry cleaning. This precaution will help ensure your detailed linen tablecloths retain their elegance and craftsmanship.

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Why Proper Care Is Important For Luxury Linen Tablecloths?

Luxury linen tablecloths need consistent care to maintain their quality and beauty. By washing regularly with gentle detergents, applying proper drying techniques, and storing them correctly, you can increase the fabric longevity.

Without proper care, linen fibers can weaken over time. This leads to issues like:

Fraying
Fading
Reduced softness

If you invest in high-quality linen tablecloths, you should be prepared to take the necessary steps to preserve their elegance and durability. A good alternative is to work with us to create custom print-on-demand tablecloths from us. You will get a bespoke aesthetic and our products are made from durable, low-maintenance polyester with high-quality printing and an elegant appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions About How To Wash Linen Tablecloth

How To Wash Linen Tablecloth Easily Without Damaging The Fabric?

Use cold or lukewarm water and a mild detergent designed for delicate fabrics. Machine wash on a gentle cycle or hand wash carefully, then air dry for best results.

Can I Machine Wash A Linen Tablecloth?

Yes, you can, but it is important to use a cool, gentle cycle and slow spin speed. You should also avoid harsh chemicals to ensure your linen remains in good condition.