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The Secret to Removing Stains From Linen Tableware
With a little know-how, you can say goodbye to stubborn marks.
Imagine you’re hosting a dinner party. It’s relaxed, lively, and full of good conversation – everyone feels at ease. Then, in the midst of all that merriment, someone spills a glass of red wine. It’s not the end of the world – some might even say it’s the mark of a meal well enjoyed. But the aftermath is far from enjoyable.
Whether you've spilled pasta sauce on your tablecloth or you've knocked over your morning coffee, stains have a way of interrupting the moment. And when you’ve invested in beautiful linen tableware, you want it to last – not to be a casualty of a clumsy toast.
Thankfully, linen is on your side. As one of the strongest natural fibers, it’s durable and surprisingly low maintenance. Still, spills happen. Below, we break down exactly how to deal with them – so your table stays as beautiful as the night you set it.
What To Do if Your Tableware Stains
Because linen is highly absorbent, you should launder any stains while they are still new to avoid permanent damage. For this very reason, use plenty of water when both washing and rinsing your linen to prevent stain absorption. If you have a large amount to wash, clean items separately (for example, the tablecloth in one load, followed by the napkins and placemats in another) being careful not to overload the machine so your linens can soak up as much water as possible.
Wondering what detergent to use? Enter: Bed Threads Gentle Wash Laundry Concentrate. The resilient yet softening formula powerfully cleans and cares for natural fibers including linen. A little goes a long way – you only need a tablespoon for standard loads, or add extra for a more fragrant wash. For whites, we suggest an oxygen-type bleach instead of a chlorine-based alternative to minimize the risk of discoloration.
How To Treat Different Types of Stains
Not every stain is equal so you'll likely need to treat them differently.
Ink stains: You might want to use a different surface or put your linen tableware away when journalling, writing cards, making seating labels, or anything else that involves ink, as it can be a stubborn stain to remove. However, mistakes happen, and when they do you can use hairspray, dish detergent, vinegar, or rubbing alcohol to gently rub the spot, followed by your regular wash. Make sure to test rubbing alcohol on an inconspicuous spot to ensure it won't damage the fabric.
Red wine stains:
Pour some vinegar directly onto the blot. Then, squeeze some liquid laundry detergent on the same area and gently rub it with a cloth. Wash in the machine as usual.
Oil stains: As soon as you see the stain, use a paper towel to dab away as much oil as possible. Sprinkle some baking soda onto the area and let it sit for one hour. Spray the affected area with a vinegar and water solution and scrub with laundry detergent, then rinse. Wash in the machine as usual.
Coffee stains:
A coffee spill on crisp linens is nobody's idea of a morning pick-me-up. Make up a solution of one part white vinegar to three parts cold water, and add a little laundry detergent or powder. Gently rub it into the stain. Launder the cloth as usual.
Sauce stains: Thick tomato reductions, deep, sticky balsamic vinegars and turmeric-rich curries are divine in a dish. On your pristine tablescape? Not so much. Dab the spill immediately and rinse the stained area with cold water. Apply some detergent and let it soak if needed. If the stain persists, combine baking soda with a little water to form a paste and apply it directly to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes and pour some soda water onto the stain to lift and loosen the sauce. Wash in the machine as usual.
Other tips: Some foods such as beetroot, berries and pomegranate can be particularly tough to remove from fabric fibers. For stubborn marks, sprinkle salt on while material is damp and gently blot. The salt’s fine texture can help lift pigment without harsh scrubbing. The mildly acidic quality of lemon juice can also help if you have it on-hand when the stain first occurs.
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