Tablecloth cleaning in Tomball, TX

Why tablecloths and linens need careful cleaning

Table linens collect several kinds of stains in one meal, and each behaves differently. Gravy and butter are oily and need more than cold water. Red wine and cranberry are dye stains that set with heat. Candle wax sits on top of the fibers and then leaves an oily or colored mark once the wax is gone. The trouble at home is usually the dryer or iron. A stain that went unnoticed gets baked in, and old grease spots can turn yellow in storage. Linen wrinkles deeply and is hard to press flat on a home ironing board, especially a long banquet cloth. Lace and embroidered edges can snag in a washer.

Reading the care label

Many cotton and linen tablecloths say machine wash warm and are fine with regular laundering. Polyester cloths often say tumble dry low and are made to resist wrinkles. Lace, damask with metallic thread and vintage cloths may say hand wash or dry clean, so check before treating them like everyday napkins. Iron symbols with three dots mean linen can take high heat, but only once stains are out.

Before you bring them in

• Scrape off as much hardened candle wax as you can with a dull knife, without rubbing.
• Point out wine, gravy, cranberry and lipstick marks, and say what each one is.
• Bring linens in soon after the holiday rather than storing them stained.
• Count your napkins and note the number so the full set comes home together.
• Mention lace edges, embroidery or vintage pieces that need extra care.

Care between cleanings

• Blot spills during or right after the meal and rinse the spot with cool water.
• Never put a stained cloth in the dryer, since heat can set what is left.
• Store linens only after they are fully clean, because hidden food spots yellow over time.
• Roll long tablecloths around a tube, or hang them, instead of folding them along the same lines every year.
• Keep linens in a dry cabinet or cotton bag, away from wood shelves that can stain them.