How to Wash Polyester Tablecloth, and Cotton Linen Tablecloth

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Whether you use tablecloths for daily meals, special occasions, dinner parties, events, or holidays, knowing how to launder them properly will keep your linens looking new and prevent wrinkles as much as possible. On this how to wash tablecloth page, you’ll find information on not only how to wash polyester tablecloths, but how to wash linen tablecloths as well as care instructions to lauder spandex table cloths. We will 1st give general recommendations for the consumer that does not own one of our tablecloth fabric linens and then we will give specific fabric instructions of what works best removing stains in tablecloths and laundering instructions in all the fabrics that Premier Table Linens offers.

Washing Polyester Tablecloths and Cotton Blends

Most tablecloths today are either a polyester tablecloth or polyester/cotton table linens. Polyester cotton  tablecloths present more of a challenge due to cotton being absorbent, and therefore it is recommended to pretreat stains.

Treating Stains

When a spill occurs,  you’ll want to spot-clean the stains as soon as possible. The sooner you treat a stain, the easier it will be to remove. Use stain remover, liquid laundry detergent, or even a degreasing dish soap such as Dawn on the stained area. Scrub the stain and then wash and rinse the area. For stains that have been on the cloth for a while,  or grease stains, add two tablespoons of baking soda in addition to your laundry detergent into the wash. Baking soda is effective in cleaning settled stains.

Another tried and true method, especially for dried grease stains, is WD-40. Put a rag under the stained area of the tablecloth to protect the surface of the area you are working in. Saturate the stain with WD-40 and allow it to sit for 30 minutes before washing. For more information on removing tablecloth stains, see our Tips and Tricks to Remove Tablecloth Stains.

Washing Pre-Wash Inspection

Before loading your tablecloths into the washer, inspect your machine for any debris or areas where snags may occur. Shake out all linens to remove debris, excess food, etc., and ensure that each tablecloth is fully opened while sorting them for washing.

Sorting The Table Linens

Sort  tablecloths by color (whites, lights, and darks) to avoid color bleeding. Be sure not to overload the washer—fill it to approximately 85% of its capacity, allowing enough space for the linens to move freely and wash thoroughly.

Washing Tablecloths and Drying

You can use any laundry detergent to wash your tablecloths unless the fabric has a care tag with other instructions. Do not use bleach unless your tablecloths and napkins are completely white and they are not a polyester cotton blend. Bleach will weaken the cotton fibers and the linens could develop holes.

  • Avoid using high-alkaline detergents.
  • For whites, use chlorine bleach; for colors, use an oxygen bleach such as OxiClean.
  • Machine wash in warm water (150F)
  • Use gentle wash cycle.
  • Add fabric softener to the final rinse cycle.
  • Before placing washed linens in the dryer, be sure stains have washed clean.
  • Tumble dry low heat and permanent press setting. Remove promptly to prevent wrinkles.
  • For hotels and other businesses that have commercial ironer,  run the tablecloths through the commercial linen ironer press, with a temperature setting of 250°F to 285°F and a speed of approximately 40 feet per minute (fpm), depending on how damp or dry the cloths are.

To help protect your tablecloth and napkins, add fabric softener to the final rinse cycle. This provides a protective coating to the fiber that will help prevent spills from penetrating into the fibers as quickly.

If the cloth has food stains, when the wash cycle is complete, check to see that the stains are washed out. If they remain, do not place the linens in the dryer. The heat of the dryer will make the stain even more difficult to remove. Instead, treat and wash again before drying. 

Tumble dry on low heat and the permanent press setting, as this cool-down feature helps reduce wrinkles.

It’s also important that you remove the tablecloths from the dryer promptly. Drying temperatures in excess of 180°F can shock the fabric and create permanent wrinkles. We have found that removing the tablecloth from the dyer when still slightly damp and placing it back on the table overnight helps any wrinkles to fall out. Then the following morning, you simply fold and store.

Ironing

If ironing, iron on low setting. Iron in a backward, forward motion with the weave of the fabric. Never iron in a circular motion. Use a pressing cloth to protect the fabric. If velvet, only iron on the back side of the fabric.

Storing

To avoid mildew, make sure your table linens are completely dry before storing. Store in a cool, dry ventilated area. Rolling or hanging on a rod, rack, or dowels or will prevent wrinkles and creases.

Keep Your Polyester Tablecloths Fresh and Vibrant

By following these steps for how to wash tablecloths, you can effectively wash your tablecloths, maintaining their beauty and ensuring they last for many years to come. Always refer to specific care instructions and exercise caution to preserve the quality of your table linens.

Specific Tablecloth Laundry Instructions for Polyester Tablecloth Fabrics from Premier Table Linens

Poly Premier (non printed or printed with design or logo), Value Tex, Poly check, Poly Stripe, Spun Polyester, Duchess, Fandango, Majestic Dupioni, Supernova Shantung, Somerset Damask, Kenya Damask, Frederic Damask, Ludwig Damask, Metallic Jacquard, Alex Damask, Shibori Hex, Shibori Strip,  Havana Linen Collection, Faux Burlap, Eloise, Belize, Panama, English Linen, Mirage Basketweave, Copacabana, Art Deco, velvet, Etch Velvet

  • Avoid using high-alkaline detergents.
  • For whites, use chlorine bleach; for colors, use an oxygen bleach such as OxiClean.
  • Machine wash in warm water (150F)
  • Use gentle cycle.
  • Add fabric softener to the final rinse cycle.
  • Before placing washed linens in the dryer, be sure stains have washed clean.
  • Tumble dry low heat and permanent press setting. Remove promptly to avoid wrinkles.
  • For hotels and other businesses that have commercial ironer,  run the tablecloths through the commercial linen ironer press, with a temperature setting of 250°F to 285°F and a speed of approximately 40 feet per minute (fpm), depending on how damp or dry the cloths are.

Specific Tablecloth Laundry Instructions for Blends of Cotton Tablecloth Fabrics from Premier Table Linens

Poly Cotton Twill, Miranda Damask,Melrose Damask, Saxony Damask

  • Avoid using high-alkaline detergents. Use a mild detergent.
  • Do not use bleach, even on white table linens.
  • Machine wash in warm water (150F)
  • Use gentle wash cycle.
  • Add fabric softener to the final rinse cycle.
  • Before placing washed linens in the dryer, be sure stains have washed clean.
  • Tumble dry low heat and permanent press setting. Remove promptly.
  • For hotels and other businesses that have commercial ironer,  run the tablecloths through the commercial linen ironer press, with a temperature setting of 250°F to 285°F and a speed of approximately 40 feet per minute (fpm), depending on how damp or dry the cloths are.

Specific Tablecloth Laundry Instructions for Delicate Tablecloth Fabrics from Premier Table Linens

Crinkle Tafetta, Bombay Pintuck, Radiance and Organza.

  • Avoid using high-alkaline detergents.
  • For whites, use chlorine bleach; for colors, use an oxygen bleach such as OxiClean.
  • Machine wash in warm water (150F)
  • Use gentle cycle.
  • Add fabric softener to the final rinse cycle.
  • Before placing washed linens in the dryer, be sure stains have washed clean.
  • Tumble dry low heat and permanent press setting. Remove promptly.
  • For hotels and other businesses that have commercial ironer,  run the tablecloths through the commercial linen ironer press, with a temperature setting of 250°F to 285°F and a speed of approximately 40 feet per minute (fpm), depending on how damp or dry the cloths are.

Fairmont and Shalimar Tablecloths

  • Avoid using high-alkaline detergents. Use a mild detergent.
  • Do not use bleach.
  • Machine wash in cool setting (60 to 80F)
  • Before placing washed linens in the dryer, be sure stains have washed clean.
  • Tumble dry on a cool setting and permanent press.Remove promptly.

Spandex Tablecloth Washing Instructions

  • Use an oxygen base detergent such as OxiClean to avoid fading.
  • Machine wash in cool setting (60 to 80F)
  • Use gentle cycle.
  • Before placing the washed spandex tablecloths in the dryer, be sure stains have washed clean.
  • Tumble drycool setting. Remove promptly.
    Do not iron.

Burlap Tablecloth Cleaning Instructions

  • Jute burlap can not be machine washed. It will fray apart.
  • Only hand spot clean burlap with a towel and soapy water.
  • Use cool water.
  • Avoid scrubbing or agitating vigorously as this can damage the fibers.
  • Do not place in dryer. Air dry instead