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, it's lively, guests feel at ease and conversation flows. Then, in all the merriment, someone spills a glass of red wine. It's not the end of the world – and, in fact, some might say that those inevitable spills are just proof of a meal well enjoyed. Still, the aftermath is far from enjoyable.

Whether you've spilt pasta sauce on your tablecloth or you've knocked over your morning coffee, it's always a bit upsetting to have your day disrupted by having to quickly try get rid of a stain and worrying about whether or not it will ever come out.

When you've spent your hard-earned money on some beautiful linen tableware, you hope that you have it with you for years and that it stays looking fabulous. Unlike other bedfellows that can be quite demanding, linen is actually one of the strongest natural fibres, making it one of the most durable materials with minimal upkeep. But stains happen! Below, we share how to help remove stains if you've had an accident.

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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 fibres 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 minimise the risk of discolouration.

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 bi-carb soda onto the area and let it sit for one hour. Spray the affected area with a vinegar and water solution and scrub with washing soap, 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 wine vinegar to three parts cold water, and add a little washing liquid 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 fibres. 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.