How to care for a linen tablecloth?

Already a popular choice for bed linen, linen is also making its way to our tables. How should you care for your linen tablecloth on a daily basis? Washing, drying, ironing and stain removal... Discover how to keep your tablecloth’s colour vibrant, while enjoying its softness and remarkable durability.

Are you familiar with Embrin linen tablecloths?

Embrin washed linen tablecloths are ecological, easy to care for, and particularly elegant. They are made using traditional craftsmanship, respecting both the land and people. Almond green, maritime pine, fig red, saffron, Prussian blue... Choose from many colours, from the most understated to the most vibrant!

Discover Embrin linen tablecloths

Washing a linen tablecloth

Contrary to popular belief, linen tablecloths are very easy to care for. A simple machine wash is all it takes to clean them. However, a few precautions are needed to enjoy your beautiful table linen for many years to come.

The first wash

Before using your tablecloth for the first time, soak it for several hours in a basin of cold water with 25 cl of white vinegar. Afterwards, you can machine wash it at 40°C with a gentle spin. This step is highly recommended to help set the colours in the fabric, to soften it further, and to prevent shrinkage.

Everyday washing

To take good care of your linen tablecloth, it is important to sort the colours and not overload your machine. You can then wash your linen tablecloth at 40°C to 60°C.

Above all, do not use chlorine, bleach, or whitening agents. These chemicals can damage the linen fibres. We also recommend avoiding fabric softeners, as linen is naturally soft.

Ultimately, it is best to choose a gentle, natural detergent to preserve all the qualities of this versatile fabric.

If you choose a white tablecloth, you can also protect its colour by occasionally adding a glass of white vinegar to your machine.

Drying and ironing a linen tablecloth

Once your tablecloth is washed, you just need to decide on the drying method, either air drying or tumble drying (on a low temperature). If you choose the latter, make sure to unfold the tablecloth so it dries evenly. In any case, your tablecloth will dry quickly and will have a beautiful naturally crumpled effect.

As for ironing, this is also optional. You are free to keep the slightly crumpled look of linen or to iron it for extra softness. If you do, iron your tablecloth on the reverse side to avoid creases.

Removing stains from a linen tablecloth

A linen tablecloth not only dresses a table, but also protects it during everyday meals. It is therefore normal for it to get stained from time to time. Here are our tips for removing different types of stains and preserving your linen tablecloth.

By following these tips, it will retain its original appearance.

Removing food stains

No guide to stain removal would be complete without mentioning red wine... To avoid setting the stain, immediately rub the fabric with sparkling water or talcum powder. Then, wash the tablecloth as usual.

For coffee stains, we recommend using Léon stain remover soap from Savons Normands.

For tea stains, a mixture of 90°C alcohol and white vinegar is enough to protect the fabric.

If chocolate has accidentally found its way onto your linen tablecloth, apply a mixture of white vinegar, a few drops of lemon juice, water and a little washing-up liquid.

For red fruit stains, the best solution is to sprinkle a little salt and add some natural liquid soap. After a few hours, rinse thoroughly. For carrot stains, simply dab the area with a cloth soaked in 90°C alcohol. After rinsing, machine wash and let the tablecloth dry in the sun.

Removing grease stains

Bicarbonate of soda and terre de Sommières are particularly effective: leave them to work for a few hours, then scrape the area several times. Afterwards, gently brush and wash your linen tablecloth as usual.

For butter or margarine stains, dab the tablecloth with a little diluted washing-up liquid. You may need to repeat this a few times before machine washing.

Removing other types of stains

There is nothing like a candle to enhance a table, even if wax sometimes ends up on your tablecloth. In this case, gently remove it with your fingernail. Then, place the tablecloth between two sheets of tissue paper (or blotting paper) and apply a hot iron for a few seconds. This way, the remaining wax is absorbed by the paper.

Finally, if you need to remove an ink stain, we recommend soaking the fabric in milk, then gently applying white wine vinegar.

Embrin has one last tip for looking after your linen tablecloth. Do not hesitate to wash it whenever you put your linen napkins in the machine.

This way, your table linen will keep a uniform appearance.