Tablecloths and cloth napkins are often used for special occasions. However, new ones might be wrinkled when coming out of the packaging or contain a smell. Older table dressings might also need freshening up in the laundry. The guide below offers best practices for washing and drying them ahead of hosting guests for the holidays.

Tips for Linen

Wash your linen napkins and tablecloths using a gentle or permanent press cycle with cold or warm water. For routine washing, use mild detergent; if you need to remove food or oil stains, opt for a heavy-duty variety. 

You should also consider pre-treating stains. Rubbing the spot with a bar of soap usually works well for linen, but you can also try ammonia or white vinegar if the fabric has become discolored.

Tips for Cotton & Cotton Blends

Hot water helps deep-clean cotton napkins and tablecloths. However, excess heat relaxes the fibers so that they shrink, so end the wash with a cold rinse. Set the washer to a gentle cycle as well. 

Cotton is durable enough to handle any laundry detergent, but mild is the least likely to cause damage with fine or polyester blends. Remove stains by scrubbing them with a brush dipped in a mixture of cold water and dish detergent.

What to Remember for Both Linen & Cotton

In general, put similar fabrics together. For example, wash linen with other linen. Cotton cloths and tablecloths can go with your clothes as long as they're made of cotton, too.

To prevent wrinkles after washing, put them in a dryer on the permanent press setting until they're slightly damp. Following that, either iron them or hang them on a clothesline or rack to let the air do the rest. If you decide to iron them, clean off the soleplate to get rid of any mineral deposits that would leave brown stains.

When you need a reliable place to clean your cloth napkins, tablecloths, and other laundry, go to City Laundry in Lincoln, NE. Since 2004, they’ve offered fast and affordable self-service laundry facilities 365 days a year. With state-of-the-art, large-capacity machines available from 7:00 a.m. to midnight, they prioritize your needs and convenience. To learn more, call them today at (402) 483-2113 or message them online.