The joy of the holiday season often includes using your best tools and utensils, such as quality table linens. Though they are prone to stains from spilled food and drinks, you can keep them looking crisp and clean by adding a few simple steps to your laundry care routine. The following tips can help you prepare your best linens before hosting loved ones for a holiday dinner.

5 Ways to Get Table Linens Ready for the Holiday Season

1. Remove Stains

If your linens have stains from past usage, you may still be able to get rid of them. Different fabrics and stains require different stain removal methods. Generally, bleach is okay for most dyed synthetic fibers but not for silk or colored cotton. 

A mixture of white vinegar, baking soda, and water is effective for most other fabrics. Dab the stain gently with the mixture, but avoid rubbing, as it can stress the fibers or drain the color. 

2. Check the Lace

Many holiday linens are adorned with fragile lace, which can be soaked in a mild detergent and cold water for 30 minutes, then gently rinsed and air-dried. The permanent press cycle on the dryer can also be used, since medium heat is less likely to harm the fabric.

Sturdier lace can withstand a delicate cycle in a laundromat washing machine. However, it still must air dry or dry on a permanent press cycle. Sturdy lace can also be ironed damp.

3. Consider Temperature

When removing stains from linen, the water’s temperature affects the results. Hot water is efficient at eliminating wine, coffee, and ink, while other stains respond better to cold water, particularly if they're protein-based, like grease. A general guideline for laundry care is if you’re unsure what temperature to use, starting with a cold water wash is safest. 

4. Restore White Color

Even if you're fastidious about a laundry care routine, white linen can yellow with time and use. Fortunately, hanging it outside in the sun for a few hours can restore its brightness. If that doesn’t work, washing the linen with bleach, vinegar, or a bluing product could help, followed by air drying. 

5. Hire the Pros

If you don't have the time or products necessary to clean and revive your holiday linens, rely on a professional laundry service. As experts in washing, drying, and folding, they can get your linens ready while you focus on other aspects of your holiday celebrations.

Wash & Spin Coin Laundry of Atlanta, GA, has the high-quality machines, products, and professional wash and fold services you need to take care of your wardrobe and is the home of Big Bertha! They understand that no one likes to wait, so their facility features nearly 100 washers and dryers, free Wi-Fi, snacks, computer services, televisions, a kids’ corner, and a U-Haul^® rental service. This laundromat strives to make your errands as smooth and pleasant as possible. Learn more about their location online, or call (404) 756-1666 to discuss your needs.