How-To Clean Table Linen Stains

From tomato sauce and salad dressing to candle wax spills, mealtime can be messy business. Get dinner party ready in no time with our start-to-finish process for cleaning table linens! Follow this process for items made of cotton, linen or durable synthetics.

When wine spills and tomato sauce splatters appear on linens quicker than you can say "dig in", don't fear! Follow our steps to make tough tannin stains disappear without a trace.

Common tannin stains include: Wine, fruit juice, coffee, tea, tomato sauce, chocolate, fruit juice, soft drinks, and soda.

Gather These Tools:

Stain Solution, Stain Brush, All-Purpose Bleach Alternative, Wash Tub Basin

STEP 1:
Apply Solution

If needed, carefully remove excess sauce using a blunt knife or spoon. Apply Stain Solution directly to the affected area and work the solution into the stain using your finger or the Stain Brush.

STEP 2:
Give It a Boost

For stubborn, large, or set-in stains, strengthen the formula by sprinkling All-Purpose Bleach Alternative, our oxygen-based and color safe alternative to chlorine bleach, on the Stain Solution to create a powerful paste. Use your finger or a Stain Brush to work the mixture into the fabric.

STEP 3:
Soak Away

Soak the item in a basin filled with hot water for up to 30 minutes. For more old or stubborn stains, add a capful of our All-Purpose Bleach Alternative to the basin. If the stain is not completely gone following this step, repeat this process until satisfied.

STEP 4:
Launder

Select the normal cycle on your washing machine and make sure the water temperature is warm for the most effective clean. Add Signature Detergent considering the machine type and load size. The Signature Detergent is our go-to for the everyday laundering of cottons, linens, and durable synthetics. Tip! If caring for an heirloom tablecloth, we never recommend adding fabric softener to the wash cycle.

When the gravy or salad dressing misses the dinner plate, simply reach for our small (but mighty!) Wash & Stain Bar to make oil stains disappear!

Common grease-based stains include: gravy, salad dressing, butter, cheese, and fried foods.

Gather These Tools:

Wash & Stain Bar, All-Purpose Bleach Alternative, Wash Tub Basin

STEP 1:
Work the Bar

Wet the Wash & Stain Bar with warm water and work a lather directly into the stain.

STEP 2:
Soak and Launder

Follow washing steps 3 and 4 above.

From tapers to tealights, candles are a sure way to set a warm, inviting mood at the dinner table. If wax attacks, simply wax on, wax off with these easy steps!

Gather These Tools:

Lint-Free Cleaning Cloths, dull knife

STEP 1:
Scrape Away

First, let the wax dry—it’s easier to treat! Place the item on a flat surface, and use a dull butter knife to gently scrape away any large wax blobs, leaving only the bit of wax saturated in the fabric.

STEP 2:
Sandwich It

Lay the Lint-Free Cleaning Cloth (or any simple cotton fabric) on top of the wax stain. If you have multiple wax spots, cut the cloth into multiple smaller pieces—you’ll want to have a clean cloth for each wax spot to prevent redepositing any wax back on to the table linen.

STEP 3:
Warm Up

The trick to lifting wax is a little bit of heat. Set the iron to a low heat setting with no steam. Lightly maneuver the iron on top of the cloth in a circular motion. Pull the cloth away, and the wax should be gone! Repeat as necessary using a clean cloth for each wax stain until desired results.