How to remove stubborn stains from table linen and tablecloths

Table linen takes tough hits—red wine, oil, tomato, coffee. This guide gives safe, effective methods for the most common fabrics (cotton, linen, polyester blends) with clear steps to restore whites and colors without damage.

Before you start: golden rules

• Always read the care label (temperature, bleach/oxygen-safe).

• Patch test any product on a hidden area first.

• Act fast: the longer you wait, the harder it sets.

• Handy kit: paper towels, plastic spoon/scraper, liquid enzymatic detergent, mild soap, oxygen bleach (percarbonate), isopropyl alcohol (for cosmetics), gel stain remover. Never mix bleach with ammonia or vinegar.

  
  

General step-by-step method

1. Remove the excess

2. Solids: gently lift with a scraper.

3. Liquids: blot (don’t rub) from the edge toward the center.

4. Pre-treat

5. Apply liquid detergent directly on the stain for 10–15 minutes.

6. For grease: add a few drops of dish soap (degreaser).

7. Wash correctly

8. Follow the label. Warm/hot water helps with grease; cold water for proteins (blood, milk).

9. Add oxygen bleach for whites and colorfast fabrics if needed.

10. Smart drying

11. Don’t tumble-dry until the stain is gone.

12. If it remains, repeat pre-treatment and wash again.

    
    

    

    
    

Targeted solutions by stain type

Red wine

• Cover with salt or baking soda to absorb.

• Rinse cold water from the back.

• Pre-treat with detergent and wash.

• If a shadow remains on sturdy whites: warm soak with oxygen bleach 30–60 min, then wash.

Coffee and tea

• Flush with plenty of cold water from the back.

• Mild soap or detergent 10–15 min.

• Wash. For halos on whites: oxygen-bleach soak, then rewash.

Oil and grease (sauces, butter)

• Dust with starch/talc or blot with paper to absorb.

• Work in dish soap gently.

• Wash at the hottest safe temperature and check before drying.

Tomato, bolognese, curry

• Lift solids; rinse cold from the back.

• Pre-treat with enzymatic detergent.

• Wash. If orange cast remains: oxygen-bleach soak and repeat.

Chocolate

• Scrape off residue.

• Cold water + enzymatic detergent.

• Normal cycle; repeat if needed.

Candle wax

• Harden with ice; crack off fragments.

• Paper towels on both sides + warm iron to transfer wax into paper.

• If a shadow remains: pre-treat and wash.

Lipstick and makeup

• Blot with paper (don’t rub).

• Small spots: dab isopropyl alcohol with a cotton swab (after patch test).

• Liquid detergent and wash. Avoid bleach on colors.

Rust (staples, clips)

• Use a textile rust remover as directed.

• Rinse and wash. Do not bleach—bleach fixes rust.

Blood (meat juices)

• Cold water only (never hot).

• Mild soap or enzymatic detergent.

• Wash and repeat if needed.

Mildew and damp stains

• Shake off outdoors.

• Warm soak with oxygen bleach for 1 hour (if fabric allows).

• Wash and, if possible, sun-dry.

  
  

  

  
  

Common mistakes that set stains

• Heavy dry rubbing.

• Hot water on protein stains (blood, milk).

• Using the dryer before checking.

• Mixing incompatible products.

• Bleach on non-bleach-safe items.

  
  

Quick guide: what to do right after the meal (60-second checklist)

1. Lift residue (spoon/paper).

2. Rinse from the back with cold water.

3. Add a drop of detergent and let it sit while you clear the table.

4. Wash on the recommended program when possible.

   
   

FAQs

Can I use bleach on all white tablecloths?

• Only if the label allows. Safer alternative: oxygen bleach.

How many times can I repeat pre-treatment?

• Up to 2–3 cycles before drying. Inspect between cycles.

Do old stains still come out?

• Often yes, but patience helps: longer oxygen-bleach soaks and repeat cycles.

Should I take it to dry cleaning?

• Yes, especially if it says “dry clean only” or there’s delicate embroidery.

What about heavily soiled banquet linens?

• Sort by stain type, pre-treat in batches, and wash by lots. If time/equipment is limited, outsource.

When it makes sense to hire professionals?

• If you handle volume (restaurants, catering, hotels) or recurring complex stains, professional processing saves time, water and re-washes. At Net i Pulit we optimize wash programs, chemistry and drying to extend fabric life and guarantee impeccable presentation.

Want us to handle it for you? Request a quote via web form or via mail on info@netipulit.cat or call 935 890 013.

• Cleaning for large areas and industrial warehouses

• Professional window cleaning

• Post-construction cleaning

• Server room and data center cleaning

• Solar panel cleaning