Messy Lunches, Beautiful Linen: How to Wash and Care for Tablecloths

We love a long lunch or brunch . But the spills? Not so much.

Whether it’s red wine, tomato sauce or a rogue smear of butter, tablecloth stains happen—and that’s OK. Our friends at Wilton London have tested some stain removal tips on our Amber Cora 100% Linen Tablecloth so you can get stains out of linen, keep your tablecloths fresh, and enjoy the messier moments of life without stress.

Shop our tablecloth and linen collection here.

1. Act Quickly on Stains

The sooner you address a spill, the better. Rinse stains under a cold tap to get the worst off, especially red wine. Don't bother with white wine on red wine - it's not a thing.

If you can’t rinse, blot (don’t rub) the stain with a clean, damp cloth to lift as much as possible. For oil-based stains, try adding some washing up liquid and agitating the stain before washing.

2. Pre-treat and a Good Soak

Add a little Laundry Liquid to a bucket of cool water and soak for an hour or so. (Warm water can set the stain.) This is especially helpful if you didn’t get to it straight away.

Then, apply a small amount of Wilton’s Cedarwood Laundry Liquid directly onto the stain and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before washing. This eco-friendly plant-based formula is tough on stains but gentle on fabrics.

3. Wash Warm, Not Hot

Pop it in the wash—the longer, the better. Add Laundry Liquid and set the temperature to no hotter than 30 °c. You can add a little of Wilton’s Fabric Conditioner; it will help repair the natural fibres and make staining less likely in the future.

4. Dry Naturally

Sunlight is a natural bleacher. Dry in the sun to finish off those lingering stains. The gentle movement on the washing line will also help release the weave a little, which will be highly tightened in the wash. This will help make your linen softer and fluffier.

5. Embrace the Natural Look

Linen’s charm lies in its relaxed, slightly crinkled appearance. But if you prefer a smoother finish, iron your tablecloth while it’s still slightly damp, using a medium-hot iron.

By following these tips, your linen tablecloths will remain fresh and beautiful for years to come. Explore our Cedarwood Laundry Liquid for an eco-friendly, effective cleaning solution.

Looking for more top tips on washing your table linens? Check out our table linen care guide.