As someone who loves hosting Christmas parties I am aware of how vital it is to set the beautiful atmosphere and setting a table is a crucial part of the procedure. A Christmas tablecloth that is decorated with festive colors and patterns is typically the main focus at the dinner table. But, with all the wonderful beverages and food that go along during the holiday season making sure that the tablecloth is spotless can be a real task. Through time I've learned a few effective ways to clean up a tablecloth that has staining, and ensure it's fresh and new for any occasion.
Understanding the Stains on Your Christmas Tablecloth
The first step to take in cleaning the Christmas tablecloth that has staining is figuring out the type the stain that you're working. Different stains require different treatments. Some of the most frequent stains at Christmas include gravy, wine, the cranberry sauce and wax. Being aware of how to handle each of them is vital for preserving the quality that your dining tablecloth.
Wine Stains A common troublesome stainings is that of red wine. It's essential to act swiftly when you spill wine on the tablecloth during Christmas. First, clean the stain with an unclean cloth to eliminate the most liquid you can. Make sure not to rub since this could make the stain spread. Sprinkle salt on the stain, allowing it to soak up the wine. Then, let it remain for a few moments before wiping it away with cold water. If the stain remains present, you can apply the mix of hydrogen peroxide and dishwashing soap. Apply directly on the stain and letting it rest for a couple of minutes prior to washing.
Stains from gravy and grease: Grease stains that result from buttery or gravy-based dishes may be difficult to remove. To remove them first, clean the grease using a dry towel. Sprinkle baking soda on the stain, then let it sit for around 15 minutes to soak up the oil. After removing the powder, then apply dish soap on the stain, then lightly rub it into the stain. Clean the tablecloth with warm water, which will help break off the grease.
Stains of Cranberry Sauce: Cranberry sauce, due to its vivid colour, could leave evident stain. Begin by scraping away any sauce that is left, and then clean the stain using cold water. Apply a stain remover that has been pre-treated or a combination consisting of white vinegar and dish soap. Allow it to sit for approximately 10 minutes prior to washing the tablecloth according to normal.
The wax staining issue is a common one if you are using candles for your Christmas table decorations Then wax stains can be a frequent problem. When the wax has set and the tablecloth is placed inside the freezer for around 30 minutes. The wax becomes more brittle and easy to remove. Carefully scrape away the wax with a knife that is sharp. If any remains remain put a towel on top of the stain, and press with a hot iron. All remaining wax is likely to then transfer onto the towel.
Washing and Caring for Your Christmas Tablecloth
After removing any stain then the next step is to clean the tablecloth for Christmas. I suggest using a mild cleaning agent and washing your tablecloth using warm or cold water, dependent on the type of fabric. Hot water can cause staining and make colors fade therefore it is recommended to not use it unless the label explicitly states it is allowed.
If the tablecloth you are using is delicate fabrics like linen or lace, you should think about hand-washing it, by hand or using the gentle cycle in the washing machine. For tablecloths that are stained heavily you can add the contents of a glass of vinegar white or spoon of bleach in the washing machine can make the stains appear brighter and easier to remove.
Following washing it is important to examine the tablecloth prior drying it. The heat from the dryer could cause stains to remain which make them difficult to get rid of. If you see any evidence of staining you can repeat the stain treatment and wash the area.
Storing Your Christmas Tablecloth
After your tablecloth is dry and clean the proper storage is essential to ensure it is fresh to be ready for the festive season. I always ensure that your Christmas tablecloth dry prior to folding it in order to keep out any mold or musty smells. To prevent wrinkles, I prefer to wrap the tablecloth on in a cardboard tube, or place it flat, if the space allows. Using acid-free paper for tissue between folds will also help to preserve the fabric and stop wrinkles.
Final Thoughts
Cleaning up a tablecloth that has staining can be a challenge due to the multitude of stains that could be triggered during a holiday dinner. But, with the proper strategies and a of perseverance you can keep your tablecloth clean every year. When you take care of stains immediately while washing with care and properly storing the Christmas tablecloth will remain an integral part of your Christmas celebrations.
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