How to Clean a Tablecloth: Tips for Removing Candle Wax, Stains and More

A charming  tablecloth  or  table runner  makes every meal prettier. Unless, of course, that tablecloth becomes stained, yellowed or even creased. Don't worry, though. Our tablecloth cleaning guide will teach you how to banish stains and conquer creases, making sure your table linens are always ready to beautify your dining room.

We recommend cleaning your tablecloth at least once a month to make sure it’s lovely and fresh. Before giving the tablecloth a full wash, though, be sure to pre-treat any stains that might need extra TLC (we’ll cover this in more detail later).

Once the stains have been given the extra help they need, it’s time for the trusty washing machine. Use cold water and a permanent press cycle to prevent pesky wrinkles, as well as a gentle detergent to avoid harming the fabric. 

If you’re washing your tablecloth by hand, spot-treat any stains before anything else. Then, fill a tub or sink with lukewarm water and gentle detergent to soak your tablecloth in. Swishing the fabric in the water and working through it will allow the detergent to work its magic.

Drain away the soapy water and rinse your tablecloth in clean, warm water, swirling around to get rid of lingering soap. Repeat until all the suds are gone. 

Once your tablecloth is washed, give it a good shake to get rid of wrinkles before drying.

Most tablecloths can then be dried in your home dryer on a medium-high heat or permanent press cycle. If you plan to iron your tablecloth, though, make sure you remove it from the dryer while it’s still slightly damp. This will make ironing sooooo much easier. 

A fully linen tablecloth is best air-dried, hung or laid flat away from the sun.

Stains are the bane of our existence, but unfortunately, they are unavoidable when it comes to tablecloths. Luckily, we’ve got all the methods to banish marks and smudges and make your tablecloth pristine again. 

Is there anything nicer than having a glass of vino with a meal? It’s one of life’s greatest joys, but it can lead to the odd stain here and there. No need to give up the merlot, though, as we know exactly how to get rid of a red wine stain. 

The magic ingredient is hydrogen peroxide, which should be dabbed directly onto the stain. You’ll then want to soak your tablecloth in cool water and add more hydrogen peroxide to the stained area. Finish up by giving your tablecloth a gentle, cool wash in the washing machine.

Now, some red wine stains are tough little things, so you may have to repeat this process until it completely disappears. 

Oils and butter help to create some of the most delicious meals and some of the toughest spots. Before you strike fried foods from the menu, though, see our tips on managing oily stains.

Begin by adding rubbing alcohol to the stain and leaving it for 15 minutes. This will break down the oils. Then, go over the spot with a pure, unscented bar of soap. Wash your tablecloth on a cool, gentle setting, air dry, and then continue to treat the stains until they disappear. 

A candlelit dinner is such a delight, whether it’s a romantic at-home date night or a cosy dinner party centrepiece. The candle wax can be a problem if it gets onto your table, though… but we have the solution.

If you notice a drop of melted wax on your tablecloth, blot it as much as possible with a kitchen towel, avoiding wiping or rubbing. Then, leave the remaining wax to harden.

Once the wax has hardened, gently scrape away as much as possible with a butter knife. Now is where things get a little more complex. You’ll need two sheets of brown paper, a towel and a hairdryer.

Lay down your towel and place your first sheet of brown paper on top of it. Then, lay the stained part of the tablecloth on top of the paper and put the other sheet of paper on top of the tablecloth. 

Apply heat to the waxy area using your hairdryer or an iron on medium heat. The wax will melt and show on the paper. Continue applying heat until the wax stops appearing on the paper. If there’s any left-over wax staining, apply an acetone solution or rubbing alcohol.

As always, finish with a cool, gentle wash. 

Is it gravy? Pudding? Tomato sauce? You’re not entirely sure, but you do know that your tablecloth doesn’t look half as lovely with it there.

To get rid of an unidentified stain, reach for an enzyme-based stain remover or laundry detergent. Apply it to the stain, and rub it in with a soft-bristled toothbrush (not one you’ll use on your pearly whites later, please).

Soak the tablecloth overnight before giving it your usual cool, gentle wash. 

We love our planet, so we like to think about ways to be kinder to the environment in everything we do. When it comes to washing your tablecloth, you can start by choosing an eco-friendly laundry detergent like the ones from our chums at  Wilton London . 

Using cold water is also a fab way to save energy, as is air-drying after a wash. 

Swapping out your tablecloths is a marvellous way to revitalise your dining space, create a new tablescape, or switch things up for a special event like Christmas. But what do you do with the tablecloth you aren’t using?

Before you store your tablecloth, it should be fully washed and completely dry to prevent bugs, mildew and other nasties. We recommend storing table linen in a clean and dry cupboard rather than an attic or cellar to avoid damp smells. Then, you have the choice of folding or hanging your tablecloth. 

If you’re folding your tablecloth, try placing acid-free tissue paper between each layer to soften the edges. If you’re hanging the fabric, a padded hanger will keep things lovely and smooth. 

Explore our fabulous  table linen line , including  napkins,  table runners, tablecloths and more. Need more advice on tableware care? Our tableware advice hub has everything you need.