Tablecloth Washing Guide – Washing, Ironing & Stain Removal

Best Way to Wash Polyester Tablecloths

Before washing, shake out the tablecloths to remove cutlery, food residue and any foreign objects. Items such as knives, pens or sharp objects can permanently stain or damage the fabric and may also damage the washing machine.

Best washing temperature	Wash polyester tablecloths and napkins at 40–50°C maximum.
Recommended detergent	Use biological detergent, especially for food, grease and oil stains.
Recommended spin speed	Use a short, low spin cycle. We recommend 800–1000 rpm maximum.
Drying method	Line dry where possible, or tumble dry on the lowest heat setting and remove while slightly damp.
Important warning	Do not wash or dry above 50°C. Excessive heat can cause permanent thermal shock creasing.

How to Wash and Look After Polyester Tablecloths

1. Sort by colour: wash white, light coloured, medium and dark shades separately to avoid cross staining.
2. Do not mix fabric types: avoid washing 100% polyester tablecloths with cotton or polyester/cotton blends. Cotton lint can attach to polyester fabric and make it look like pilling or bobbling.
3. Do not overload the washing machine: load the drum around three-quarters full so the tablecloths can move freely during the wash.
4. Use biological detergent: this helps break down fats, oils and food stains during the washing cycle.
5. Use the correct temperature: wash at 40–50°C maximum with a short, low spin cycle.
6. Remove promptly: take tablecloths out of the machine as soon as the wash cycle has finished to reduce creasing.

Final Rinse and Hygiene Care

A small amount of fabric softener in the final rinse may help reduce static and creasing. Avoid using too much, as a build-up of fabric conditioner can affect absorbency, touch and fabric feel.

For extra hygiene, a laundry sanitiser liquid can be added to the wash or final rinse, following the instructions on the product label. This is useful for table linen used in hospitality, healthcare, catering, events and busy commercial environments.

Do not rely on vinegar as a disinfectant for table linen. For hygiene-sensitive washing, use a suitable laundry sanitiser liquid instead.

How to Avoid Thermal Shock Creasing

High washing or drying temperatures above 50°C can cause permanent thermal shock creasing. This happens when hot, soft polyester fibres cool too quickly while crumpled in the machine.

The result can look like “broken ice” wrinkle marks on the fabric surface. These crease marks can become permanent and may not be removable by ironing.

How to Remove Stains from Polyester Tablecloths

For normal food staining, biological detergent is highly recommended. If fats and oils are not removed during washing and are then ironed, the heat can set the stain into the fabric and make it harder to remove later.

Heavy Stain Pre-Treatment

1. Sponge or wipe the stained area with a small amount of undiluted biological detergent.
2. Place the table linen into the washing machine with a full wash-load dosage of biological detergent.
3. Set the wash programme to 40–50°C.
4. Allow the washing machine to run for around 10 minutes, then pause the machine.
5. Leave the items to soak for 8 hours or overnight.
6. Unpause the machine and allow the wash programme to complete.

Oxygen-Based Stain Treatment

For residual staining, adding an oxygen-based bleaching agent with the laundry detergent may assist the washing process. Always follow the product instructions carefully. A product such as Vanish Oxi Action, or a supermarket home-brand equivalent, may be suitable.

Optical Brightening Agents

Detergents containing OBA, or Optical Brightening Agents, are best used on white table linen only. They can make white fabric appear brighter, but may alter the appearance of some coloured shades and give the impression of colour loss.

Chlorine Bleach Warning

Chlorine bleach, also known as sodium hypochlorite, can cause shade changes, permanent colour loss and fabric damage. It should be avoided on coloured polyester tablecloths. If required, only use a small quantity on white polyester shades.

Drying Polyester Tablecloths

Polyester tablecloths dry quickly because polyester holds less water than cotton after washing. Removing tablecloths promptly and drying them correctly will help reduce creasing before ironing.

Line Drying

Line drying is recommended where possible, especially for larger tablecloths. Hang the tablecloths as soon as the wash programme has finished. They should be ready to iron within a few hours.

Tumble Drying

If tumble drying, use the lowest heat setting and do not over dry. Remove the tablecloths while slightly damp and fold neatly straight away to reduce ironing time.

If available, use a Permanent-Press or Synthetics wash programme, with a low spin speed, to help reduce crushing and creasing.

How to Iron Polyester Tablecloths

Ironing is recommended for the best finish. Polyester tablecloths are easiest to iron when they are slightly damp. Steam and pressure from the iron help remove creasing more quickly.

1. Start with the iron on the lowest heat setting that produces steam.
2. Increase the temperature gradually until you find the best steam output.
3. Use a fine water mist spray if extra moisture is needed.
4. Always test a small area first before ironing the full tablecloth.

If the iron is too hot, it may scorch or melt the fabric. Avoid excessive heat and do not hold the iron in one position for too long.

Common Washing Mistakes to Avoid

• Washing polyester tablecloths above 50°C.
• Using a high spin cycle that crushes the fabric.
• Overloading the washing machine or tumble dryer.
• Mixing white, light and dark shades in the same wash.
• Washing polyester tablecloths with cotton items that may create lint.
• Ironing food, grease or oil stains before they have been fully removed.
• Using chlorine bleach on coloured tablecloths.
• Overusing fabric conditioner, which can affect absorbency and fabric feel.
• Relying on vinegar as a disinfectant instead of using a suitable laundry sanitiser liquid.

Frequently Asked Questions