How do I clean table linen?

1 · Introduction to how to clean table linen and take care of it

Cloth table linen is reusable, making it an option full of advantages. Knowing how to clean table linen properly ensures its longevity, making it a more sustainable choice. As well as bringing elegance and warmth to your table, it’s a more environmentally friendly alternative to paper products, as it doesn’t generate waste and the ratio of resources used in its manufacture to its long life is more sustainable. It’s a choice that takes care of both the planet and your wallet: thanks to its durability, it can accompany you for a lifetime, being passed down from generation to generation, and it’s even cheaper than paper in the medium term. If you’d like to find out more about its benefits, take a look at our blog post ‘Fabrics that take care of us’.

1.1 · To prolong the life of your table linen, it’s essential to look after it properly

Nowadays, one of the main doubts or concerns when opting for textile table linen is the idea that it can be complicated to look after. However, in this article, we want to show you how easy it can be to keep your tablecloths and napkins spotless, ready for any occasion and looking as good as new after every use.

1.2 · Regular care is essential to prolong the life of our table linen.

Like the clothes we wear every day, household linen needs regular care. Washing tablecloths and napkins is essential to maintain their hygienic properties, appearance and pleasant feel. Just as we take care of our bodies, we need to look after our fabrics to ensure that they maintain their optimum quality over time.

Photograms: Cédric Messemanne

1.3 · How often do we wash our tablecloths and napkins?

Several factors can influence how often we wash our table linen. First of all, we need to assess how many times a day we use them and whether they are more or less sensitive to stains. For example, the result of our table linen will not be the same after an ordinary lunch as after a birthday party with 20 children and lots of chocolate.

For regular, everyday use of a tablecloth, it is advisable to wash it once a week. Napkins, on the other hand, should be washed after every use, or at least after a day’s use.

Washing at this rate helps to remove fresh stains easily and prevents the proliferation of bacteria and germs from food and drink leftovers on the fabric.

2 · Washing and drying of our cotton and linen tablecloths

2.1 · Recommended wash temperature to preserve natural fibres

Table linen made from natural fibres can be machine-washed. The only advice is to wash them in cold or lukewarm water (max. 40°C) on a short programme.

Hot water can help set any stains and also intensify the action of the detergent, which can be too aggressive for our fabrics in the long term. So it’s best to avoid high temperatures to keep your clothes looking like new over time.

2.2 · How can we dry our natural fabrics to prevent shrinkage?

Table clothes made from natural fibres can shrink, but this can easily be avoided by looking after them properly. Wash your cotton and linen tablecloths and napkins in cold or lukewarm water, and avoid tumble-drying as heat is the main cause of shrinkage. For optimum drying, hang fabrics out in the open air and in the shade to preserve their colours and prevent them from fading. Although our Mediterranean terraces are famous for the constant presence of sheets and tablecloths drying in the sun, the reality is that the sun can become the enemy of fabrics, as its direct action can alter their original colours. Slow drying, in the shade and in the open air, is the key to keeping your pieces impeccable and ready for their next use.

2.3 · How do I remove stains from cotton and linen table linen?

Table linen is an everyday item that is prone to stains. We’ve all spilt a glass on a tablecloth or wiped our mouth with chocolate on our napkin.

The key is to act quickly to prevent the stain from becoming ingrained. A fresh stain can be removed almost immediately under water, by lightly rubbing the fabric. This will prevent the stain from drying and setting in.

Sometimes, however, we cannot remove the stain immediately. In this case, you can apply a stain remover and leave for a few minutes before putting the fabric in the washing machine. It is advisable to scrub the stain with a soft bristle brush once the stain remover has acted and softened the stain.

On our care and maintenance page, we give you a few tips for dealing with recurring stains.

Photograms: Cédric Messemanne

3 · Use of appropriate cleaning products

3.1 · Choice of mild, environmentally-friendly detergents

The use of detergents affects the quality of the wash. Although it may seem otherwise, excessive use can damage fabrics, leaving them looking dirty and smelling unpleasant.

So it’s essential to choose the right detergent. We recommend choosing mild detergents that are kind to the environment and natural fibres, especially cotton and linen. These biodegradable products reduce water and soil pollution. What’s more, because they contain fewer aggressive chemicals, they are less harmful to fabrics and do not alter their colours. They are also suitable for all skin types, as they do not cause irritation or allergies. All these features help to extend the useful life of our fabrics, which translates into long-term savings.

3.2 · Few or no fabric softeners, or only organic fabric softeners

Fabric softener makes fabrics soft, fragrant and easy to iron. However, conventional fabric softeners are aggressive and polluting. Excessive use can damage natural fabrics.

They contain chemicals that are toxic to aquatic organisms and non-biodegradable synthetic fragrances that pollute water and soil. They can also be harmful to sensitive skin and cause allergies. Fortunately, it is possible to enjoy soft, fragrant fabrics without using harsh chemicals. Opt for eco-friendly alternatives that respect both fabrics and the environment.