Care Guide

A question we get asked a lot of the time is ‘what’s the best way to clean my tablecloth?’, so this guide below will provide some information on the best ways to keep your tablecloth in good condition.

PVC VINYL – WIPE CLEAN ONLY, Not Machine Washable

OILCLOTH – WIPE CLEAN ONLY, Not Machine Washable

ACRYLIC – Wipe Clean & Machine washable at 30 degrees Celsius. Do not tumble dry

WATER REPELLENT / FABRIC TABLECLOTHS - Not Wipe Clean, cool wash at 30 degrees Celsius. Do not tumble dry.

For more information on each product, please read here - https://www.joleetablecloths.co.uk/fabric-comparisons

For cleaning your wipe clean tablecloth, we recommend using warm soapy water. Simply use a mild washing washing up liquid and warm water then wipe clean with a damp cloth. Do not use sprays/solutions with essential oils, as this can cause/worsen stains. 

"Are your tablecloths stain proof?"

First of all, it’s important to understand that wipe clean, and stain proof are two different things. No wipe clean tablecloth, be it PVC Vinyl, Oilcloth or Acrylic is stain proof/resistant. 

To prevent staining, we recommend cleaning any spills up immediately. Some items that can cause stains are below:

- Tomato Based Sauces

- Curry Sauces

- Pollens of some flowers

- Newspaper Ink

- Dark Fruit Juice

We realise that you may not always be able to wipe any spills up right away, so please see below for some advice on how to keep your tablecloth stain free. 

PLEASE NOTE: It is very important that you test any cleaning spray/solution you choose to use on a small area first as we are not responsible for any issues caused by incompatible cleaning sprays. We recommend using only mild soap/washing up liquid and warm water to keep your tablecloths clean. Also, none of the below are guaranteed to work each and every time. This is down to you to try and see which works best for you.  

Dettol Mould & Mildew Remover:

• Helps with: Tomato Based Stains

This product, containing active bleach, can help lift stains when sprayed and left for a few hours. Simply wipe clean after and always test on a small area first

 

Milton Sterilising Fluid:

• Helps with: Tomato-based stains

Make a diluted solution and spray on the affected area and leave for 20 minutes. Then, wipe clean with a damp cloth. This will help lighten the stain. 

 

Isopropyl Alcohol / White Spirit:

• Helps with: Grease, ink, sticky residue

Apply to a tissue or cloth and rub into the affected area for grease and ink marks. Repeat as necessary, but be aware of potential odours, requiring freshening with warm soapy water after using this method

 

Nail Varnish Remover:

• Helps with: Curry Sauce Stains

Use a small amount on tissue or cotton wool, gently rub into the stained area, and leave for 10 to 15 minutes before wiping clean with water. Repeat if needed.

 

Lemon Juice:

• Helps with: Tomato & Curry sauces

Lemon juice, a natural bleach, can lighten dark stains. Squeeze over the affected area and leave for a few hours, combining with sunlight exposure for enhanced bleaching.

 

Hydrogen Peroxide:

• Helps with: Tomato, curry & other food sauces

Mix equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide, apply to the affected area, and leave for 10 minutes before wiping with a damp white cloth. For stubborn stains, use hydrogen peroxide alone and repeat the process.

 

Sunlight Exposure:

• Helps with: Tomato-based stains

Sunlight exposure for a few hours can help lighten or remove tomato sauce stains. Note that prolonged exposure may fade darker colours.

"Are your tablecloths heat proof?"

While our PVC Vinyl, Oilcloth and Acrylic Tablecloths are durable and will withstand daily use with plates, cups and mugs etc, they are not fully heat resistant. As these tablecloths have a Vinyl/Teflon (Acrylic) layer, we always recommend the use of placemats or heat protectors available from our shop. 

If anything straight out of the oven is placed on the cloth, or something which is very hot, this can affect the wipe clean layer, and also cause ring marks. 

"How do I remove creases from my tablecloth?"

As standard, we send our parcels folded. This means that when you receive the item, there may be a few creases where this has been folded. Don't worry, as the creases will naturally fall out within a few days when laid out on your table. It always works best in a warm room if possible. 

If that hasn't worked, then simply flip your tablecloth over (cotton side facing up), and iron on the reverse side over a tea towel on a low heat. Please note: This method is completed at your own risk. If you are concerned about folds, then please use our rolled shipping option at checkout. 

"How do I clean the bias binding hemmed edging?"

Do not use any bleach solution/sprays as this is a 100% cotton fabric and the colour may fade. Simply use a warm soapy water solution. Ensure you dry this fully after doing so.