Every year the same thing happens. You pull the Thanksgiving tablecloth out of storage, unfold it, and find a yellow stain you do not remember, creases that will not go away, and a smell that is not quite fresh. Thanksgiving is a few weeks away, so now is the time to fix it, not the morning of the dinner.
Why Stored Linens Yellow and Crease
Fabric that sits for a year does not stay the same. Spots from last year’s dinner, like gravy, butter, wine, and cranberry, may have been invisible when you put the cloth away. Over months, those spots oxidize and turn yellow or brown, and they are much harder to remove by then. Folding the cloth in the same creases year after year weakens the fibers along the lines and sets in sharp fold marks.
Check for Old Stains You Could Not See
Lay the cloth out in good light and look closely, especially near the places where plates and dishes sit. Sugary and greasy marks that were never cleaned are the usual culprits. Our guides to red wine stains and grease and oil stains explain what works on fresh stains. Old ones need more care.
Fabric Matters
- Cotton and linen are sturdy, but they wrinkle and can yellow with age.
- Polyester blends resist wrinkles but can hold onto grease.
- Lace and embroidered cloths, especially family pieces, are delicate and need a gentler approach.
Check the tag before you wash anything, and test any product on a hidden corner first.
Dealing With Fold Lines
Fold lines come out best when the cloth is cleaned and pressed properly. Ironing at home can work on sturdy cotton, but it takes patience on a large cloth. A professional press is more even, and it gets rid of creases that a quick iron leaves behind. After pressing, roll the cloth on a tube, not fold it, to avoid new creases.
Napkins and Runners
Cloth napkins and table runners go through the same cycle. They are small, so they are easy to forget until the last minute. Check them for old stains too, and clean them with the tablecloth so everything matches.
How Far Ahead to Bring It In
Do not wait until the week of Thanksgiving. That is the busiest time of the year for tablecloths, and large pieces take longer to clean. Bring it in early, and if you find a stubborn stain, point it out when you drop it off so we know what to treat. Vogue prices tablecloths by size, from small to extra large.
Store It Correctly This Time
After the holiday, clean the cloth before you put it away, and make sure it is completely dry. Roll it or fold it loosely with acid-free tissue between the folds, and store it in a breathable bag, away from damp basements. If the cloth came out of storage with a stale smell, our guide to musty smell in stored clothes can help.
When to Let Us Handle It
A tablecloth is the centerpiece of the holiday table, and it is often a family piece. Bring it in, and we will tell you honestly what the fabric can take.
Schedule a pickup or sign up for Vogue Valet today and enjoy expertly cared-for clothes without the hassle.
