How to Wash and Care for Your Linen Tablecloths
Because heirlooms aren’t precious if they’re too precious to use.
There’s a certain myth around linen — that it’s fussy, high-maintenance, or needs dry cleaning. Not true.
Linen is one of the most resilient, forgiving, and naturally beautiful fabrics out there. In fact, the more you use it, the better it gets.
Here’s how to wash and care for your linen tablecloths so they last for years — or decades — of dinners, celebrations, and cake crumbs.
🧼 Washing Your Linen Tablecloth: The Basics
Machine wash at 30–40°C
Gentle cycles are best, but linen doesn’t need to be babied. Cold to warm water is ideal for cleaning without breaking down fibres.
Use mild, liquid detergent
Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, or optical brighteners (they’ll weaken fibres and fade the colour). We like non-bio or eco detergents — they’re kinder to both your linen and the planet.
Wash similar colours together
Natural fibres love to mingle, but they don’t love dye transfer.
💨 Drying: To Tumble or Not to Tumble?
Line dry when you can
It’s gentler on the fabric and brings out linen’s natural texture — that soft, lightly rumpled look we love.
Tumble dry on low if needed
If the weather doesn’t cooperate (we live in Britain, after all), use a low heat and remove while still slightly damp to avoid creasing.
🧺 Ironing (Only If You Want To)
Linen creases — beautifully. But if you prefer a crisper look:
Iron while still damp for best results
Use a medium-hot iron with steam
Always iron on the reverse side of printed or embroidered linens
💡 Nic’s tip: For an effortless look, fold neatly straight from the line — no iron required.
🧊 Spot Cleaning & Stains
We believe a well-used tablecloth is a sign of a life well-lived. But if the red wine wins:
Blot, don’t rub — absorb as much as possible with a clean cloth
Soak in cold water — warm water can set stains
Use a gentle stain remover — bicarbonate of soda or white vinegar can help lift most food-based spills
Avoid bleaching agents, as they break down natural linen fibres over time.
🧳 Storing Your Linens
Linen loves a cool, dry home.
Fold neatly and store in a drawer or linen cupboard
Avoid plastic storage (linen needs to breathe)
Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent fading
Slip a sachet of lavender or cedar in with it if you’re feeling fancy
🌿 The Nic Brittin Difference
All of our linens are digitally or hand printed in the UK and pre-washed to reduce shrinkage. That means you can use, wash, and love them again and again — without worry.
Our aim is always to create pieces you use — not ones that sit in a cupboard “for best.” After all, what’s the point of a tablecloth you’re afraid to spill on?
❓FAQs
Q: Can you machine wash linen tablecloths?
A: Yes! Use a gentle cycle at 30–40°C with a mild detergent. No need for dry cleaning.
Q: Does linen shrink when washed?
A: Linen may shrink slightly on the first wash, but our pre-washed linens are designed to minimise this. Wash cool and avoid high heat drying.
Q: Can you tumble dry linen tablecloths?
A: Yes, on low heat. Remove while slightly damp to avoid deep creases.
Q: How do you get stains out of linen?
A: Blot immediately, soak in cold water, and use a gentle stain remover. Avoid bleach.
🍷 Final Thought
Linen is built to be used, loved, washed, and laid again — and again. The more meals it sees, the better it gets. It’s not just a fabric. It’s a memory holder.
So pour the wine. Serve the sauce. And let your tablecloth do what it was made for.