Caring for your restaurant table linen in-house

Restaurant table linen is faced with plenty of tricky stains, from wine to lipstick and everything in between.

To maintain your restaurant’s good reputation and ensure a hygienic dining experience, you’ll want to make sure your table settings are always looking their best by providing every guest with clean, stain-free tablecloths and table napkins.

Luckily, there are things you can do to effectively treat these stains and ensure your table linen stays in the best possible condition.

How to remove stains from your tablecloths and  table napkins?

Act quickly

The quicker you treat a stain, the better chance you have of removing it. The longer you wait, the more embedded the stain will be in the fabric’s fibres and the harder it will be to remove.

Although you want to act quickly, make sure you patch-test products if you’re using them for the first time. You can do this by applying a small amount onto a less visible area of the tablecloth or table napkin.

Soaking and washing restaurant linen

Soak the linen in hot water overnight for maximum stain removal. When it comes to treating the stain, first blot up any excess with a clean paper towel or cloth. Then, opt for a treatment with enzymes and gently pat it onto the stain.

Avoid scrubbing it hard as this will rub the stain further into the fabric of the linen and may damage the fabric. The temperature you wash the linen at will depend on the type of stain, for example, hot water can set in protein stains but is useful for removing oily stains. A white cloth covered in cornstarch also helps treat oily stains by soaking up the excess.

Best way to dry tablecloths and table napkins

Hanging your table linen out to dry in the sun helps bleach out stains while tumble drying can actually set in stains. Dry your linens flat where possible so they keep their shape. If you’re drying your tablecloth or table napkin and notice a stain hasn’t been removed, it’s best to retreat the stain and wash it. Avoid ironing the linen or putting it in the dryer at this stage as the heat can make the stain permanent.

Removing wax stains from tablecloths

One of the most common stains is caused by wax from candles dripping onto tablecloths. Luckily, wax stains can be effectively removed by freezing the stain and using a dull knife to scrape the wax off once it has frozen. Alternatively, you can fill a bag of ice and place it over the stain to allow the wax to harden.

Wax stains can also be removed with heat, by putting paper towels on both sides of the stained area and ironing over the paper at a medium temperature. The heat from the iron will make the wax melt and soak into the paper towel. You should repeat this process with fresh paper towels until all the wax is removed and then wash the linens as you normally would. To see if there’s any remaining residue, you can splash some water on the fabric, the water will run off any remaining wax.

 

How to maintain your restaurant table linen pristine for longer?

Regularly sort and rotate your restaurant table linen

Sort your linens by fabric type, separating table napkins, kitchen towels, and tablecloths. Sorting your linens is especially important for linen napkins which tend to retain stains and odours more than other types.

Rotating your linens is also important and you should do this at least once every week. Sort the linens into three piles: heavily stained, moderately stained, and lightly stained. Keep the heavily stained linens aside to be handled separately from the other two. 

Wash your restaurant table linen regularly

Washing your restaurant linens regularly is a key component of table linen care and will help ensure there are always clean linens available when you need them. Setting up a laundry schedule is a good way to keep on top of washing your linens. When washing table linens, it’s best to avoid bleach which can cause yellowing and damage to the fibres of the fabric over time.

It’s also a good idea to avoid overstuffing your washing machine to prevent your linens from becoming tangled up with each other. Investing in a washable laundry bag will help keep your linens safe while they’re being washed. You’ll want to avoid twisting or wringing out linens before drying, as this will help preserve their durability.

If you’re dealing with delicate linens or you just want to be extra careful, hand-washing may be a good option. Avoid cleaning products with harsh chemicals which may damage the fabric. 

Store your restaurant table linen properly

You’ll want to fold and store your linen flat to keep them in the best condition. For maximum organisation, you can sew different coloured tabs on the linens according to their size. This will make it easier to find which ones you need when you’re in a rush. The more precious linens can be stored in sealed bags with a fragrance pouch for added freshness.

Ironing your restaurant table linen

For ironing, it’s best to start with damp linen and use an ironing board. Before you start, check your iron for burn marks. If you notice any, you can remove them with a cleaning product or give toothpaste a go.

You should also check the steam mechanism before you start, and consider using distilled water to avoid mineral spots. Ironing linen napkins involves the same process as ironing clothes, keep an even pressure and make sure the iron is continuously moving to avoid scorching the linen. Start by ironing the reverse side of the linen and then turn the tablecloth over and iron the front side once the reverse is completely finished.

Replace old restaurant table linen 

To ensure optimal results in caring for your table linen in own premisses it is crucial to start with high-quality commercial table linen.

By selecting premium linen products, you can enhance the overall ambiance and aesthetics of your dining space. Additionally, high-quality table linen tends to be more durable, stain-resistant, and easy to maintain, making it a wise investment in the long run.

Discover our expansive collection of durable restaurant tablecloths and table napkins, designed to guarantee that you consistently provide your guests with a top-tier dining experience.