Out, Out Stubborn Stains!

Whether you’re entertaining on your yacht or at home, a beautiful table setting sets the stage for a great meal. Try as we may, it’s nearly impossible to get through a meal without someone staining the linens. But don’t fret! Simply following a few basic suggestions will ensure that your linens stay as bright and beautiful as they were before the meal began.

Red or White?

Some light stains can wait to be laundered and others, such as red wine, need immediate attention. The first thing to do is blot the stain lightly with white paper towels. If it’s a dry-clean-only fabric, it’s best to get it to the cleaner as quickly as realistically possible. Avoid rubbing the stain, as that can grind it into the fabric. If the fabric is washable, as most fine table linens are these days, there are several different tips that work. It’s best to test the technique you use on a small, inconspicuous part of the linen before you apply it to a big, noticeable area, especially if the linen is not white. One technique for whites is to combine a teaspoon of mild laundry soap, a bit of hydrogen peroxide and water in a small bowl. Place a clean, dry towel under the fabric, and using a clean sponge, squeeze out the excess mixture and then gently blot the stain until it begins to lighten. The hydrogen peroxide is the lightening agent. Remember to try it on a small, hidden area first. Next, read the washing instructions on the fabric and, taking into account any special instructions, wash the tablecloth in cool water. For stubborn wine stains, some people swear by sprinkling salt on the stain and then soaking it in cool water or soaking it in a mixture of club soda and ordinary water, and then following the regular laundering instructions.

Coffee and Tea

Acting quickly is key to removing coffee and tea stains, as it is for red wine. New coffee and tea stains often will wash out easily if you soak them in warm water and detergent first, and then launder them as usual. For stubborn stains on white linens, mixing a bit of hydrogen peroxide in water, dabbing the stain, and then soaking the fabric should help. Always read the laundering instructions first and test the mixture on a small, inconspicuous area first. Some people say that a teaspoon of vinegar in a quart of water sprayed onto the stain will do the trick, while others are successful by using a teaspoon of baking soda on a clean, wet sponge and dabbing the stain away before washing it according to the laundering instructions.

Gravy and Sauces

Since there are all sorts of gravies and sauces, there may not be a one-size-fits-all stain removal solution. The easiest way to begin is sponging the spot with pre-laundry spot remover diluted in water, after you’ve tested the product on a hidden area of the linen. Then launder the linen according to the instructions and if the spot is still visible, follow up by treating it with a vinegar solution of two parts water to one part vinegar before laundering it again. Very colorful stains, like those from curry, often disappear after being covered with white toothpaste for a few hours and then washing as normal.

In Cold Blood

We beg your pardon for bringing up blood stains at the dinner table, but many people want to know how to get rid of them. The secret ingredient for blood stains is cold water. Wash the stain in cold water as soon as you can and, if necessary, soak it overnight. Then launder it as usual in cold water and it should disappear.

Tricky Wax Stains

If you set the mood with beautiful candles, you’re likely to be left with drippings of wax. No worries! There’s no reason to ruin the mood. First freeze the spot with ice and then scrape away as much wax as you can with a dull knife, being careful not to damage the fabric. If any residual color remains, place a towel under the stain and cover it with a commercial stain remover. Remember to test the product first on a hidden area. When the entire waxy residue is gone, wash the linen according to the laundering instructions.

The Good News

As we’ve said, the best advice is to tackle the stain as quickly as possible. Don’t rub it in and don’t let it set. Sometimes, stretching it over a bowl and pouring hot water over it will do the trick. Otherwise, sponging it with appropriately diluted mixtures of hydrogen peroxide, vinegar or baking soda may be the magic formula. Or spraying the stain with commercial stain remover, soaking it in water and laundry detergent and then washing it as usual may get the job done. The happy fact is that most stains can be removed in a few easy steps. Pioneer Linens Yacht & Estate Division, the most respected name in linens for yachts and estate homes, offers customized bed sheets, pillows, bath and beach towels, table linens and other elegant accessories.