What is the correct way to clean and maintain tablecloth?

As a home decoration and practical item, tablecloth can not only add a touch of warmth and elegance to the table, but also effectively protect the table from oil stains, scratches and other damage. However, as time goes by, tablecloths will inevitably be stained with various stains and dust.
1. Understand the material of tablecloth
Before cleaning, you must first clarify the material of the tablecloth, because tablecloths of different materials require different cleaning methods. Common tablecloth materials include cotton, linen, silk, polyester fiber (polyester) and blended fabrics. Cotton and linen materials are more natural and breathable, but they are easy to wrinkle and need gentle treatment; silk is noble and elegant, but it is fragile and needs delicate care; polyester fiber is relatively wear-resistant and easy to wash.
2. Daily maintenance
Regular vacuuming: For tablecloths made of non-woven fabrics, such as polyester fibers, you can regularly use a vacuum cleaner to gently suck the surface to remove dust and food residues.
Immediate cleaning: Food residues and liquid stains on the tablecloth should be cleaned immediately after a meal to avoid stains that remain for a long time and cause difficult-to-clean marks.
Avoid friction with hard objects: When placing tableware or other items, try to avoid sharp objects directly contacting the tablecloth to avoid scratches or wear.
3. Cleaning method
Hand wash or machine wash:
Hand wash: For silk or finely woven tablecloths, hand washing is recommended. Use warm water (not exceeding 30°C) and neutral detergent to gently rub the stains, then rinse with clean water. Avoid wringing hard. You can press gently or wrap it with a towel to absorb water and then dry it naturally.
Machine wash: Tablecloths made of materials such as cotton, linen and polyester are usually machine washable. Choose a gentle washing program, the water temperature should not be too high (recommended below 30°C), and use a neutral detergent. Avoid using bleach or strong detergents to avoid damaging the fibers. After washing, select the gentle dehydration mode and take it out to dry immediately to avoid long-term accumulation in the washing machine causing wrinkles or mildew.
Removing stubborn stains: For stubborn stains such as oil stains and wine stains, you can pre-treat them with special stain removers or natural detergents such as light salt water and white vinegar before washing, and then gently scrub them before normal washing.
Ironing and finishing: After washing and drying the tablecloth, you can iron it as needed to restore its flatness and gloss. When ironing, the temperature should be moderate to avoid high temperature directly contacting the fabric and causing damage.
IV. Storage precautions
Folding or rolling up: When storing, the tablecloth should be folded or rolled up to avoid folding the same place for a long time to cause creases and affect the appearance.
Dry and ventilated: Store in a dry and ventilated place to avoid mildew or odor caused by a humid environment.
Avoid direct sunlight: Long-term direct sunlight will cause the tablecloth to fade, so it should be avoided from being exposed to strong sunlight.