Linen is a soft material with fibers that stain easily. Stains on linen fabric need to be cleaned in a special way so that tablecloths, washcloths, summer clothes, or other linen items are not damaged. The stain removal process is fairly simple and will keep linens looking clean and new.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Getting Rid of New Stains
Step 1. Act quickly to get rid of the stain
The longer the stain stays on the linen, the more difficult it will be to clean it. Regardless of the type of stain (whether from food, drink, or otherwise), it's best to clean it before it has time to dry.
- Sometimes old stains need to be cleaned through dry cleaning.
- Dry cleaning can damage linen, so it's important to remove the stain as soon as possible so you don't have to resort to harsher methods.
Step 2. Scrape off any remaining liquid or solid stains
Use a butter knife or spoon to remove residue. For example, jelly can be scooped out with a spoon so that less dirt needs to be cleaned. It's a good idea to pick up as much dirt as possible before starting to clean the stain.
- Do not squeeze or press on the linens or stains so that tough stains don't "grind" the linen fibers and make them more difficult to clean.
- You can shake off liquid stains like juice or tea instead of squeezing them out.
Step 3. Blot the stain with a white cloth or towel
Blot the stain with a paper towel to remove the stain from the linens. Work from the edges of the stain inward so that your pressure doesn't spread the stain.
Step 4. Apply the chemical solution to the stain
For best results, use a special product to remove stains instead of regular soap. Chemical reactions are an effective way to get rid of stains on linen. Spread out the linens and tuck some paper towels or washcloths behind them to keep out any excess liquid.
- Sprinkle baking soda on the stain and add a few drops of vinegar at a time. Blot the stain with a paper towel to absorb the liquid.
- The lemon juice will help whiten the grubby material. Squeeze lemon juice onto discolored stains or linens and let sit until they lighten, then rinse.
- You can buy and use a stain-cleaning product like Tide or Oxyclean.
- Don't rub the stain. If you rub or press too hard, the stain will sink deeper into the linen instead of coming out.
Step 5. Fill the sink with hot water
Turn on the faucet to fill the sink, tub, or washing machine until it is high enough to soak the washed fabric. Hot water should only be used with additives to help remove stains. The heat makes the stain stay on the fabric so make sure you add the additive in the water.
Step 6. Put another cleaner in the water
Since hot water alone will only make the stain worse, you'll need additional cleaning products. You can buy a special stain remover or make one with homemade ingredients.
- Try making a stain removal solution by mixing 1 scoop of Oxyclean, 1 cup of Biz, cup of ammonia, and a gallon of hot water.
- White vinegar will also help get rid of the oil stains. Use -½ cup based on the amount of laundry load.
- Mild detergents are also ideal. Use -1 cup of detergent depending on the load of the laundry.
Step 7. Soak the linen in the sink
Make sure the cloth is completely submerged and let it sit for at least an hour or overnight. Every now and then, use a wooden spoon to stir the water and make sure the solution is evenly distributed.
Step 8. Drain the sink and wash the linens as usual
Use a gentle cycle in the washing machine and cold water to avoid damaging the fabric. You can add white vinegar, Oxyclean, or a mild detergent to get rid of stubborn stains.
Step 9. Hang to dry
Do not use a dryer as it will stick dirt to the linen. Therefore, it is better if the cloth is just aerated to dry. In addition, drying the linens will minimize creases.
Method 2 of 3: Cleaning Old Stains
Step 1. Soak linen cloth in hot water with additional cleaner
Before trying any additional methods, try removing the stain as if you were cleaning a new stain. You can remove the stain by soaking the cloth and then washing it normally by machine or hand. If they are not stored properly or while they are still stained, they may be difficult to clean.
- Fill a tub or sink with cold water to soak the fabric. Hot water requires additional cleaning to prevent stains from settling on the fabric.
- Every now and then, check the stain to see if it has dissolved with the water.
- To test the stain, lightly rub the cloth with your fingertips and see if the stain loosens. Do this gently so that the stain does not go deeper into the fabric.
Step 2. Spread the linen and dry in the sun
If the stain persists after several soaks and washings, leave it in the sun for a few hours. The sun's rays can also damage fabrics and bleach, so you need to watch them closely. Remove the linen from the clothesline if the color begins to fade beyond its original color
- You can place the linens completely dry, or lightly moisten them with a spray bottle filled with water, non-chlorine bleach, or other liquid cleaner.
- Do not soak the cloth if it will be dried in the sun because it can cause an unpleasant odor.
- Vintage (vintage) fabrics can be damaged by direct sunlight so be careful when deciding whether to dry antique fabrics in the sun or not.
Step 3. Preserve old linen by ironing it immediately after washing
It's a good idea to iron the linen while it's still slightly damp. After successfully removing the stain, the linen is safe to touch the heat. Use the correct setting on the iron so it doesn't damage the fabric. If ironed, the fabric will be easier to store and resistant to damage and creases.
- The stain will permanently seal on the fabric if it is ironed.
- Check the entire fabric or garment to make sure there are no hidden stains.
Step 4. Hang the linen to dry if you don't need ironing
Regardless of the age of the stain, it is best not to put freshly cleaned linen in the dryer. Use a drying rack, clothesline, or hang clothes to air-air the linens.
Method 3 of 3: Using Homemade Items
Step 1. Dab fresh lemon juice on the new stain
Squeeze lemon juice on the stain and sprinkle salt over it. Then, dry the linens in the sun for a few hours before washing them. Check regularly to make sure the stain is fading. If not, add more lemon juice and salt.
- Be careful with the hot sun as it will lighten the linen quickly. Set a timer to monitor progress so the linens don't stain.
- For stubborn stains, repeat this process a few times. Wash the cloth between reps.
- For large stains or for example a dingy white tablecloth, mix lemon juice and salt solution in a spray bottle and spray thoroughly. Dry in the sun so that the impact is even.
Step 2. Blot the new stain with the baking soda mixture
Make a baking soda paste with 60 ml of a mixture of baking soda and water in a balanced ratio. After the paste has dried and allowed to sit for 15-30 minutes, scrape off any excess paste before washing the linens as usual.
Step 3. Cover the oil stain with cornstarch
Oil stains are one of the most difficult stains to remove from fabric. Sprinkle cornstarch on the stain and wait 15 minutes for it to settle. Then, scrape off the cornstarch. Wash linen in the sink with dish soap or in the washing machine on a gentle cycle.
- Don't coat the stain with too much cornstarch. You only need a thin layer to absorb the stain. If the stain is still visible, please apply a second coat.
- If you need to rinse off the cornstarch, use cold water to prevent the stain from sticking.
