Most of the tablecloths that we use at home are made from linen, while many banquet cloths are made from synthetic blends. But it is the linen tablecloths that I wish to address – both new and heirloom.

Myth
Most stains come out of linen tablecloths when they are washed at home. If the cloth looks clean, after washing, then the cloth is clean.

As I said before, when you get home, inspect your clothing under bright light and, if the clothing is washable, then you have choices. Zout, Spray & Wash and Oxi Clean and other products like these do have their place. Read the fine print, test an area, and go for it. Zout and Spray & Wash are particularly affective on lipstick and excellent for coffee, soda and other drink spills.

What can you do if you have a spill or a stain in a social situation or on your way to a business meeting or an interview? What can be done, safely, without harming your clothing?

You’re in the car, at lunch, or at an “attitude adjustment” gathering before a meeting, standing in a group having a drink and eating finger foods, and suddenly part of an appetizer or a drink spills on your clothing. Typically, you would look around to see if anyone saw your faux pas. After you regroup, you may put the rest of the tasty tidbit in your mouth to free up a hand, look for some water in which to dip your napkin, and then rub the stain until it comes out. Sound familiar? Men do this with their silk ties and don’t give it a second thought.

“I put water on a napkin and rubbed the stain.”  When you do that, you rough up the fabric, dull the dye, and break hundreds of fibers.

Good Question! Most stains come in two major varieties: "Water-Based and Oil-Based."

Water-based stains are drink spills of all kinds, sugar sprays from fruits and goodies, and anything else that is made of mostly water.

Fine fabrics present the greatest challenge. Each stain needs to be treated and removed from the cuffs, linings, and outer shells of our clothing, one spot at a time. Large splashes can be difficult, but splatters require even more skill and attention.

If you get a stain on your clothing, you can apply a myriad of “miracle” removers that are available on late-night TV, in grocery stores, and hawked in magazines. Everyone has their own special remedy, some of which have been handed down from generation to generation. And I’m ok with many of these, but some I am not!