Dinner parties that run late into the night, muddy paws on the bed, small sticky hands, and everyday clumsiness – spills and stains are just part of a well-lived life. At Piglet, we don’t believe in pristine, mess-free homes (remember visiting relatives where you weren’t allowed to touch anything, or everything was kept ‘for best’? Shudder).
What we do believe in is linen that’s meant to be used – and knowing how to care for it so it stays looking its best. With that in mind, we’ve put together a helpful guide to removing common stains from linen bedding, sleepwear, and tablecloths. Handily, these tips work on cotton too.
From red wine and candle wax to fake tan mishaps, here’s how to tackle life’s little spills with confidence.
Act Quickly
If there’s one golden rule when it comes to stain removal, it’s this: act as soon as you can. The longer a spill has to settle into the fibers, the harder it becomes to remove. A quick response can make all the difference.
Pre-Treat Before Washing
Before popping anything into the washing machine, it’s worth pre-treating the stain. You can use a commercial stain remover, or try one of these gentle, natural alternatives:
- Sodium bicarbonate: Mix with water (roughly 3:1) to form a paste, then gently scrub into the stain with an old toothbrush. Plain soda water can also work wonders.
- White vinegar: Combine two tablespoons of vinegar with one cup of water and soak the stained area.
- Lemon juice: Mix equal parts lemon juice and water, then gently work into the stain.
A small spill on a linen tablecloth can be treated mid-meal and washed later – no need to whip the tablecloth away from under the plates like a magician.
Choose Your Wash Carefully
Once pre-treated, it’s time for the washing machine. Whether to use hot or cold water depends on the type of stain:
- Hot water can be effective for stains like coffee, ink, or wine.
- Cold or warm water (max 80°F) is best for protein-based stains such as gravy, grease, or blood – hot water can actually set these stains into the fabric.
If your linen has seen a bit of everything (tablecloths often do), it’s safest to start with a cooler wash.
A Note on Bleach
Bleach can be effective, but it should be used sparingly and with care. It can weaken fibers over time and should never be used on colored linen.
If needed, try one of the following:
- Dilute 1 part bleach to 2 parts water, soak the stained area for no more than five minutes, gently rub, then wash as usual.
- For lighter stains, add half a cup of bleach to your wash alongside detergent.
Let the Sun Do the Work
For white linen, sunshine is your best friend. The sun acts as a natural bleaching agent and is wonderfully effective at brightening fabrics. After washing, lay your linen flat in direct sunlight while it’s still damp and let nature take care of the rest – perfect for bedding, towels, and shirts.
Red Wine vs White Wine
In a pinch, white wine can help dilute a red wine spill, but it won’t remove it completely. If it’s all you have to hand, it’s preferable to water. That said, a proper stain remover used as soon as possible will always be more effective.
How to Remove Candle Wax
We love candles as much as anyone, but wax on linen can be tricky. Here’s how to handle it:
- Gently scrape away as much hard wax as possible with a knife.
- Place two sheets of clean paper towels or brown paper on either side of the stain.
- Using your iron on the lowest setting, lightly press over the paper towel. Replace the towels and repeat until no more wax transfers.
- Finish by treating the area with stain remover and laundering as usual.
Fake Tan on Bed Linen
If you wake up to fake tan stains on sheets or pillowcases, act asap. Put them straight in the wash and pre-treat darker areas with a stain remover. With quick action, fake tan stains are usually entirely fixable.
Finish with Proper Storage
Once your linen is clean, make sure it’s completely dry before folding and storing – this helps prevent water marks and mold. Stored properly, your linen will be ready for its next outing, whether that’s a relaxed dinner with friends or freshly made beds for overnight guests.
For more tips on washing, caring for, and storing your linen, take a look at our full care guide.
The best advice? Try not to worry. After all, a home is for living – spills, stains and all.
