How to Care for a Vinyl Tablecloth

While cotton and linen tablecloths can make tables look more inviting than a vinyl tablecloth, it takes more time to care for them. Busy families may not have the time to clean, iron and fold formal tablecloths. They can also be expensive, which makes stains that ruin the tablecloth particularly upsetting. A vinyl tablecloth can be wiped clean, and it will last for years if you take care of it properly.

Vinyl is nonporous, shiny, flexible and durable. You can wipe it off with a clean sponge, dishcloth, paper towel or rag, remove the crumbs and debris and throw them out. Use warm water and a bit of dish detergent for daily cleaning. Vinyl needs time to dry, so don't return anything to the tabletop while it is still damp.

You can try a surface cleaner for tough spots, but certain types, like glass sprays, can leave a sticky residue. Use equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water and apply it to food stains. Allow the cleaner to sit for 10 minutes before wiping it away. Pure lemon juice can work on dark stains as well, but it will need to sit for a few hours to thoroughly bleach the color of the stain.

Rubbing alcohol can remove ink and grease marks from vinyl tablecloths. Pour just a bit onto a cotton ball and keep rubbing the stains until they disappear. Nail polish remover can also work, but it will need to sit on the stain for a bit to allow for proper dissolution. If you are using any of these cleaners, rinse with warm soapy water when finished.

Vinyl tablecloths cannot be dry cleaned, but they can be laundered in washing machines as long as this is not done too often. In addition, the water should not be very hot. First, shake off any crumbs outside. After that, wash the tablecloth in cold water with mild detergent on the gentle cycle. Do not put a vinyl tablecloth into the dryer for more than a few minutes, as this will ruin it (and possibly also ruin your dryer).

It is best to hang the tablecloth outside to dry in the sun if possible. You can also hang it over a shower curtain rod in the bathroom. Allow it to dry completely before using it again.

If the tablecloth is wrinkled, pop it in the dryer with a few dry, heavy towels for only a few minutes on the lowest heat setting. Remove it promptly and either roll it up for storage or put it right back on the table. If you still see wrinkles, you can use an iron on a cool setting as long as you are careful.

Today's vinyl tablecloths are modern-looking, sophisticated and more versatile than ever before. Some have soft polyester flannel backing, which makes them stronger and more slip-resistant. Before buying a vinyl tablecloth, you need to figure out what size you need. There are four basic tablecloth sizes: oval, round, square and rectangular (oblong). The most common standard tablecloth sizes for these shapes are:

• Oval: 52 by 70 inches or 60 by 84 inches
• Round: 70 inches or 90 inches around
• Square: 52 by 52 inches
• Rectangular (oblong): 52 by 70 inches or 60 by 86 inches

To determine the size you need, you can measure the table's dimensions. Then, add additional space for the desired amount of tablecloth drop you want around the table, as the tablecloth needs to extend past the edges. The minimal drop is 8 inches, and 10 to 12 inches is ideal for a standard lap-level drop.