Tablecloths are comfortable, practical, and functional but have a minor defect: they always get stained! Often, surface stains can be removed by simply washing them in the washing machine. But how do you remove the more stubborn ones? In this article, we'll look at how to remove yellow stains from tablecloths so you can create an elegant and welcoming table.
How to remove yellow stains from tablecloths
The proper tablecloth cleaning routine
First of all, you should know that to prevent the formation of stains that are difficult to remove from the tablecloth, you need to adopt a good daily maintenance routine. Every time you see a stain, you must act immediately to obtain an excellent result. The secret is to dab gently with a damp cloth without rubbing. Otherwise, the stain can become even bigger!
If the stain is particularly resistant, here's how to remove it:
- ● Apply a mild detergent or Marseille soap to the affected area
- ● Leave it to act for a few minutes
- ● Wash the tablecloth following the instructions on the label
For white tablecloths, we recommend using temperatures below 50°C and adding baking soda to the detergent to whiten the linen without damaging it.
Need more advice? Read our article on how to remove red wine stains from tablecloths!
Effective remedies to get rid of yellow stains from tablecloths
Have you tried everything to remove those annoying yellow stains from the tablecloth but with no success? Here are some natural remedies that may be useful:
- ● Use a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for white fabrics. Just mix these two ingredients until they form a thick paste. Apply the paste to the stain and leave it on for at least 15 minutes, then rub gently with a clothes brush. Proceed with a regular machine wash. If you've never tried it, this is a great way to remove yellow stains from white fabrics!
- ● For yellow stains on colored fabrics, you can use lemon juice and salt. Make a paste with fresh lemon juice and two tablespoons of fine salt. Apply the mixture to the stain and leave it on for about 15 minutes. Then, rinse thoroughly and put the tablecloth in the washing machine.
Are you afraid to damage the tablecloth? Don't worry; these natural remedies preserve the fabric's quality and don't damage the fibers.
How to remove old stains from tablecloths
For more stubborn stains, you need a few more tricks. You have to use a prolonged treatment to remove old stains from tablecloths. First, soak the tablecloth in warm water overnight with some Marseille soap. The next day, change the water (it must always be warm) and gently rub the stained areas.
Another effective method is to use a white onion. Yes, you read that correctly: an onion! Cut the onion in half and rub it directly on the stain, then leave the tablecloth to rest overnight so that the onion juice can act for several hours. Now apply a little neutral or castile soap and rub gently. Finally, wash the tablecloth in the washing machine using your usual cycle. This method may seem unusual, but you'll be surprised by its effectiveness, especially on resistant fabrics such as breakfast tablecloths.
Knowing how to whiten your laundry is essential not only to have a clean and impeccable tablecloth but also to avoid damaging the fibers of the fabrics.
How to remove yellow stains from tablecloths
Those annoying yellow rings just won't go away? They are difficult to remove, especially on delicate fabrics like elegant Christmas tablecloths.
- ● For white fabrics, you can use bleach. Pour a glass of bleach into the special compartment of the washing machine and select a delicate cycle at a low temperature. Alternatively, you can bleach with bleach by hand and then rinse it in the washing machine.
- ● For colored tablecloths, however, remember that bleach stains are present, so it's not a good solution in these cases because there's a risk that it could ruin the colors. So, how do you remove yellow stains from colored fabrics? Use specific stain removers or soak the tablecloth in warm water and baking soda. This treatment allows you to eliminate yellow halos without compromising the color and quality of the tablecloth.
Did you know? Some white fabrics turn yellow over time due to an incorrect cleaning routine. Always heed the instructions on the label to protect your clothes and keep the colors bright over time!

How to remove the classic orange juice stain?
Mistakes to avoid and helpful tips
Are there common mistakes that can make the situation worse? Absolutely! For example, you should never use ammonia in the washing machine because it can damage the fibers and fade the colors.
Here are some tips and tricks that can help you have your tablecloths looking perfect:
- ● If you don't know how to remove sauce stains, try some gentle natural remedies before using aggressive products.
- ● For daily use, stain-resistant tablecloths repel dirt and are easy to clean.
- ● If you want to keep your laundry white and bright, add baking soda to the washing machine to whiten it. Just a teaspoon in the drum is enough to eliminate all the watermarks.
FAQ
How do you get old yellow stains out of tablecloths?
You have to soak the tablecloth in warm water and oxygen-based bleach. Take the tablecloth in the solution for several hours or overnight. Then, lauder as usual.
How do you get yellow stains out of linen?
You have to apply a mixture of white vinegar and water to the stains. Let it sit for an hour, then wash the linen in cold water.
Does vinegar remove yellow stains?
White vinegar can effectively remove yellow stains by loosening mineral deposits and dissolving residues.
How do you get yellowed linens white again?
You have to soak yellowed linens in a solution of Marseille soap and warm water. You can leave the cloth in the solution overnight, then wash it as usual.
How do you get stubborn stains out of tablecloths?
You have to pre-treat stains by soaking the area in a vinegar and water solution for a few hours. Then, apply a baking soda and water paste and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then, rinse and launder.