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How to Remove Grease Stains From a Polyester Cotton Tablecloth

Melynda Sorrels

Tablecloths are easily stained during mealtime. Grease stains are the hardest to remove. Washing the tablecloth in the washing machine usually won't get rid of the stain.

Remove Grease Stains From a Polyester Cotton Tablecloth

Here are four ways to remove grease stains from a polyester cotton tablecloth, although you will have to do a little extra work before tossing it into the washing machine for normal laundering.

  1. Pour a small amount of hair shampoo onto the stain and work it in with an old toothbrush. Allow the shampoo to sit on the stain for at least five minutes before scrubbing again. Continue to scrub until the stain is no longer visible, then launder the tablecloth.

  2. Sprinkle baking soda onto the stain and let it sit for 2 to 3 hours. The baking soda will help to draw the grease out of the fabric. Then scrub the area with a grease-cutting dish soap and let it sit for 20 minutes before laundering.

  3. Place the tablecloth in the bathtub or sink so that the stain is directly under the faucet. Run hot water onto the stain for at least 5 minutes, and you should see the stain begin to diminish. Once the stain is gone, launder the tablecloth as usual.

  4. Spray WD-40 onto the stain and allow it to soak for 10 minutes. Scrub the area with a grease-cutting dish soap and launder as usual.

  5. Tip

    Adding a cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle of the washing machine will help to remove any lingering odors.