How to clean placemats

July 23, 2024 by Numerousdesigns

Placemats are an essential part of any dining table, protecting both the table surface and the place settings from spills and stains. However, they can also get dirty and require regular cleaning so that is why i am showing you how to clean placemats.

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Guide how to clean every placemat and what to think about

How to clean placemats

1. How to clean every placemat

The specific method for cleaning placemats will vary depending on the material they are made of. However, there are some general steps that you can follow for most types of placemats.

Gather your supplies:

  • Soft cloths or sponges
  • Warm, soapy water
  • Dish soap or mild laundry detergent
  • White vinegar (for stubborn stains)
  • Baking soda (for grease stains)
  • A toothbrush (for scrubbing stubborn stains)

Fabric Placemats Cleaning:

  1. Shake off loose debris: Before you start washing your placemats, shake them off over a trash can or outside to remove any loose crumbs or food particles.

  2. Spot clean stains: If there are any stains on your placemats, treat them before washing. Blot up any spills as soon as possible, and then apply a small amount of dish soap or laundry detergent to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then gently rub it with a soft cloth or sponge.

  3. Hand wash or machine wash: Once you have spot-treated any stains, you can wash your placemats by hand or in the washing machine. For hand washing, fill a sink with warm, soapy water and add your placemats. Let them soak for 15-30 minutes, and then gently scrub them with a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse them thoroughly with clean water, and then lay them flat to air dry.

Plastic Placemats Cleaning:

  1. Wipe down with a damp cloth: For everyday cleaning, simply wipe down your plastic placemats with a damp cloth or sponge. If there are any stubborn stains, you can add a small amount of dish soap to the water.

  2. Soak in soapy water: For deeper cleaning, you can soak your plastic placemats in a solution of warm, soapy water for 30 minutes. Then, scrub them gently with a soft brush or sponge, and rinse them thoroughly with clean water.

  3. Remove grease stains: To remove grease stains from plastic placemats, sprinkle some baking soda on the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, scrub it gently with a soft brush or sponge, and rinse it thoroughly with clean water.

Vinyl Placemats Cleaning:

  1. Wipe down with a damp cloth: Vinyl placemats can be cleaned with a damp cloth or sponge. For stubborn stains, you can add a small amount of dish soap to the water.

  2. Use white vinegar: To disinfect vinyl placemats, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the placemats, and then wipe them down with a clean cloth.

Cork Placemats Cleaning:

  1. Wipe down with a damp cloth: Cork placemats can be cleaned with a damp cloth or sponge. Avoid using too much water, as this can damage the cork.

  2. Use a mild soap solution: If there are any stubborn stains, you can use a mild soap solution to clean them. Mix a few drops of dish soap in warm water, and then use a soft cloth or sponge to clean the stain.

  3. Avoid harsh chemicals: Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on cork placemats, as this can damage the material.

Wicker Placemats Cleaning:

  1. Brush away debris: Use a soft-bristled brush to remove any loose debris from the wicker placemats.

  2. Wipe down with a damp cloth: Wipe down the placemats with a damp cloth or sponge. For stubborn stains, you can add a small amount of dish soap to the water.

  3. Air dry: Allow the placemats to air dry completely before using them again.

If you like this article so far check out our other articles on our Blog or check out the article about the best placemats for round table like the products below.

Best placemats for round table

Jovono Faux Leather Round Placemats

These round placemats are designed by Jovono and are made of 100% durable faux leather polyester material moreover, they are designed to withstand a temperature of up to 150°F. Furthermore, they have a non-slip bottom, are water and stain-resistant, and are easy to care for and clean.

Lastly, you can choose between many colors to easily find what suits your style and there are also different sets to pick from depending on how many seats you have at your table.

  • Dimensions: 13″L x 13″W.
  • Sets: Choose between 3 different sets.
  • Colors: Choose between 22 different colors.
  • Reviews: 4.4 stars with over 1,600 ratings.

SHACOS Round Braided Placemats

These round placemats are designed by SHACOS and are made of polyester and cotton and also a few white threads woven in but depending on the color of the placemat there might be different colored threads. Furthermore, they are made for wiping clean with a damp cloth or hand wash and then air dry. Keep in mind they are not made for too high temperatures so if you would want to steam iron them use low heat.

Lastly, when it comes to colors there are a huge amount of different colors to choose from and also some other sets to choose from to easily find what suits your home.

  • Dimensions: 15″L x 15″W.
  • Sets: Choose between 4 different sets.
  • Colors: Choose between 40 different colors.
  • Reviews: 4.5 stars with almost 20,000 ratings.
Placemat

2. Know how to clean placemats with different types of stains

So far, we’ve covered general cleaning methods for different placemat materials. However, certain stains require specific approaches. Here’s how to tackle some common culprits:

  • Greasy Stains: As mentioned earlier, baking soda works wonders on plastic placemats. Furthermore, for fabric placemats, you can pre-treat greasy stains with a paste made of baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stain, let it sit for 30 minutes, and then wash the placemats as usual.

  • Wine Stains: Act quickly! Blot up as much of the spilled wine as possible with a clean cloth. Then, for fabric placemats, pre-treat the stain with a solution of white vinegar and water. After 15 minutes, wash the placemats as usual. In other words, white vinegar helps neutralize the color pigments in red wine, making it easier to remove.

  • Coffee Stains: For both fabric and plastic placemats, a paste made of baking soda and water can be effective at removing coffee stains. Apply the paste, let it sit for 30 minutes, and then scrub gently with a soft brush before washing.

Deep Cleaning Placemats

Occasionally, your placemats may require a deeper clean, especially if they haven’t been cleaned regularly or if they have accumulated significant grime. Here’s what you can do:

  • For fabric placemats: You can add a cup of baking soda or a half-cup of white vinegar to your washing machine along with your detergent. This will help to remove dirt and freshen the placemats. However, make sure to check the care label to ensure your placemats can withstand machine washing.

  • For plastic and vinyl placemats: You can create a disinfecting solution by mixing a tablespoon of bleach with a gallon of warm water. Due to the bleaching properties, wear gloves when handling this solution. Soak your placemats for 15 minutes, and then rinse them thoroughly with clean water. After all, bleach can lighten colored placemats, so test it on an inconspicuous area first.

3. Important considerations

While the previous steps provide a solid foundation for cleaning placemats and remove different stains, there are some additional considerations to keep in mind:

  • Delicate Materials: Not all placemats are created equal. For those made from delicate fabrics like silk, linen, or even some embroidered options, the risk of damage during cleaning is high. In these cases, professional cleaning is the safest route to ensure their longevity and vibrant appearance.

  • Mold and Mildew Growth: Even with regular cleaning, mold and mildew can develop if your placemats are stored in a damp environment. To prevent this, make sure they are completely dry before storing them in a cool, dry place. If you discover mold or mildew, a solution of white vinegar and water can effectively remove it. However, for extensive growth, professional cleaning might be necessary.

  • Water Sensitivity: Certain materials like cork can be damaged by excessive water exposure. Therefore, when cleaning cork placemats, it’s crucial to use a damp cloth, avoiding soaking them entirely.

  • Abrasive Cleaners and Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on any type of placemat. These can damage the material, leading to fading, cracking, or weakening of the fibers. Stick to mild dish soap, baking soda, and white vinegar for most cleaning needs.

  • Testing Cleaning Solutions: Before applying any cleaning solution, especially on colored placemats, test it on an inconspicuous area first. This helps ensure the solution won’t cause discoloration or other unexpected reactions.

By keeping these important considerations in mind, you can clean your placemats effectively and safely, ensuring they remain beautiful and functional for years to come.

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