How to Keep Tablecloths Crease Free in Storage

Co-authored by Raymond Chiu

Last Updated: March 16, 2023

A tablecloth looks best when it's not loaded with wrinkles, but who has time to iron tablecloths while they're preparing for company? Nobody, that's who! Here's the good news: there is a way to keep your tablecloths wrinkle-free for immediate use every time. Soon you'll be able to throw one down on a moment's notice!

Steps

1
Wash the tablecloth. It should always be stored freshly laundered and free of crumbs, food stains, etc. Stains that are not removed before storage will be difficult, if not impossible, to remove after they've set for any length of time. Any food crumbs, etc. still on tablecloths will attract insects and other unattractive critters. Iron if required.
2
Find a long length of cardboard tube. The ideal tube is one that comes from underneath nice wrapping paper (not that flimsy stuff that comes from the after-season bargain bin).
- An even better option is to ask your local fabric store for any spare rolls they're going to throw away after fabric has been purchased.
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3
Roll up the tablecloth around the cardboard tube. Depending on the length of your tube, you may need to fold it in halves or in thirds. Do this carefully so that you don't introduce wrinkles.
4
Store the tablecloth. Place the rolled-up tablecloth in the linen cupboard or wherever you prefer to store your linens. It can be stored standing up or lying down, provided nothing is pressing down on it.
5
Use. Simply unroll the tablecloth right on the table. It should be wrinkle-free. This method is far more likely to result in uncreased tablecloths than folding and stacking, because there is no pressure exerted on the tablecloth and there are no folds to create marks.

Community Q&A

Question

Don't I have to fold the tablecloth at least once to make it fit on the roll?

Community Answer

No, depending on the width of the tablecloth, you can go to your local fabric store and get a cardboard tube that they use for wide width fabrics to roll your tablecloth on, or you can go to any home improvement store and purchase PVC tubing and it can be cut to your specs and use it repeatedly.
Question

How do I remove red wine from a tablecloth?

Community Answer

There is a product called Red Out. It gets out red stains like wine, Kool Aid and juice.