Can oilcloth be washed in a washing machine?

Almost every family has oilcloth tablecloths. No picnic is complete without this waterproof fabric, and oilcloth is also indispensable for decorating tables at festive celebrations. Typically, after use, the tablecloth can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth, but sometimes stains cannot be removed so easily. Some housewives wonder whether it's safe to machine wash oilcloth. We'll try to answer this question.

Does oilcloth need to be machine washed?

Can oilcloth items be washed in a washing machine? This question is often asked by housewives who want to clean an oilcloth shower curtain that's been hanging in the bathroom for too long, or an oilcloth tablecloth stained after a recent dinner party. Machine washing may damage the product and spoil its appearance. It is not recommended to put oilcloth in an automatic washing machine for the following reasons:

• There are many options for cleaning oilcloth products that are faster, gentler and more effective;
• Prolonged exposure of the canvas to hot water and chemicals may cause creases and cracks to appear in the material. The oilcloth will lose its original appearance and will no longer be usable for its intended purpose;
• Multi-layer tablecloths will definitely get ruined after machine washing.

So, can oilcloth be machine washed? We recommend avoiding experimentation and opting for a more gentle cleaning method. It's best to wash oilcloth items with heavy soiling by hand, following the recommendations below.

Manual cleaning of oilcloth

So, we've proven that it's best not to machine-wash oilcloth. Hand-cleaning is more effective. Let's figure out how to do it right.

It is recommended to clean the oilcloth product at least once a month, as old stains are much more difficult to remove.

First, inspect the oilcloth tablecloth for greasy or oily stains, and the curtain for signs of mold or mildew. If you notice any of these stains, treat them with a lemon-soda solution (mix the freshly squeezed juice of half a lemon with 2 tablespoons of baking soda) or hydrogen peroxide. You can also generously apply laundry soap to the stained areas.

Let the item sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. At what temperature should the item be cleaned? It's best to wash the fabric with water heated to 30-40°C. If mold removal is not successful, use a special mold remover. Do not use chlorine-containing products to clean oilcloth items, as they may negatively affect the item's appearance and ruin the design.

Stubborn stains can also be removed using a thick paste of citric acid. Apply the paste to the stained area and leave it there for half an hour. Then, rinse the oilcloth with water. Next, mix water and milk and apply it again to the cleaned surface.

To add shine, the fabric can be treated with ordinary turpentine. Dissolve 1/4 cup of paraffin in turpentine. Dampen a soft cloth in the resulting solution, wipe the oilcloth with it, and leave it for 24 hours without rinsing. After the required time, wipe the surface with a flannel or wool cloth. This procedure will help clean and add shine to the item.

There are several ways to remove stains from an oilcloth tablecloth or shower curtain. By choosing any of these options, you won't risk damaging the item, but will ensure reliable and effective cleaning.

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