How to wash oilcloth by hand and in a washing machine

Every home has oilcloth, some use it to cover the kitchen table, some only take it for a picnic. It can be used in different ways, but every housewife should know how to wash oilcloth correctly.

Rules for washing in an automatic machine

For many housewives, the question of whether oilcloth can be washed in a washing machine is periodically acute. This is where questions from more experienced housewives begin, calls to mom, and searches on the Internet. The experience is understandable for many; after every picnic or reception, you don’t want to throw away the oilcloth and buy a new one just because there are food stains on it. The cost of the product is not high, but washing it in a machine can change the item beyond recognition. We can say with complete confidence that washing oilcloth in washing machine It is possible, but to do this you must first study and remember all the rules and recommendations.

Washing is carried out in an automatic machine under the following conditions:

The product is cleaned at low temperatures; in this case, it is better to turn off the spin cycle on the washing machine altogether. If this is not done, the oilcloth will lose its appearance and color.
Can the laundry bag be used? Of course yes, this way the cleaning will be carried out more carefully, but this will not have any effect on the efficiency.
One rinse is enough; repeated rinsing will not give the desired effect.
For washing choose synthetic detergents without chlorine, otherwise the product will be transformed and not for the better.

Advice! You should not worry about the fact that after washing the oilcloth has become very wrinkled, but ironing it is strictly prohibited. To get rid of the unpresentable appearance, it is enough to lay it on the table while still wet or spread it on a flat surface.

Other methods for cleaning oilcloth at home

For those who do not want to take risks and prefer gentler cleaning methods, you need to know some subtleties. There are no difficulties there, but they will help clean fabric oilcloth and other types of products without any problems.

To always have oilcloth in perfect shape, you must adhere to the following rules:

First of all, you should make it a rule to clean a product that is in frequent use at least once a month.
You cannot wash oilcloth with mold right away; you must first get rid of the unpleasant and harmful microorganism. This can be done by soaking or applying a special solution, but in no case containing chlorine.
The cleaning method depends on the base of the product; only by finding out this can you choose the correct method for cleaning the oilcloth.
Items made of polyester are strictly prohibited from being soaked or washed in an automatic machine. They are cleaned with a soap solution applied to a sponge. After this, you need to wipe the product with a damp, clean cloth. Traces of mold or mildew are removed using special means.
To carry out disinfection and deep cleaning of oilcloth from contaminants of varying complexity, use a mixture of lemon juice and baking soda. It is prepared from 2 teaspoons of bulk product and the juice of one large lemon.Mix everything to a paste and apply to problem areas. After 10-15 minutes, wash off under running water.
Fabric-based oilcloth can be washed in a machine or by hand; liquid detergents are used for cleaning. It is enough to fill a container with water, add the product and soak the oilcloth for 20-30 minutes. After this, rinse it, but it is not advisable to twist it. Another feature is drying, it is advisable to do this in partial shade and in a draft. In case of poor drying, putrefactive processes may occur in the base of the oilcloth or it will simply lose its appearance.
Medical oilcloth is cleaned using a thick slurry of citric acid. Apply the product to contaminated areas and wash off with warm water after half an hour.
Milk mixed with water will soften and restore the elasticity of kitchen oilcloth; simply wipe the product with the mixture and allow it to dry completely.
Modern water-repellent oilcloths cannot be washed by hand; an automatic machine can handle this quickly and efficiently. Washing is carried out at 30 degrees, without spinning, air dried.

After washing, many people want to restore the oilcloth to its original appearance. This can be done simply and using improvised means; a quarter cup of paraffin is diluted in a glass of turpentine. Using a soft cloth, wipe the washed and dried product with the resulting mixture. After a day, wipe the oilcloth with flannel again. This will return the oilcloth to its former shine, and many difficult-to-remove stains will also be removed.

Now everyone knows whether it is possible to wash oilcloth in washing machine and how to do it correctly. Follow the rules and recommendations and your home will always be sparkling clean.