How to Make Placemats Look New

Vinyl or Plastic-Coated Placemats

• 1

  Dampen a dishcloth and wipe the placemat in a back and forth movement, removing all food and debris. Dry the placemat thoroughly with a dishtowel to keep it looking like new. If the placemat still needs care, proceed to Step 2.

• 2

  Spray an all-purpose cleaner onto the placemat and allow it to sit for about a minute. Wipe the placemat with a damp dishcloth, and dry with a dishtowel. If the placemat looks less than new, proceed to Step 3.

• 3

  Dampen a magic sponge eraser and lightly wipe the placemat with the eraser. Don't press too hard; the eraser may remove the color from some vinyl.

Fabric Placemats

• 4

  Fill a bucket with cold water and add enough liquid clothes detergent to create suds when agitated with your hand.

• 5

  Put the placemat into the water. Let it soak for 24 hours. Avoid color bleeding by never mixing dark colors with light.

• 6

  Rinse the placemat in cold water. Lay a dishtowel on a flat surface and put the wet placemat on top. Gently roll up the dishtowel with the placemat inside. Press on the towel to absorb excess water.

• 7

  Remove placemat from the towel and hang it to dry over a shower curtain rod or on a clothesline. Don't hang dark colors in direct sunlight.

• 8

  Iron the placemat on an ironing board using the appropriate iron setting for the placemat fabric. Consult the care label for fabric content. If in doubt, use a low steam setting. Ironing makes the edges appear crisp and like new.

Natural Woods or Fibers Placemats

• 9

  Cut off one foot/leg from a pair of pantyhose. Slip the foot/leg over the wand attachment of your vacuum cleaner. Secure the hose foot/leg with a rubber band.

• 10

  Spray your placemat lightly with dusting spray. Brush the mat with a toothbrush to remove any stuck on debris. According to Shop Wiki UK, some natural fibers and woods are easily stained. The dusting spray will refresh the natural fibers with replenishing oils so the placemat doesn't appear dry or brittle.

• 11

  Vacuum the placemat with the pantyhose-covered wand attachment of your vacuum cleaner. Dry the placemat with a dishtowel to keep it looking like new.