If you've ever handed a child a set of fabric pens and watched them go to town on a colour-in tablecloth, you'll know the magic of it. You'll also, at some point, have wondered: how long is this actually going to last?
It's a completely fair question - and one we hear a lot. After all, the whole point of a reusable colouring tablecloth is that it gets used again and again. So whether you're weighing up a purchase, or you've already got one and want to make sure you're getting the most from it, this post has you covered.
You can explore the full range of colour-in tablecloths at eatsleepdoodle, but first, let's answer the big question.
Quick Answer: How Many Times Can You Wash a Colour-In Tablecloth?
eatsleepdoodle's colour-in tablecloths are designed to be washed and reused hundreds of times. With the right care, a standard machine wash at 30°C, no tumble drying, the fabric holds its quality whilst removing the pen ink and the surface stays ready to draw on again and again. There's no fixed limit.
Why Reusable Matters (and Why Washing Is the Whole Point)
The clue is in the concept. Unlike paper colouring sheets or single-use craft supplies, a washable colouring tablecloth is built to be part of family life - rolled out at the kitchen table, coloured in, popped in the wash, and brought back out again.
For parents, this means one purchase that keeps going. For kids, it means a fresh canvas every time. There's no running out of pages, no replacing pads, and no waste piling up.
The eatsleepdoodle Doodle Tablecloth is one of the bestsellers for exactly this reason, it's open-ended, endlessly reusable, and genuinely easy to maintain.
How to Wash a Colour-In Tablecloth (and Keep It in Great Condition)
Getting the wash right makes a real difference. Here's what works:
- Machine wash at 30°C: this is the sweet spot for removing the washable fabric pen ink without wearing out the material
- Use a gentle or standard cycle: no need for anything heavy-duty
- Wash with similar colours: just as you would with any fabric item
- Air dry flat or hang to dry: tumble drying on high heat can affect the fabric over time, so it's worth skipping
Done right, the tablecloth comes out of the wash looking good as new, ready to be coloured all over again.
Do the Pens Really Wash Out Every Time?
This is the second question that always follows the first - and the answer is yes, when you use the right pens.
eatsleepdoodle's washable fabric pens are specifically formulated to work with the tablecloth surface. They give a good, solid colour when drawing, and they wash out cleanly in the machine without leaving ghost marks or residue.
A few things worth knowing:
- Use the pens that come with the product (or eatsleepdoodle's own wash-out pens), standard felt tips or permanent markers won't wash out
- Letting ink dry for a very long time before washing can sometimes make it harder to remove, so don't leave it sitting for weeks if you can help it
- Some very heavy layering might leave a faint trace on first wash, but a second wash usually sorts it
The combination of the tablecloth fabric and the washable pens is what makes the whole system work. They're designed together, not as afterthoughts.
How Long Will a Colour-In Tablecloth Last?
This one depends on how hard it's worked, but the honest answer is: a very long time.
The tablecloths are made from a durable woven 100% cotton fabric that holds up well to repeated washing. Families who've had one for a couple of years and washed it regularly report that it still looks great - no pilling and no fading of the printed design.
A few things that help it last:
- Sticking to the 30°C wash guideline
- Keeping it away from tumble dryer heat
- Folding or rolling it flat for storage rather than cramming it in a drawer
If you're buying one as a gift, it's genuinely the kind of thing that will still be in use years later, which makes it good value as well as good fun.
What About Stains That Aren't From the Pens?
Real life happens. Kids eat, spill, and occasionally wipe their hands on things. So what happens when the tablecloth gets food on it?
The fabric isn't waterproof, so it's not designed to be wiped clean like a plastic mat. Generally, food spills wash out just as well as pen marks do, a standard 30°C wash handles most things. For anything greasy or stubborn, a quick pre-treat with a small amount of washing-up liquid before it goes in the machine usually does the trick.
Is a Colour-In Tablecloth Worth It for Regular Family Use?
If your family eats at a table (most of the time, at least), a reusable colour-in tablecloth earns its place quickly. It gives children something to do while food is being prepared, keeps them occupied during longer meals, and works just as well for a quiet afternoon activity as it does for keeping small hands busy before and after dinner.
The World Map Tablecloth is a favourite for families who like a bit of learning alongside the colouring, kids pick up geography without it feeling like a lesson, which is always a win.
And if you want to keep the creative play going beyond the table, the placemat collection is worth a look too - same washable principle, just in a more portable size. Perfect for travelling and going out for dinner.
FAQs
Can I put a colour-in tablecloth in the tumble dryer? It's best to avoid the tumble dryer, or at least use a low-heat setting. High heat over time can affect the fabric and the printed design. Air drying is the easiest way to keep it looking its best wash after wash. It doesn't take long to dry once it's out of the machine.
What happens if I use regular felt tips instead of the washable pens? Standard felt tips, permanent markers, or craft pens are not formulated to wash out of fabric, they may stain permanently. The eatsleepdoodle washable pens are made specifically for use with the tablecloth fabric, so they're the ones to stick with for the best results.
Can I wash the tablecloth with other laundry? Yes, you can. Just wash it with similar colours as you would any other fabric item. It won't bleed or damage other clothes when washed at 30°C. It's genuinely low-maintenance, which is part of the appeal for busy families.
How do I know when to wash it — does the ink need to dry first? You don't need to wait for the ink to dry before washing. In fact, washing it before the ink has been sitting for a very long time tends to give the cleanest results. There's no strict rule, just wash it when it looks full and you're ready for a fresh canvas.
Is the tablecloth suitable for young children? Yes. The tablecloths are designed with children in mind. The washable pens that come with them are non-toxic but designed for ages 3+ due to the size of the lids. They're a popular choice for primary through to secondary school age, and because the whole thing is washable, there's no stress about mess.
Ready to Try One?
If you've been on the fence about whether a colour-in tablecloth is worth the investment, the short version is: it is. It holds up to repeated washing, the pens really do come out, and it's the kind of product that earns its place in family routines without you having to think about it too hard.
Browse the full colour-in tablecloth collection at eatsleepdoodle and find the one that suits your family best.
