Easy Hacks to Keep Your Dining Table New for Years

The typical Indian tradition of an entire family sitting on mats placed on the floor to enjoy a meal together is rapidly fading, especially in large towns and cities. 

Instead, the majority of Indians now prefer having a meal at a dining table. As a result, dining tables that were once the mainstay of restaurants or public dining locations have somewhat become commonplace at Indian homes.

A grand reason for the decline of this trend, ranging from lesser floor space at compact urban apartments to changes in overall ideas of home décor among Indians, influenced by Bollywood and foreign movies and telenovelas.

Types of Dining Tables in India

Furthermore, dining tables are commonly available now: you can buy a plastic dining table that can be assembled or dissembled when needed, Do-It-Yourself (DIY) kits from internationally renowned companies such as IKEA, readymade ones both online and offline, as well as wall-attached foldable ones that can be drawn out when needed.

Of course, there are also the contemporary and antique types of dining tables made entirely of wood or those with glass or marble tops. As though the selection is less, you can also have a dining table custom-made by carpenters and other artisans.

All these are available at very reasonable rates, which adds to the overall attraction of owning a nice dining table for home. However, let’s get this very clear: while owning a superb dining table is fairly easy and also quite affordable, maintaining one requires some extra effort. That’s because a dining table, similar to any other furniture at your home, is prone to regular wear and tear and damage.

Such wear and tear as well as damage occur due to routine use. Indeed, despite your best care, a dining table could sustain some irreversible or permanent damage from most unlikely sources.

Common Mistakes That Ruin Your Dining Table And How to Avoid Them

Surely, you don’t want your dining table to be damaged in any way. Nor do you wish that it should appear old and ugly to your family, you as well as any visitors you might host.

That’s understandable because a damaged or ugly dining table could impart very poor and negative impression about your household- something that you definitely would wish to avoid.

Therefore, here are some things you could avoid to try to ensure that your dining table keeps looking new, while preventing damage.

Never Use Harsh Cleaners

Using harsh, caustic based cleaners on wooden, marble and plastic table tops can cause severe discolouration. Commonly available surface cleaners that we use in India are usually a blend of an alkaline compound, bleach, a corrosive chemical, disinfectant and synthetic fragrance.

The potent mixture gradually damages your tabletop top leaving it faded or totally discolored following frequent use.

Avoid Rough Mops

Using rough mops, especially those made of recycled fibre or rags from old sheets, is the greatest blunder you could be committing while cleaning the top of a dining table.

Such fabric may appear smooth on the surface, but is actually mildly abrasive. Your hands might miss the roughness, but a delicate tabletop will start developing minute scratches when you use such mops. 

The greatest hack here is to use a kitchen wipe or tissue papers, which is fairly inexpensive, to wipe a tabletop, since the paper isn’t abrasive. The best hack here is to use plain water. Dry wipe a wooden tabletop since moisture can damage any varnish.

Stop Placing Hot Utensils

Indians are fond of hot, freshly cooked or reheated food. Fair enough. However, placing utensils such as a knife or server, or even a plate containing hot food, could damage the tabletop badly. Material such as fine wood or plastic is sensitive to heat.

Placing hot food can cause chaffing on a wooden tabletop, causing discolouration in patches. A plastic tabletop can be disfigured or damaged by placing hot utensils or plates.

A glass tabletop can crack due to expansion-contraction, while a marble tabletop will start yellowing over a span of time, when exposed regularly to heat from vessels and plates.

Neglecting Daily Care

Often, we don’t bother to wipe the dining table at least twice daily. Yes, twice a day. Most people imagine that one quick swipe during general cleaning of the house is sufficient.

That’s a myth. Tabletops, by nature and regardless of the material, attract dust by virtue of a minor static electricity charge that’s imperceptible to humans. 

Over a few days, the dust mixed with atmospheric pollutants causes discolouration of any tabletop. Also, it makes your dining table look seedy and uninviting since such toxins can contaminate any food. Wipe a dining table daily to prevent such problems.

Not Using Table Covers

And perhaps the greatest mistake you could be committing is not covering your dining table. Generally, this happens because of the false belief that table coverings such as a tablecloth or table runner or placemats are not meant for daily use or are not at all necessary.

Not using a table cover means your tabletop is susceptible to stains from spilled food and drinks. Just in case you’re unaware, any liquids spilled on a tabletop usually seep down and can lead to fungal and bacterial growth, which in turn, contaminates food and the surrounding air. Fungal spores can trigger eye and skin irritation and other allergies or diseases.

If we take another look at the type of damage you could be inflicting on the tabletop of your dining table, most of these would surely appear as unnecessary. As a matter of fact, all of these damages can be simply avoided by simply using superb table covers. 

In fact, using table covers offers more than just protection against any damage to your dining table’s top: it makes a dining table look neat, tidy and fresh over the years.

In fact, it could appear sparkling new, as though it’s a recent addition to your household. For that purpose, you should select a table cover that suits your needs the best, and those of your household.

Best Dining Table Covers 

Selecting a dining table cover actually requires some thought. Instead of simply rushing to buy a dining table cover, you have to consider factors such as the ages of family members, the frequency of dining table use, types of food and drinks you’ll spread on the dining table, types of parties hosted and the material of the dining table.

The descriptions below should help you select the best ones suited for your needs. Please note that these descriptions are generic. Manufacturers would have more specs that you could check out before buying or ordering online.

1. Disposable Plastic Tablecloth

Disposable plastic tablecloths are useful if your dining table will be used heavily every single day or even for crowded parties. These tablecloths are usually sheets of thin plastic printed with various designs.

They are useful for placing food and drinks at room temperature in situations where you need to change them very frequently, such as parties. They’re also useful for daily use, to cover the dining table if you use it occasionally.

These disposable plastic covers will protect the tabletop against scratches and dust, stains and water seepage. However, they provide very basic protection only since they’re cheap. The flipside is, these plastic disposable tablecloths can tear without notice.

2. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Dining Table Cover

For daily and routine use, as well as for informal dining with guests, PVC dining table covers can prove very handy. If you're looking for a practical dining table cover, I’d suggest going for a PVC one that’s both waterproof and stain-resistant.

It’s incredibly easy to maintain—you can just wipe it clean with a damp sponge or cloth, which is perfect for keeping your table looking neat without much effort. I’d recommend choosing a size that suits your table—options like 54x54 inches for a square table or larger sizes like 54x78 or 54x96 inches for rectangular ones are available.

This way, you can have a cover that not only protects your table but also adds a polished look to your dining area. You can protect your tabletop against scratches and exposure to chemicals from surface cleaners as well as scratches from abrasive mops.

Polyjute Table Cover

These Dining Table covers are made of a blend of synthetic polyester fibre with natural jute fibres to provide a bit of mild heat protection for your dining table. The material is also very absorbent by virtue of jute. For formal dining, a polyjute dining table cover is an excellent choice. 

It combines durability with a refined look, protecting your table from stains and scratches while adding a touch of sophistication to your dining setup. You can choose from a variety of sizes, whether you need a cover for a cosy two-seater or a spacious eight-seater table. It's both practical and elegant, perfect for elevating your dining experience.

Explore Jute Dining Table Covers Here

Waterproof Non-Slip Stretch Table Cover

For a versatile and practical option, consider waterproof dining table covers made from premium PU material with a flannel backing. Not only is it 100 per cent waterproof and oil-proof, but it also ensures durability for long-term use.

Its snug fit, achieved with an elastic edge and four securing straps, keeps it non-slip and firmly in place, even during active gatherings. Perfect for dining, parties, or picnics, it adapts seamlessly to both indoor and outdoor settings, offering both protection and style for any occasion.

PVC Dining Table Mats with Table Runner Option

For formal dining and ornate tables like carved wooden, marble, or glass tabletops, durable dinner table mats made with a blend of 70 per cent PVC and 30 per cent polyester are an excellent choice.

These mats not only protect your table but also add a touch of sophistication to the setup. Available in sets of four or six placemats, they also offer the option of a matching runner to create a cohesive and elegant look.

Perfect for both daily use and special occasions, they seamlessly combine functionality with style, ensuring your table always looks its best while staying well-protected.

Explore the PVC Dining Table Mats Here

Madhurkathi River Grass Tablemats with Table Runner Option

For those who value sustainability and admire traditional craftsmanship, Rivergrass & Bamboo dinner mats are an exceptional choice. Handwoven by skilled artisans from West Bengal villages, these mats are crafted using locally grown soft reed grass (Madurkathi) and woven on a bamboo loom.

The thoughtful cloth piping along the edges ensures durability, preventing splits and adding a refined touch. Available in sets of four or six placemats, with the option of a matching runner, they not only enhance your table’s decor but also align with eco-friendly principles.

Perfect if you're environmentally conscious and wish to incorporate green decor into your home.

Premium Faux Leather Dining Table Placemats

For a luxurious and cruelty-free dining experience, consider Premium Faux Leather Dining table mats made from artificial PU leather. Weighing just 150 grams each, these mats offer a sophisticated look with impressive stability.

They are designed to protect your table from spills, stains, and scratches, while their anti-slip feature ensures they stay in place during use. With heat resistance up to 90 degrees, they also double as practical heat pads.

Cleaning is effortless—simply wipe with a damp cloth or rinse under the tap, avoiding soaking to maintain their quality. Perfect for both daily use and elegant dinner settings, these mats provide a touch of luxury while aligning with vegetarian and vegan principles.

In Conclusion

These hacks for maintaining a dining table and keeping it looking spanking new are all time-tested and proven.

As you can see, using a superb table cover made of high-quality, durable material can actually protect your dining table against all sorts of stains, scratches and also discoloration or heat stress and damage. These hacks could also help you find the best table covers that suit your budget, tastes and needs.

It is highly recommended to have at least two different types of table covers in different designs and of different materials to ensure you can switch between casual, informal and formal dining settings or even create a festive ambience at home.