Raffia Placemats Care: How to Clean and Maintain Them

Quick answer

Clean raffia placemats by gently shaking off crumbs, spot-cleaning with a barely damp cloth, and air-drying flat away from direct heat. Never soak or machine-wash them.

How to clean and care for paper raffia placemats

1. Shake off loose debris after each use: Take the placemat outside or over a bin and gently shake it to remove crumbs, dust, and small particles. For stubborn bits, use a soft brush or your hand in a sweeping motion. Do not tap or bang the placemat against a hard surface — this can crack the paper raffia fibres.
2. Spot-clean spills immediately: Blot the spill with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to absorb as much liquid as possible. If a stain remains, dip a corner of a cloth in cool water and wring it out until barely damp, then dab the stain gently. Do not rub or scrub. Never use soap, detergent, or cleaning sprays — they can discolour the natural paper fibres and leave a residue.
3. Dry flat away from heat: Lay the placemat flat on a towel in a well-ventilated room out of direct sunlight. Allow it to air-dry completely before stacking or storing. Avoid radiators, hairdryers, or ovens. If the placemat curls at the edges while drying, place a heavy book on top once it is fully dry to flatten it again.
4. Store flat or rolled loosely: Keep your raffia placemats in a dry drawer or on a shelf, stacked flat with a sheet of acid-free tissue paper between each one to prevent colour transfer. Alternatively, roll them loosely and secure with a soft ribbon. Do not fold them or store them in plastic bags — trapped moisture can cause mildew and the paper fibres can become brittle.

Products mentioned in this guide

• Sage Raffia Placemats - 2 Pack: Handmade from sustainably sourced paper raffia, available in sage green and other on-trend colours. The natural paper construction means these placemats absorb spills quickly, so prompt spot-cleaning is essential to avoid staining.

  

• Lilac & Green Paper Raffia Placemats - 2 Pack: Handcrafted in Vietnam using sustainably sourced raffia, with fringed edges that can be used as centrepieces or individual settings. The fringed edges are delicate and can snag or unravel if rubbed vigorously, so always dab rather than scrub when cleaning.