We Asked Cleaning Pros How to Wash Picnic Blankets—This Is the Best Way

After an afternoon lounging on a picnic blanket, it may be tempting to simply fold up the blanket and store it until the next outdoor gathering. However, neglecting to wash your picnic blanket can lead to a buildup of grass and food stains, as well as attract ants with any leftover crumbs.

Read on to learn how to clean a picnic blanket the right way with pro-approved tips.

Why Cleaning Your Picnic Blanket Matters

While picnic blankets may not be used often, they’re used outdoors and can pick up dirt and debris easily.

“Picnic blankets come in contact with food, sweat, grass, soil, and even bugs,” cleaning expert Muffetta Krueger says. “Regular cleaning helps prevent mold, bad odors, and fabric breakdown.”

Cleaning your picnic blanket also helps remove built-up pollen and alleviate symptoms if you suffer from seasonal allergies.

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How to Clean Your Picnic Blanket the Right Way

Always be sure to read the care tag on your blanket before cleaning. If there’s no tag, consider the blanket’s material.

“Cotton and fleece are usually safe to wash, but waterproof or rubber-backed blankets often require hand washing,” Krueger says.

Follow these steps if your picnic blanket is machine washable. 

1. Shake out the blanket to remove leaves, dust, and other debris. 
2. Treat any stains with a cloth and mixture of soap and warm water.
3. Wash the blanket in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold water.
4. Hang dry the blanket. Only fold and put away the blanket once it’s completely dry.  

How to Hand Wash and Spot Clean a Picnic Blanket

For picnic blankets with waterproof insulation or aluminium backing, follow these steps to clean. 

1. Shake out the blanket to remove leaves, dust, and other debris. 
2. Mix 1-2 drops of mild soap or detergent in warm water. 
3. Dab a soft brush or cloth in the solution and gently rub the stains.  
4. Rinse the blanket in a tub of cold water. 
5. Air dry the blanket on a clothes line, fence, or drying rack. 
6. Repeat if necessary. 

6 Tips to Keep Your Picnic Blanket Clean Longer

• Shake and air out the blanket after each use.
• Spot clean stains immediately to prevent them from setting in. 
• Place a plastic or waterproof sheet underneath the blanket when using it on damp ground.
• Roll the blanket instead of folding to avoid trapping crumbs in folds.
• Store the blanket in a dry, breathable bag to prevent it from holding onto moisture.
• Hang the blanket out in the sunlight to freshen it up and fade stains.

FAQ

• Experts recommend picnic blankets should be air-dried only. This prevents blankets from shrinking or experiencing other damage to insulated layers.

• To get rid of a mildew smell on your picnic blanket, experts recommend soaking the blanket in a mixture of white vinegar and cold water for 30 minutes. Then, hand wash or wash in a machine and add baking soda to the wash cycle. Make sure the blanket dries completely before folding.

• Picnic blankets that are machine washable should be washed on a delicate or gentle cycle with cold water, experts say. This will protect the blanket’s material and prevent damage.