A picnic blanket is a must-have for any outdoor activity. Whether you’re spending time at the park, at the beach, or hosting a family gathering, a picnic blanket is the perfect accessory to make any outdoor activity more comfortable and stylish. However, after every picnic, you’ll need to wash your blanket thoroughly to remove the sand, grass stains, food, and drink that it’s been sitting in. A common concern is whether it is safe to machine wash a picnic blanket.
In this article, we’ll explore how to clean and maintain your large picnic blanket so that it stays nice and fresh for all your outdoor adventures.
Are All Large Picnic Blankets Machine Washable?
There are different kinds of large picnic blanket, and not all of them can be cleaned the same way. Make sure you read the care instructions on your picnic blanket before washing it. While the majority of blankets can be washed in the machine, there are a few that are more delicate and need special attention. Here are some examples of picnic blankets that are machine washable:
- Polyester Picnic Blankets
For picnic blankets, polyester is a popular choice since it is long-lasting, resistant to water, and easy to clean. When washing, use the water at the recommended temperature and cycle length as specified by the manufacturer.
To maintain the fabric’s integrity, wash it on a gentle or delicate cycle. Plus, to avoid pilling or wear caused by friction, wash your polyester picnic blankets separately from other heavy things like blankets or towels.
- Fleece Blankets
Fleece is a popular choice for large picnic blanket due to its softness, coziness, and warmth. You can machine wash most fleece blankets, but just like with polyester, you should use the delicate cycle to prolong the life of the fabric and prevent it from pilling.
Turn the blanket inside out before washing it to keep the fleece from shedding or pilling. Fabric softeners should be avoided as they damage the fibers.
- Cotton Picnic Blankets
The natural texture and breathability of cotton picnic blankets make them a popular choice. While most cotton blankets may be machine-washed, it’s vital to check if they have been pre-shrunk. Shrinkage can occur in cotton, particularly when the fabric is washed or dried in hot water. Always use cold or lukewarm water when washing cotton blankets, and either dry them in the air or on a low heat setting to avoid shrinking.
- Waterproof Blankets
A waterproof large picnic blanket will protect you from the substances while also acting as a barrier between you and the ground or picnic table. Waterproof materials like PVC or vinyl make up the bottom layer of these blankets, which may have a plush and comfy top layer. You should read the care label thoroughly before washing a waterproof blanket; not all of them are machine washable.
Basic Instructions for Machine-Washable Picnic Blankets
To get your large picnic blankett clean without ruining the fabric, there are a few important things to remember when you wash it in the machine.
- Read the Care Label
Be sure to read the care label on your picnic blanket for any particular instructions before washing it. You can see the machine washable status of the blanket, the suggested wash cycle, and the water temperature on the care label.
- Remove Loose Debris by Shaking
If your picnic blanket is full of grass, crumbs, or sand, shake it well before washing it to remove it. Doing so will lessen the likelihood that these particles will become stuck in your washing machine and lessen the effectiveness of the cleaning process.
- Avoid using fabric softener
Even though fabric softeners temporarily make your blanket seem softer, they cause residue to accumulate on the fabric, which can diminish its absorbency and overall comfort. You should stay away from fabric softeners while making picnic blankets, particularly those made out of synthetic or fleece materials.
- Dry carefully
To keep your large picnic blanket in pristine condition after washing, be sure to dry it well. Air drying is the way to go for blankets crafted from synthetic materials such as acrylic, fleece, or polyester. Let the blanket air dry naturally by hanging it up on a clothesline or placing it flat on a clean, dry surface.
Conclusion
As long as you follow the care instructions that came with the blanket, it’s usually fine to wash it in the washing machine. Large picnic blankets made of polyester, cotton, or fleece are usually easy to care for and can be machine-washed. Wool and waterproof blankets, on the other hand, may require extra attention to keep them in excellent shape and extend their life.
Whether you’re heading to the park, the beach, or relaxing in your garden, Miss Amara has the perfect blanket for every outdoor activity. Happy picnicking!
