How to Clean a Picnic Blanket

A Solway Blankets care guide

Grass stains, muddy paws, a spilled glass of wine ~ a picnic blanket earns its keep by being used, not kept pristine in a cupboard. The good news is that most outdoor marks are easier to deal with than people expect and quality natural fibres are more forgiving than they look.

This guide covers cleaning wool and cotton picnic blankets, caring for a waterproof backing, dealing with common outdoor stains and how to store your blanket between adventures.

Cleaning a Wool Picnic Blanket

Wool is naturally resistant to dirt and odour, the outer layer of each fibre helps stop dirt penetrating deeply, so it needs washing far less often than most people assume.

For everyday care:

•     Shake the blanket thoroughly after use to remove loose grass, leaves and sand

•     Air it outside if it's slightly damp before folding it away

•     Brush away dried dirt once it's had a chance to dry fully

When it needs a proper wash:

•     Follow the care label ~ most wool should be dry cleaned or washed on a cool wool cycle at 30°C or below

•     Use a wool-specific detergent and avoid fabric softener in the drum

•     Never wring wool ~ press out excess water gently with a towel instead

•     Lay flat to dry, away from direct heat or direct sunlight

 

Hot water, harsh detergents and tumble drying can shrink wool and damage its natural crimp, the very thing that makes it insulating and springy in the first place. When in doubt, wash less rather than more.

Cleaning a Cotton Picnic Blanket

Cotton is generally straightforward: shake off loose dirt and sand, spot clean marks promptly and machine wash according to the care label when a fuller clean is needed. The one thing to watch closely is drying as cotton absorbs moisture more readily than wool, so make sure it's completely dry before storing it. Damp cotton left folded away is one of the most common causes of musty smells and in the wrong conditions, mildew.

 

Caring for a Waterproof Backing

If your picnic blanket has a waterproof polyester backing, it needs slightly different treatment from the wool or cotton on top.

•     Wipe the backing with a damp cloth for everyday cleaning ~ there's usually no need to wash the whole blanket just to clean the underside

•     Avoid high heat, harsh chemicals, fabric softener and bleach, which can degrade the waterproof coating over time

•     Make sure the backing is fully dry before rolling the blanket away, to avoid trapping moisture between the layers

Stain-by-Stain Quick Reference

Stain	What to do
Grass or mud	Let it dry completely, then brush off loose material before spot treating any remaining mark
Food or drink spills	Blot immediately with a clean cloth - rubbing pushes the stain deeper into the fibres
Sand	Leave until fully dry, then shake out - damp sand smears rather than brushes away
Sun cream or oils	Blot excess, then treat with a small amount of mild soap on a damp cloth before a full wash

 

Spot cleaning between full washes is often the best approach for wool in particular, it deals with the mark without exposing the whole blanket to unnecessary washing.

How Often Should You Actually Wash It?

Less often than you'd think. Most outings only need a shake, a chance to air and a wipe of the waterproof backing if there is one. Full washing is best reserved for genuine soiling as washing after every single use tends to wear a blanket out faster than the outdoor use itself.

Storing Your Blanket Between Trips

Before putting your blanket away, make sure it's completely dry, free of loose debris and rolled or folded neatly. Store it somewhere cool, dry and well-ventilated ~ avoid damp sheds, sealed plastic bags or leaving it wet in the car boot, all of which encourage musty smells and over time, damage to the fibres.

Quick Reference Checklist

•     Shake and air after every use

•     Spot clean marks promptly rather than waiting

•     Wipe waterproof backings rather than washing the whole blanket

•     Wash wool on a cool wool cycle, or dry clean

•     Ensure cotton is fully dry before storage

•     Store clean, dry and well-ventilated, never damp or sealed in plastic

 

Choosing a new blanket rather than cleaning one? See our full guide: How to Choose the Perfect Picnic Blanket & Outdoor Throw — or if you're weighing up materials, read Wool vs Fleece: Which Picnic Blanket Wins?

More on Caring for Natural Fibres

For general care of wool, cashmere and other natural fibre blankets and throws beyond picnic use, see our full Care Instructions page.

Ready for your next adventure? Browse our full range of picnic and outdoor blankets.