Waterproof Picnic Blankets: How Do You Clean Them?

So you bought a waterproof blanket for picnics, can you wash it? Long story short - yes, you can wash a waterproof picnic blanket. It is important to follow the manufacturer's care instructions to ensure that you clean it properly without damaging its water-resistant properties. Maybe you spilled the on the blanket or got some coconut oil on it while tanning. Whatever the case is - it needs to be cleaned and we can help with that.

(pshhhh. shop our selection of waterproof blankets here)

Lets dive in to some things to think of before just throwing it in the washer:

1. Check the Label: Before washing your waterproof picnic blanket, check the care label or any washing instructions provided by the manufacturer. They may offer specific guidelines on how to clean and maintain the blanket properly. Most commonly these blankets are made with an interior TPU liner. TPU is an excellent membrane that can flex and bend and has many commercial uses (here). The label should guide you in the right direction on how to proceed. If there is no label present - fear not and keep reading.                                   

2. Spot Cleaning: If the blanket has minor stains or spills, you can start by spot cleaning the affected areas. Use a soft cloth or sponge with mild soap and water to gently clean the stains without soaking the entire blanket. A gentle stain remover may be used as well. Commonly synthetic materials are used to make these blankets so a stain remover may be necessary.

3. Hand Washing: For some waterproof blankets, hand washing may be recommended. This would be very rare, in todays daya and age there are many options of blanks to eat on that are also waterproof. I recommend maybe upgrading. If this is the case, fill a basin or tub with cold water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Gently agitate the water to create suds, then submerge the blanket and gently scrub it with your hands. Rinse thoroughly with cold water to remove any soap residue.

4. Machine Washing: Some waterproof blankets are machine washable. If the care label indicates that it's safe to machine wash, use a gentle cycle with cold water and a small amount of mild detergent. Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners, as they can damage the waterproof coating. The more gentle the wash the better. As mentioned in the above points many waterproof blankets, especially those for picnics, come with membranes that you don't want to be damaged.

5. Avoid High Heat: Do not use high heat or hot water, as it can damage the waterproof properties of the blanket. Always use cold water and a gentle washing cycle. This cannot be emphasized enough. Melting away a waterproof coating or lining will make your blanket like any other blanket. it will also make you wet as a whistle.                                                                                                 

6. Hang to Dry: After washing, hang the waterproof blanket to dry in a well-ventilated area or outdoors. Avoid using a dryer or direct sunlight, as high heat can also compromise the waterproof coating. Make sure the blanket is fully dry before storing it to prevent mildew or odors. If you are wanting to dry your blanket. Use a low heat setting or no heat at all.

Care for a waterproof picnic blanket can be a bit more involved at first thought. But in reality its just like any other special garment you wear. It takes a little more TLC to make sure it can keep giving memories.

If you are in the market for a waterproof blanket shop our selection.