A picnic blanket has a hard life. It is thrown on the grass, sat on by children, dripped on by lemonade and dragged back into the boot of the car. Yet with a few easy habits it stays clean and ready for the next outing, and there is no need to dread the moment when you unfold it on a sunny afternoon. The secret is to deal with it quickly when you get home, rather than leaving it in a bag.
Before, during and after
Choose a blanket with a waterproof or thick backing, if you can, so that damp from the ground does not seep through. Lay it on a dry spot, and shake off grass, leaves and crumbs before you sit down. A spare towel or old sheet underneath adds an extra layer, and it is easy to wash afterwards. Take a small cloth for spills, and a bag for rubbish.
When you get home, shake the blanket well outside, and brush off dry mud with a soft brush before it sets. Check for damp patches, and open it out to air fully, on a line or over a chair. Never fold or pack a blanket that is not completely dry, since it will start to smell musty and might develop mould, which is much harder to remove than mud or crumbs.
Wash the blanket according to its label, on a gentle programme with mild detergent, and dry it on the line. A large blanket may need a laundrette machine or a bath. Treat stains as soon as you can, dabbing rather than rubbing, and test any stronger stain remover on a hidden corner first. Never mix cleaning products, and rinse thoroughly.
Keep the blanket in a bag or basket by the door with the rest of your picnic kit, so that it is ready when the weather turns fine. Fold it neatly, with the clean side facing out, and store it somewhere dry. Check the edges and corners for loose threads, and mend them before the next trip, so that a small fray does not turn into a large tear.
