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Find out what makes a good picnic blanket and how to get a convenient outdoor experience on your short trips or walks in the nearby park. So, if you spend your life outside, you know how valuable a blanket can be.
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What is a picnic blanket?
A picnic blanket is a portable and often foldable piece of fabric designed for outdoor leisure activities. It has usually a rectangular shape that provides a clean surface for people to sit or lie on during picnics, beach outings, park visits, and other outdoor gatherings.
How big should a picnic blanket be?
The first important characteristic is to have adequate size. It should be large enough to fit a few people and several food items to make your picnic look like a summer party. But it shouldn’t be too bulky for transportation and storage. Approximately 130 x 150cm (50″ x 60”) is enough as it is important to keep a balance between size and weight for stress-free outdoor dining.
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CREDIT: AMAZON
What makes a good picnic blanket?
The ideal picnic blanket should keep a balance between comfort, durability, and portability to enhance your outdoor gathering experience! For example, it must be soft enough for a baby to lie on but durable enough to withstand dog paws and errant twigs. So, here are some key elements to consider when choosing your outdoor blanket:
Material
Except for size, the material is an equally important feature. Opt for a picnic blanket made from durable materials like woven polyester or organic cotton. These materials provide comfort and resistance to outdoor elements. If you prioritize comfort, you can choose a blanket with a soft and cozy upper layer made from wool or fleece that creates a comfortable seating area for autumn and early spring picnics.
Water-resistant
Another important characteristic is to be waterproof on top and bottom or at least have a water-resistant backing. This feature protects against dampness, especially if the ground is wet or dewy like picnics on the beach. That’s why these blankets belong to beach essentials like all summertime staples.
Durability
A durable woven polyester ensure the blanket can withstand wear and tear. It should be resilient enough to handle outdoor conditions, including spills and accidental damage. It can also have a UV coating so the designs won’t fade in the sun.
Portability
Lastly, a picnic blanket should be easy to carry. Look for features like integrated straps or a compact design for hassle-free transportation. You can also match your blanket to a large tote bag and a cool bag for a stylish picnic pack.
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CREDIT: AMAZON
How to wash a picnic blanket?
Washing a picnic blanket is essential to keep it fresh and functional. And, proper care ensures your picnic blanket stays in great condition for many outings!
For machine wash, place the picnic blanket in your washing machine on the lightest setting like a delicate cycle. Use cold water and add a mild detergent or a touch of fabric softener if necessary but avoid using stain removers or harsh chemicals. Once done, remove the wet blanket and allow it to drip dry on a line.
For hand washing, fill a tub with cool water and add laundry detergent. Submerge the blanket and gently agitate it by hand. Let it soak for 15-30 minutes, depending on how soiled it is. Rinse thoroughly with fresh cold water until all detergent is washed out.
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CREDIT: AMAZON
How to keep ants off picnic blanket?
Here are seven effective methods to keep ants off your picnic blanket:
Avoid areas with ants
Choose your picnic spot strategically. Check the grass for ant-free areas and avoid putting your blanket near ant hills or discarded food. Be far away from trash cans.
Keep Food Covered
Ants are attracted to food smells. Pack your food in sealable containers and only open them when needed. Dispose of food waste promptly, especially sugary food and drinks, other carbohydrated foods, meat, etc. Besides food, certain scents attract ants like perfume and fruit-scented candles. So, keep yourself and your picnic area free of items that may attract them.
Distract Ants or Create a Barrier
You can diver ants’ attention by placing a small plate of food away from your picnic area. Alternatively, you can surround your picnic blanket with substances that ants avoid like chalk, water, or talcum powder.
Try Citronella Candles or Ant Repellents
Citronella candles emit a scent that repels ants. You can also use other commercial natural ant repellents to keep ants away.
This page contains AFFILIATE LINKS. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Plus, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Read more on the disclosure policy page.
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