Beach Towels, Picnic Blankets & Poolside Laundry: What to Wash (and What to Dry Clean) This Summer
Summer in Michigan is here — and with it comes sunshine, sand, sunscreen… and a whole lot of laundry. Whether you’re heading to Silver Lake, relaxing poolside in your backyard, or laying out the perfect picnic in Fenton’s local parks, your summer essentials are bound to take a hit.
To help you manage your laundry better this season, we’ve compiled some essential Summer Laundry Tips.
But here’s the question: Which of your summer staples can be tossed in the wash — and which ones need a little more TLC from the pros?
Let’s break it down.
🏖️ Beach Towels: Machine-Wash with Caution
Beach towels soak up more than water — they trap sand, sunscreen, and even pool chemicals. Most are machine-washable, but beware:
- Always shake out sand before bringing towels into your laundry room.
- Wash in warm water with a gentle detergent to avoid damaging fibers.
- Avoid fabric softener — it can coat fibers and reduce absorbency.
- Pro Tip: Add a cup of white vinegar to help fight odor and buildup.
🚫 Skip the high heat dryer — it can fry the fibers.
🧺 Picnic Blankets: It Depends on the Material
Not all picnic blankets are created equal. While some are durable cotton blends made for the washing machine, others — especially fleece or waterproof-lined options — need special care.
- Check the tag first.
- Spot clean when possible, especially on vinyl or coated undersides.
- If it’s a decorative or heirloom blanket (like a wool plaid), bring it to Champs Cleaners for professional cleaning and stain removal.
🌳 If it’s been sitting on damp grass or near spilled drinks, don’t wait — mold and odors set fast!
🩳 Poolside Clothing: Wash Often, Gently
That breezy cover-up or those favorite swim trunks take a hit from chlorine, sunblock, and sweat. To keep them looking good:
- Rinse immediately after use — chlorine degrades fabric fast.
- Wash in cold water with a mild detergent.
- Air dry when possible to avoid fabric warping or fading.
👕 Silky sarongs and delicate coverups? Those may be better off with dry cleaning, especially if they have embellishments or specialty fabrics.
🛑 What NOT to Toss in Your Washer
Before you load up your machine with everything from the picnic, consider leaving these items to the professionals:
- Linen summer dresses or white pants — prone to shrinking and staining.
- Anything with sequins, tassels, or beading — they snag easily.
- Blankets with sentimental or vintage value — don’t risk them in a spin cycle.
At Champs Cleaners, we carefully assess each item’s material and wear to clean it the right way — no guesswork, no damage.
🧺 Tired of Summer Laundry? We’ve Got You Covered
Summer’s supposed to be fun — not filled with loads of laundry. That’s why Champs Cleaners offers convenient wash and fold services, plus expert dry cleaning for all your warm-weather wear.
Whether it’s a chlorine-drenched beach towel, a wine-stained picnic throw, or your go-to linen button-down — we’ll clean it right the first time.
📅 Summer Laundry Services Available Now!
✔️ Walk-ins welcome
🚗 Curbside drop-off in Flint, Clarkston, and Fenton
📦 Ask about our free pick-up and delivery service!
Let us handle the mess — so you can get back to making memories.