Keep Your Picnic Cool With These 10 Ice-Chest Tips

It goes without saying, but if you're going to eat food that comes out of your cooler, make sure it's clean before you use it! Wash the interior thoroughly with water and either soap or baking soda solution; rinse well.

You'll be even happier with how well everything keeps when you've prechilled your food before you pack it for a picnic.

For best results, cover your (hopefully prechilled) items with ice packs. Be even more eco-friendly by opting for reusable ice packs.

To preserve any cooler chill, you're best off packing items in the order that you plan to use them. For instance, if you're having ice cream for dessert, be sure to put that in first and take it out last!

When it comes to staying cool in warmer climes, the larger the block of ice, the better the cold retention.

A cooler's no different from you; on a blindingly hot day, it fares much better in the shade.

Keep heat out by closing the ice chest when it's not in use. In a pinch, it makes a great lawn or beach chair.

Sure, the drain plug is a great way to serve punch to a crowd — but even if you're not doing so, be sure to keep the drain plug open when possible to avoid mold growth, which can occur if your cooler isn't properly ventilated.

Never put an ice chest in the freezer or outside in freezing conditions; the lower temperatures could crack the insulation, destroying your cooler.

To keep items warm, heat a brick in the oven, wrap with a dishtowel, and place in the bottom of your cooler. The heat will last most of the day.