How to Get Rid of Sand After the Beach, According to a Cleaning Expert
You’re back from your holiday, but the beach is still following you around; in your socks, your car floor, even your bed. Sand has a sneaky habit of clinging on, and it’s notoriously stubborn to shift once it settles into your home.
According to a study by Direct Line, just 16% of people tackle the sand clean-up straight away after returning from the beach, with most Brits leaving it for an average of 17 days. Shockingly, around 800,000 people are still finding sand in their homes or cars six months later.
Nigel Bearman, home cleaning expert at Daily Poppins, says: “Besides causing damage to floors and fabrics, sand and salt can also trap bacteria and dirt, making your home less hygienic. Plus, suncream residues can leave greasy patches that attract grime. A quick clean-up helps protect both your home and your health.”
How to do a successful post-beach clean:
1. Dry brush before you step inside: Keep a stiff-bristled brush in your boot or hallway. Give shoes, feet, and beach toys a quick once-over to knock off loose sand before it tracks in.
2. Use damp microfibre cloths for salt and SPF: Salt and suncream can leave stubborn residues. Wipe down surfaces with a damp microfibre cloth dipped in warm water mixed with a little mild detergent. Microfibres trap dirt without spreading it.
3. Vacuum First, Mop Second: Vacuum all floors thoroughly to pick up sand grains before mopping. Wet mopping alone can push sand deeper into crevices.
4. Treat Fabrics Quickly: For upholstery or car seats, gently blot suncream stains with a mix of warm water and mild detergent. Avoid rubbing to prevent spreading.
5. Rinse Beach Gear ASAP: Rinse towels, swimwear, and plastic toys in fresh water soon after your day out to stop salt and sand from settling in.
“A quick clean-up after the beach helps protect your home and keeps it hygienic. Doing it promptly makes the process much easier.” Says Nigel.
Extra tips to make life even easier:
- Pop beach toys in the dishwasher
- Line your suitcase with a towel or fitted sheet
- Keep a ‘beach box’ in the car stocked with bin liners, a dustpan brush and baby wipes
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