A day at the beach is all sun, surf, and good vibes—until you look at your car. Sand is everywhere: on the seats, in the footwells, and somehow even in the glove box. But the real trouble starts when sand scratches your paint or clogs your car’s crevices.
Don’t worry! With the right strategy, you can clean up your car after a beach day and keep the sand out for good. Here’s how to do it like a pro.
Step 1: Shake It Off (Before You Leave the Beach)
Before you even get in the car, take a moment to shake out towels, blankets, and any beach gear. Sand loves to hitch a ride on damp items, so give everything a good shake or pat down to reduce how much sand makes it into your car.
Pro Tip: Use a portable hand brush or your hand to sweep sand off your feet and shoes before stepping inside.
Step 2: Vacuum the Interior First
Once you’re at Melville Car Wash, tackle the inside of your car before washing the exterior. Start with the vacuum station:
Remove floor mats and vacuum them separately.
Use the vacuum’s crevice tool to get into tight spots like between seats and under pedals.
Don’t forget the trunk if you stored sandy gear there.
Pro Tip: Shake floor mats before vacuuming to loosen any stubborn sand.
Step 3: Rinse Away Loose Sand
Sand can act like sandpaper on your car’s paint, so the first step is to rinse it off gently:
Use the dirt-lifting spray (pre-soak) to loosen any sand on your car’s surface.
Start from the top and work your way down. This ensures sand flows off instead of being pushed around.
Pay extra attention to wheel arches, where sand tends to collect.
Pro Tip: Avoid wiping the sand off with a cloth—it can scratch the paint.
Step 4: Soap It Up
Switch to the intense soap spray and coat your car in suds. This will lift any remaining sand particles without causing damage.
Work methodically, starting with the roof and working downward.
Don’t forget to spray areas like door handles and mirrors where sand loves to hide.
Step 5: Use the Brush Sparingly
The gentle brush scrub is great for removing stuck-on dirt, but it’s best to avoid heavy scrubbing on sandy areas. Focus on:
Lower panels that tend to pick up salt and grime.
Wheels, which may have sand stuck in crevices.
Pro Tip: Rinse the brush thoroughly before using it to ensure no sand from previous users is trapped in the bristles.
Step 6: Rinse Thoroughly
Switch to the power rinse and wash away all the soap and loosened sand. Pay special attention to:
Wheel wells and undercarriage: These areas collect the most sand and salt.
Seams around doors, windows, and the trunk.
Pro Tip: Use slow, sweeping motions to ensure you rinse away all particles.
Step 7: Apply a Protective Wax Coat
If you want to go the extra mile, use the protective wax coat to shield your car from salt and sand damage. A wax coat creates a barrier that helps prevent scratches and corrosion.
Step 8: Dry the Exterior (Optional)
If you’re worried about water spots, use a microfiber towel to pat your car dry. Focus on areas like mirrors, windows, and door edges where water tends to pool.
How to Keep Sand Out for Good
Pack Smart: Use zippered bags or containers for sandy items like toys and towels.
Floor Mats: Consider rubber mats—they’re easier to clean than fabric ones.
Routine Cleaning: Make beach car washes part of your regular maintenance routine to prevent long-term damage.
Why It’s Important to Wash After the Beach
Salt and sand aren’t just annoying—they’re harmful to your car. Salt can corrode metal, and sand can scratch your paint, reducing your car’s resale value and longevity. A thorough wash after a beach day helps protect your investment.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let sand ruin your post-beach glow (or your car). With these steps, you can clean your car efficiently and keep it looking its best.
So the next time you hit the beach, don’t worry about the mess. Swing by Melville Car Wash on your way home, and let’s wash those beach vibes off your car (but not your soul).