Clean Car Tips: Sand

How to Deal with Sand in the Car

We recently carpooled with a friend, in her new car, down to the shoreline for some outlet shopping and waterfront dining. The day was unexpectedly beautiful, so we took a detour to the beach, took off our shoes, rolled up our pants, and spent an impromptu hour feeling our toes in the sand and surf. As we strolled back to the car, the driver started to panic. She was insistent that not one grain of sand would find its way into her new car. The floor still looked pristine, and it was obvious that she was picturing that sand, that never quite goes away, staying in that new car forever.

Is there a solution?

Really, the best answer is to be prepared if you'll be near the beach. A sheet, a sturdy canvas or plastic bag, and a container of baby powder are your best weapons against a sandy car trunk or floor. First of all, there's an easy hack to cleaning off your feet (because, let's face it, climbing into a car and riding home with sandy feet is no fun either. Just sprinkle powder (baby or talc) over your feet and rub around. The powder absorbs the moisture, so the sand has nothing to stick to and will brush off easily. When you pack the powder in the car, add a 'sand bag', a big, no hole canvas or plastic bag to contain all the sandy towels, toys, and anything else that you haven't managed to shake off completely. A good bag will contain all the sand and keep it from spreading. Finally, spread a thin sheet over the seat to catch any residual sand. When you get home, carefully remove the sheet and shake it off.

IF YOU STILL END UP WITH A SANDY CAR?

The biggest tip is to deal with the sand properly and quickly. Once those tiny grains work their way down into the fibers of the carpet or upholstery, it can be very difficult to remove. No matter what, avoid getting the sand wet ? no carpet cleaners. If the sand was/is wet, using powder may help suck up the moisture.

1. Take out removeable mats and beat them from the underside to release as much sand as possible.

2. Use a stiff bristled upholstery or detailing brush on the vacuum to agitate the fibers and continue to release the sand. Work the brush in multiple directions.

3. Finally, vacuum with a crevice tool attachment (or whatever gives you the strongest suction.) Again, work in multiple directions.