Nothing beats a beach day in Los Angeles—until you find sand in every crack of your car. And let’s not forget the salty air that loves to mess with your paint job. If you don’t clean up properly, that beach fun can leave behind scratches, stains, and corrosion. But don’t worry—we’ve got the ultimate guide to detailing your car after a beach day so your ride stays fresh, clean, and ready for your next coastal adventure.
Step 1: Shake Out Floor Mats and Seats
Sand is like glitter—it sticks to everything. Start by removing your floor mats and giving them a good shake to knock off loose sand. For fabric mats, use a brush to loosen any stubborn grains. Don’t forget to shake out the seats if you’ve got removable seat covers—otherwise, sand will settle into the cracks.
Step 2: Vacuum Every Nook and Cranny
Next, grab a powerful vacuum with a crevice tool and go to town. Focus on areas where sand loves to hide:
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Between and under the seats
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Along door sills and cup holders
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Inside seat cracks and folds
Pro Tip: Use compressed air to blow sand out of hard-to-reach spots before vacuuming.
Step 3: Rinse the Exterior Thoroughly
Salt and sand can scratch and corrode your paint, so don’t skip this step. Use a pressure washer or hose to rinse off the entire car, starting from the roof and working downwards. Pay extra attention to the wheel wells, undercarriage, and bumpers—these areas collect the most salt and sand.
Step 4: Wash with a pH-Balanced Soap
Use a pH-balanced car shampoo to gently remove salt and grime without damaging your paint. Wash in sections using a soft microfiber wash mitt, and always rinse your mitt frequently to avoid rubbing sand particles into the paint.
Warning: Never wash your car in direct sunlight—it’ll dry too quickly and leave water spots.
Step 5: Clean the Wheels and Tires
Your wheels and tires take a beating from sandy roads. Use a dedicated wheel cleaner and brush to scrub away grime and brake dust. Don’t forget the wheel wells—salt and sand can cause rust if left unchecked.
Step 6: Dry with a Microfiber Towel
Dry your car using a soft microfiber towel to prevent water spots. For faster results, use a car dryer or leaf blower to blow water out of crevices, mirrors, and grilles.
Step 7: Protect Your Paint with Wax or Sealant
The salty air in Los Angeles can wreak havoc on your paint. Apply a layer of car wax or paint sealant to create a protective barrier against salt, UV rays, and moisture. Plus, it’ll give your car that showroom shine that turns heads on the freeway.
Step 8: Freshen Up the Interior
Saltwater and beach air can leave your interior smelling less than fresh. Use a mild interior cleaner to wipe down seats, dashboards, and door panels. For stubborn sand in fabric seats, lightly mist the area with water and vacuum again.
Pro Tip: Place a small bag of activated charcoal under the seats to absorb any lingering beach odors.
Final Thoughts
A beach day in Los Angeles shouldn’t mean weeks of dealing with sand and salt in your car. By following these detailing steps, you can keep your ride clean, protected, and looking like it just rolled off the lot. Don’t feel like doing the dirty work? Bring your car to WASH&WHIPS and let our pros handle the mess—sand, salt, and all. Contact us today!
