10 ways to keep sand out of your car this summer

Trips to the beach will come with that, and for many the question of how to minimise the amount of sand that gets in your car at the end of the day might be on their mind.

This question has resulted in over 1,700 searches for tips in the past month alone, a figure that is likely to skyrocket in the coming months.

To help, the experts at Leasing Options have listed several ways to keep your car sand-free this summer, with extra tips for dog owners and parents.

It is very easy to bring sand back into your car at the end of a beach day (Canva)

10 ways to keep sand out of your car

Don’t forget to pack talcum powder

A lesser known tip that Leasing Options recommend is rubbing a small amount of talcum powder on your feet and hands.

This will help get rid of the remaining sand when getting back into your car.

Talcum powder is so effective at getting wet, sticky sand off your body because it actually absorbs the moisture so the sand will just fall off of you. In case you're curious, the scientific reason for this is that it contains anti-caking agents. 

Bring a laundry bag for sandy clothes

Packing an extra bag for sandy clothes and towels is a great way to avoid traipsing sand into your car.

Once home, you can shake the sandy washing outside before putting it in the washing machine. 

Use an old bedsheet to cover your backseat and boot

Make sure you pack a large sheet or two, such as a bedsheet, to cover up the back seat and boot of your car.

Doing this when you arrive at the seaside or beach will help you keep any sand out of hard-to-clean spots in your upholstery. Just make sure you shake it outside when you get home to avoid bringing sand into your house. 

Switch your beach towel for a fold-up chair

Some people take a towel to the beach or seaside, but this will still collect lots of sand, especially if it gets wet. Instead, try taking a fold up chair and shake (or rinse) it off before you put it in your car. 

People enjoying a day at Scarborough beach (PA)

Use a soft-bristled brush to remove sand

Sand is great at sticking to things, such as your shoes or the bottom of your bag. By using a soft-bristled brush you can give your belongings a quick brush to get rid of any excess sand before getting in your car.

This is useful for parents or dog owners who may have extra items that have been in the sand such as bowls and toys. 

Shake things off

Make sure to give everything a shake before it goes in your car, this includes the clothes you’re wearing and your hair. 

Use a mesh bag for your belongings

Many people take their everyday bag to the beach or seaside, or put things in a plastic bag, however by doing this you’re trapping sand inside the bag with all of your belongings and spreading it around after your trip.

Instead, use a mesh bag to carry your belongings and shake it out before you return to your car. 

Don’t wear shoes, if possible

Wearing shoes on the beach or at the seaside is asking for sand to make its way into your car. Opt for no shoes, or sandals if possible. 

Make sure wet hair, or fur, is dry

Wet sand is a lot more tricky to shake out than dry sand, especially when it comes to hair and fur. Whether it's for yourself, your children or your pets, try letting your hair dry in the sun before using a microfibre towel to help soak up any moisture and shake out any sand. 

Use rubber floor mats

Rubber floor mats in your vehicle are a great investment if you plan on visiting the beach or seaside a lot, or if you tend to bring lots of dust/debris into your car quite often.

The benefit of these is that you don’t need to worry about dirt getting into the fabric, or hoovering them, you can just take them out and shake them and put them straight back in.