The "Sand & Salt" Recovery: A 20-Minute Post-Beach Checklist banner

    The "Sand & Salt" Recovery: A 20-Minute Post-Beach Checklist

    Posted in Bigbox Motoring Advice

    Published Thu Feb 19 2026


    The "Sand & Salt" Recovery: A 20-Minute Post-Beach Checklist

    There is nothing better than a day at Noosa or Bribie Island, but for your car, the beach is a battlefield. While our previous guides covered [how to prepare for the trip], the most critical work happens the moment you pull back into the driveway. Salt and sand are a "silent killer" for everything from your suspension to your power windows.

    Don't let your weekend fun turn into a rust repair bill. Follow this 20-minute recovery routine.

    1. The Underbody Flush (The "Hidden" Hazard)

    Salt spray doesn't just sit on your paint; it drifts up into the nooks and crannies of your chassis.

    • The Routine: Use a high-pressure hose (or a dedicated underbody attachment) to flush out the wheel arches, brake components, and the inside of the chassis rails. If you’ve been on the sand, keep spraying until the water running out from under the car is crystal clear. If it’s still murky, there’s still salt trapped there eating away at your metal.

    2. Deep-Clean the Window Seals & Seat Tracks

    Sand is abrasive. If it gets trapped in your window seals, every time you roll the window down, you are essentially "sanding" your glass.

    • The Hack: Use an air compressor or a vacuum with a brush attachment to clear the felt strips at the base of your windows. Do the same for your seat tracks—sand in the rails can grind down the plastic gears in electric seats, leading to a very expensive motor replacement.

    3. Killing the "Damp Towel" Smell

    Queensland humidity plus a wet towel left on the backseat is a recipe for mold.

    • The Routine: Never leave wet gear in the car overnight. If your upholstery feels damp, leave the windows cracked (in a secure garage) or use a portable dehumidifier/moisture absorber tub (like a Hippo) in the footwell for 24 hours. This prevents that "old gym bag" smell from becoming a permanent feature of your car's interior.

    A day at the beach is a Queensland rite of passage, but the salt and sand don't have to be a permanent part of your car. Taking twenty minutes to flush your underbody and clear those window seals will keep your car looking and feeling like new for years to come. 

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