Comprehensive Beach and Coastal Interior Aftercare Guide (Jan 2026)

Never attempt a deep interior clean in direct 40°C sunlight. Park the vehicle in a well-ventilated garage or under a high-clearance carport. Open all doors and the tailgate for at least 15 minutes to allow the interior temperature to equalise with the ambient air. This prevents cleaning chemicals from flash-drying on surfaces, which can cause permanent chemical spotting on plastics.

Remove all floor mats, seat covers, and child seats. Take these to a separate wash area. In Australian 4x4s, check under the rear seats for hidden sand drifts. If your vehicle has removable 'drain plugs' in the floor (common in off-roaders), ensure they are clear of debris to allow for airflow during the drying phase.

Before applying any liquids, use a high-powered LED light to inspect the carpet weave and seat tracks. Identifying 'hot spots' of sand accumulation now prevents you from turning that sand into 'mud' later when cleaners are applied. Pay close attention to the area between the centre console and the seats.

Prepare your solutions according to the day's temperature. In extreme heat, dilute your All-Purpose Cleaner (APC) slightly more than usual (e.g., 10:1 instead of 5:1) to extend the 'dwell time' before evaporation. Label all spray bottles clearly to avoid cross-contamination of leather and plastic surfaces.

Use a drill brush or a massage gun against the carpet while vacuuming. The vibration 'dances' the heavy silica sand to the surface of the carpet fibres. Work in small 20cm x 20cm sections. If you skip this, sand will remain trapped in the backing, eventually grinding through the carpet fibres over time.

Using a compressor or blower, blast air into seat rails, window seals, and buttons. Sand often migrates into the window tracks; if not removed, it will scratch the glass the next time you wind the windows down. Wear eye protection as sand particles will become airborne.

Lightly mist a salt-neutralising solution onto the carpets and any fabric areas exposed to sea breezes. Allow it to dwell for 3-5 minutes (do not let it dry). The chemical reaction breaks down the sodium chloride bond, making it possible to extract the salt rather than just moving it around.

If salt crusting is visible, use a dedicated extractor or a wet/dry vac with warm water (approx 50°C). Apply the water sparingly, then immediately extract. The heat helps dissolve stubborn salt deposits that have hardened in the sun. Ensure you perform multiple 'dry passes' with the vacuum to remove as much moisture as possible.

Wipe down all plastic and vinyl surfaces using a pH-neutral cleaner and a detailing brush. Focus on the door sills and lower dash where salt spray often settles. Use the 'two-towel method': one towel to apply and agitate, the second clean microfibre to buff dry and remove the lifted contaminants.

Sand is particularly abrasive to leather. Apply a dedicated leather cleaner to a soft brush and work in circular motions to lift sand from the grain and perforated holes. Wipe clean with a damp cloth to ensure no chemical residue remains, as salt-affected leather is prone to cracking in heat.

Clean the inside of all windows using a dedicated glass cleaner and a waffle-weave towel. Salt creates a hazy film on the interior glass that causes extreme glare in the Australian sun. Clean the top edge of the glass by winding it down slightly to remove hidden sand in the seals.

After cleaning and drying the seat tracks, apply a small amount of dry PTFE lubricant. Salt air can cause surface rust on these rails within days. A dry lubricant won't attract new sand but will provide a barrier against corrosion and ensure smooth seat movement.

Apply a UV-inhibiting protectant to the dashboard and door tops. In Australia, the dashboard can reach 70°C+; without UV blockers, the plastic will lose its plasticisers and eventually crack. Buff to a matte finish to prevent dangerous reflections on the windscreen.

Locate and remove the cabin air filter (usually behind the glovebox). After beach trips, these are often clogged with fine sand and salt. Tap it out or replace it if it's been more than 6 months. This ensures the air you breathe inside the cabin is free of salt particles.

Run the vehicle's air conditioning on 'Fresh Air' mode (not recirculate) with the windows cracked for 15 minutes. This helps remove any residual moisture from the extraction process, preventing the 'tropical greenhouse' effect that leads to mould in summer.