If you are like us, you know that a beach day is one of the best ways to relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy the refreshing waves. Enjoying a day at the coast comes with an inevitable challenge - dealing with pesky sand getting stuck in every crevice of your swimsuit. So, if you’ve found that you've ever struggled with removing a lot of sand from your swimwear, you're not alone. We’ve pulled together some of our top tips, so you have the lowdown on how to get sand out of swimsuit.
How To Get Sand Out Of Swimsuit
Sand can cling to fabric, especially those with detailed, intricate designs, anything that’s been embellished, ruffled and premium quality bikinis, making it a challenge to fully clean your suit. But fear not, we’re going to help you with the best ways to remove sand from your swimsuit using simple steps. We’ve got a few quick and easy fixes, plus some deep cleaning methods that you can try. With a little patience, a dose of perseverance and the right techniques, you can keep your lovely swimwear looking fresh and free of sand build-up.
Why Does Sand Stick to Your Swimsuit?
Before we go into how you can get sand out of your swimsuit, let’s take a little look at why sand clings to your swimwear in the first place. Here are a few key reasons:
Wet Swimsuit Trap Sand – When your swimsuit fabric is wet, it creates a sticky surface that makes it easier for tiny grains of sand to get lodged in between the fibres.
Swimwear Design – Some swimsuits, especially those with embellishments, intricate designs, crinkle bikinis, or removable cups, have extra folds and layers where sand can collect. These areas make it much more likely that sand will get trapped.
Salt Water and Sun Cream – You’ll find that the combination of salt water and sunscreen or sun cream creates a film on the fabric that makes sand particles more difficult to remove. That’s why sand ends up sticking to your cossie.
Being aware of the above will help you take preventative measures to minimise sand build-up on your swimsuit in the first place.
Step 1: Immediate Action at the Beach
The first place to start when dealing with sandy swimwear is when you are actually at the coast. If you do the following before you pack up and head home, you’ll find getting sand out of your swimsuit much easier.
Use an Outdoor Shower
You’ll find that most beaches provide outdoor showers that allow you to rinse off excess sand and salt water. We’d suggest standing under the shower and letting fresh water run over your swimsuit. You’ll be amazed at how effective this is at washing away a significant amount of sand before it has a chance to dry and get embedded in the fabric.
Give Your Suit a Good Shake
After rinsing yourself and your swimming costume off in the shower, you should gently shake out your swimsuit. You’ll find that this will help dislodge excess sand before it sets into the fabric. You’ll want to do this if you're wearing a white bathing suit, as this is useful to avoid visible stains caused by sand and salt water. It will keep your white swimming costume looking nicer for longer.
Pat Yourself Dry with a Beach Towel
Rather than rubbing your skin with a wet towel, which can push sand deeper into your swimsuit, we’d suggest patting yourself dry instead. You’ll find that this reduces friction and helps keep sand particles from spreading.
Use Talc
One of the best solutions for removing sand quickly is talcum powder, or what used to be known as baby powder. Sprinkle a generous amount of talc on areas where sand is stuck. The powder absorbs excess moisture, making it easier to brush away sand. We’ve seen this hack being used and recommended by people on TikTok, and it has been widely shared.
Step 2: Deep Cleaning at Home
If you still have sand left in your swimsuit after leaving the beach, you’ll find that it's time for a more thorough cleaning process. Here are our top tips on how to remove stubborn sand effectively.
Rinse in Cold Water
Start by filling a sink or bucket with cool water and submerge your swimsuit. We’d suggest you avoid using hot water, as heat can cause the fabric to lose elasticity. You’ll need to let the suit soak for about 10-15 minutes to loosen the remaining sand.
Hand Washing with Mild Detergent
We find for the best way to remove sand; it’s a good idea to use a mild detergent specifically designed for delicates or swimwear. You’ll want to be gentle when you are rubbing the fabric together. You should pay special attention to areas with visible sand build-up. Avoid scrubbing too hard, as this can damage delicate materials.
Use a Soft-Bristle Brush or Old Toothbrush
For stubborn sand particles trapped in seams or textured fabrics, you may find a soft-bristle brush or an old toothbrush could be your best friend. You should lightly brush the fabric to remove sand without causing damage.
Rinse Thoroughly with Fresh Water
The next step after washing is to rinse your swimsuit under fresh water until all soap and sand are completely gone. You’ll find that this will help prevent any leftover sand from causing discomfort the next time you wear it.
Drying Your Swimsuit Properly
Once your swimsuit is clean, you should lay it flat on a dry towel. We’d suggest rolling the towel up with the suit inside and pressing gently to absorb excess water. You’ll want to avoid wringing out the fabric, as this can stretch and damage the material of your gorgeous swimwear.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
You should let your swimsuit air dry in a shaded area. Did you know that direct sunlight can cause fading, especially on vibrant bikini sets and swimsuits? Instead, simply just hang it up indoors or in a spot with good airflow.
Step 3: Advanced Methods for Stubborn Sand
If you still find sand particles stuck in your swimsuit, you may be best to try these additional methods:
Vacuum Cleaner with Hose Attachment
A vacuum cleaner can work wonders for removing deeply embedded sand from your cossie. We’d suggest using a hose attachment to suck out stubborn grains without harming the fabric. Be careful if you are doing this on overly embellished swimwear.
Lint Roller or Tape
For quick removal of leftover sand, you could try using a lint roller or sticky tape to lift tiny particles from the surface. The lint roller will be the gentler option for more delicate swimsuits.
Blow Dryer on Cool Setting
You could also use a hairdryer or blow dryer set to a cool setting to help dislodge any remaining sand. Hold it a few inches away from the fabric and use short bursts of air to lift out the sand. It may well do the trick for you.
Getting Ahead For Future Beach Days
Now that you’ve followed our tips and know how to remove sand from your swimsuit, here are some of our top tips to help you avoid this issue in the future.
Choose the Right Swimsuit Material – Choose premium or high-quality swimsuits and bikinis. These have swimwear fabric with tighter weaves that prevent sand from getting trapped in the first place.
Pack a Plastic Bag – We’d suggest storing wet swimsuits in a separate plastic bag inside your beach bag to keep sand contained. Why not try our dry bags, you could have one for dry items and one for wet items.
Rinse Immediately – We find the sooner you rinse off with fresh water, the less likely sand will stick.
Avoid Sitting on the Sand – It’s a good idea to use beach towels, a beach chair or a sun lounger to minimise direct contact with sand.
Wear Rash Guards – Rash guards and tankini swimsuits can provide extra coverage and reduce sand accumulation.
Dealing with sand in your swimsuit can be frustrating, especially if you are tired after a beautiful day at the beach. But you’ll find with the right approach, it's entirely manageable. Whether you're spending long days at the beach in the UK or jetting off to far-flung destinations like St. Barthélemy or equatorial Guinea, following this handy and simple step-by-step guide will ensure your swimwear remains sand-free and in top shape all summer long. Sand need not ruin your fun (and your favourite swimsuit) this summer.
It's all about taking a little extra time and care, and you’ll be enjoying your swimsuit in tip-top condition for longer.