Comprehensive Beach and Coastal Interior Decontamination Guide

Never attempt deep interior cleaning in direct sunlight during an Australian summer. Surface temperatures can exceed 70°C, causing cleaners to flash-dry and leave permanent chemical spotting. Move the vehicle into a ventilated garage or under a high-clearance carport. Open all doors to allow cross-ventilation, which is critical when using salt-neutralising chemicals.

Remove all floor mats, child seats, and loose items from the glovebox and centre console. Shake out floor mats at least 20 metres away from the vehicle to prevent airborne sand from re-entering the cabin. Inspect the 'dead zones' under the seats for organic matter (seaweed, food scraps) that will rot in the heat.

Prepare your chemical solutions using distilled water if your local tap water is 'hard' (high mineral content). Mix your salt neutraliser in a dedicated spray bottle at the manufacturer's recommended 'heavy duty' ratio. Test your drill brush on an inconspicuous area of the carpet to ensure it doesn't cause pilling or fraying of the fibres.

Using compressed air or a high-powered blower, start from the top (headliner and dash) and work down. Blow out the crevices between seat cushions and the tracks of the seat rails. This 'dry' stage is vital; once you introduce liquid, sand becomes mud and is ten times harder to remove.

Using a drill brush on a low-speed setting, vibrate the carpets in a cross-hatch pattern. This brings deeply embedded sand to the surface. Vacuum simultaneously with a high-suction crevice tool. Focus heavily on the driver's footwell and the areas where the carpet meets the plastic trim.

Lightly mist your salt-neutralising solution over the carpets. Do not saturate the backing foam. Allow it to dwell for 3-5 minutes. The chemical reaction breaks the ionic bond of the salt, making it water-soluble. Blot (don't scrub) with a clean microfibre towel to lift the brine.

If white salt crusting is visible, use a hot water extractor. Fill the tank with 40°C water (not boiling) and a dedicated low-foam carpet shampoo. Extract the area until the recovery water runs clear. This is the only way to ensure salt isn't sitting against the metal floor pan, which leads to rust from the inside out.

Use a soft boar's hair brush and a vacuum to remove dust from air vents, infotainment screens, and instrument clusters. In Australia, red dust often mixes with salt spray to create a sticky film; if this is present, use a damp microfibre with a 1:10 pH-neutral cleaner dilution.

Wipe down all vinyl and plastic surfaces (door cards, kick plates, dash) with a pH-neutral interior cleaner. Use a 'scrub pad' or a stiff detailing brush on textured plastics to lift sand and salt from the grain of the material. Wipe dry immediately to prevent streaking.

Seat rails are prime targets for salt corrosion. Use a detailing brush dipped in salt neutraliser to scrub the metal tracks. Wipe dry and apply a small amount of lithium grease if the factory lubricant has been stripped. Clean rubber pedals with an All-Purpose Cleaner (APC) and a stiff brush to ensure they aren't slippery.

If your vehicle has leather, salt will suck the moisture out of the hides. Use a dedicated leather cleaner and a soft brush to agitate the pores. This removes the 'salt film' that makes leather feel stiff. Wipe with a damp cloth to ensure no chemical residue remains.

Salt spray creates a stubborn haze on the inside of windows. Use a dedicated glass cleaner (ammonia-free for tinted windows). Clean the glass twice: the first pass removes the salt, the second pass ensures a streak-free finish. Don't forget the top edge of the glass by winding it down slightly.

After heavy beach or dusty driving, check the cabin air filter (usually behind the glovebox). If it's clogged with sand or red dust, replace it. A restricted filter reduces A/C efficiency—a disaster in the Australian summer—and can harbour salty odours.

Check the headliner for 'salt spots' or sand. Use a dry microfibre to gently flick away sand. If salt staining is present, mist a cloth with cleaner and blot. Never spray the headliner directly, as this can dissolve the glue and cause the fabric to sag (a common issue in high-heat regions).

Clean the rubber door seals and the metal door jambs. Salt sits in these seals and dries out the rubber, leading to leaks. Apply a silicone-based dressing (like Nextzett Gummi Pflege) to the seals to keep them supple and prevent them from 'sticking' in 40°C heat.

Apply a high-quality UV protectant to all vinyl, plastic, and leather surfaces. Use a microfibre applicator pad for even coverage. Let it sit for 2 minutes, then buff with a dry towel to a matte finish. This provides a sacrificial layer against the intense Australian UV index.

Check for any damp spots in the carpet. If the interior is still moist, run the vehicle with the A/C on 'Recirculate' and 'Heat' for 15 minutes with the windows cracked slightly. This uses the A/C's dehumidifying properties to pull moisture out of the cabin before you seal it up.