Professional Sand and Salt Decontamination Procedures

Never begin the cleaning process on a hot vehicle. In Australian summer conditions, surface temperatures can exceed 70°C. Move the vehicle into a shaded area and allow the engine and brakes to cool for at least 30 minutes. Applying cold water to hot brake rotors can cause warping, and chemicals will flash-dry on the paint, causing permanent etching.

Before any water touches the car, remove all floor mats and loose items. Use a stiff brush to flick sand toward the centre of the footwells. It is significantly easier to vacuum dry sand than wet sand, which clumps and sticks to carpet fibres. Use a high-velocity blower to clear the dashboard and centre console of fine dust.

Mix your snow foam at a 1:9 ratio (100ml product to 900ml warm water). Prepare your salt neutraliser according to the manufacturer's instructions—usually 1:500 for a reservoir-style applicator. Ensure your pressure washer is connected to a stable water source with adequate flow to prevent pump cavitation.

Using an angled underbody wand, begin at the front of the vehicle and work backward. Focus on the 'mud traps': the top of the chassis rails, inside the wheel arches, and behind the bumpers. Spend at least 10 minutes on this. You should see the runoff change from brown/sandy to clear. This removes the bulk of corrosive salt before it can be agitated.

Apply a thick layer of snow foam to the entire dry exterior. Starting from the bottom and working up allows the surfactants more 'dwell time' on the heaviest sand deposits. Let the foam dwell for 5-8 minutes, but do not allow it to dry. The foam encapsulates sand particles, lifting them away from the paint surface.

Rinse the foam off using a 40-degree nozzle held at least 30cm from the paint. Use a systematic overlapping motion. Focus heavily on window seals, door handles, and the gap between the windscreen and the bonnet, as these are primary collection points for coastal grit.

Apply the salt neutralising solution to the underbody and lower third of the vehicle panels. Unlike soap, this needs to sit for a few minutes to chemically convert salt crystals into a soluble form. This is a critical step for vehicles driven on beaches or coastal roads during high-surf periods.

Using a high-quality microfibre wash mitt, wash one panel at a time using the two-bucket method. Dunk the mitt in the soapy water, wash a panel, then thoroughly rinse the mitt in the 'rinse bucket' to drop any remaining grit. This prevents the 'swirl marks' often seen after beach trips.

Use a dedicated wheel brush to reach the inner barrel of the rims. Sand often accumulates here, throwing off wheel balance and causing vibrations at highway speeds. Use a stiff-bristled brush for the plastic wheel arch liners to dislodge stuck-on sand and mud.

Open all doors, the boot, and the fuel flap. Use a damp microfibre cloth to wipe away sand from the sills and hinges. These areas are often overlooked but are prime spots for salt-induced corrosion. Ensure the drain holes at the bottom of the doors are clear of sand blockage.

In the Australian outback or coastal areas, fine dust and salt film coat the engine. Use a damp cloth to wipe down plastic covers and hoses. Avoid direct high-pressure water on electrical components. A light mist followed by a dedicated engine bay dressing will help repel future dust.

For the interior, use a drill-brush attachment on the carpets. The vibration 'bounces' sand to the surface of the pile, making it easier to vacuum. Work in small 20cm x 20cm sections, vacuuming immediately after agitating. Repeat until no more sand appears when the carpet is patted.

Clean the interior and exterior glass with a dedicated glass cleaner. Lower the windows and wipe the top edge of the glass and the inner weatherstripping. Sand trapped here will scratch the tint or the glass itself if not removed.

Dry the vehicle using a large, high-GSM microfibre drying towel. Do not 'wipe' aggressively; instead, lay the towel flat and pat it to absorb water. Once dry, apply a sacrificial layer of spray sealant or wax to provide a barrier against UV radiation and help future sand slide off more easily.