Ultimate Beach and Coastal Decontamination Guide

Ensure the vehicle has cooled for at least 60 minutes. Spraying cold water on hot brake rotors or exhaust manifolds can cause warping or cracking. Position the vehicle on a concrete pad with a slight incline if possible to assist with underbody drainage. Avoid working on grass as the salt runoff will kill the lawn.

Before applying any water, use a soft-bristled brush or compressed air to remove loose, dry sand from window seals, door jambs, and the engine bay. Adding water to dry sand immediately turns it into a 'sludge' that can be harder to remove from tight crevices.

Prepare your salt neutraliser in a 1:10 ratio for heavy deposits or follow the manufacturer's instruction for a venturi-style applicator. Mix your snow foam solution (typically 100ml concentrate to 900ml warm water) to ensure maximum cling-time on the vertical panels.

Don protective eyewear and waterproof footwear. Underbody cleaning involves significant blowback of sand, salt, and grease. Ensure you are working in a shaded area or under a marquee, as Australian UV will dry chemicals onto the paint almost instantly.

Begin with a high-volume, low-pressure flush of the entire undercarriage using a garden hose. Focus on the 'cups' in the control arms, the tops of the fuel tank, and the chassis rails. The goal is to saturate and loosen packed sand before using high pressure.

Insert a hose or specialized chassis flushing tool into the factory drainage holes of the frame. Run water until it flows clear from the rear. In many 4x4s, sand accumulates in the rear kick-up of the chassis; keep flushing until no sediment is felt in the runoff.

Use a 40-degree nozzle on your pressure washer. Clean behind the brake calipers, the coils of the springs, and the upper shock mounts. These are heat-heavy areas where salt bonds quickly. Ensure you clear the inside lip of the fender flares.

Apply your salt neutralising solution to the entire underbody. Allow it to dwell for 5-10 minutes (do not let it dry). This chemical step is vital as it breaks the ionic bond between the salt and the metal, which water alone cannot do.

Cover the alternator and air intake. Use a gentle mist to rinse salt spray from the engine bay. Use a diluted APC (All-Purpose Cleaner) on plastic covers. Salt often enters through the grille at high speeds and coats the radiator fins; rinse these carefully from the inside out.

Apply a thick layer of snow foam to the entire vehicle, starting from the bottom and working up. This allows the surfactants to dwell on the dirtiest areas longest. The foam encapsulates sand particles, allowing them to slide off the paint without scratching.

While the foam dwells, use a soft detailing brush to agitate window seals, fuel filler caps, door hinges, and badges. These areas trap salt spray which later causes 'weeping' rust streaks. Pay special attention to the roof rack mounts and snorkel joins.

Rinse the foam, then perform a contact wash using the two-bucket method (one for soapy water, one for rinsing the mitt). Use a high-lubricity Australian car wash soap. Wash in straight lines, never circles, to minimize visible swirl marks from any remaining grit.

Apply a dedicated iron remover/fallout cleaner to the lower thirds of the vehicle. Coastal areas often have high mineral content in the air. Follow this with a final pass of salt neutraliser over the paintwork to ensure no microscopic salt remains.

Run a clay mitt over the lubricated glass and paint. You will likely hear a 'gritty' sound—this is the clay pulling out embedded sand and salt crystals. Continue until the surface feels glass-smooth. This is essential before applying any wax or sealant.

Dry the vehicle using a high-quality 1000gsm microfibre drying towel. Use a leaf blower or compressed air to blow water out of wing mirrors, door handles, and light housings. Standing water in these areas, mixed with lingering salt, is a primary cause of corrosion.

Apply a ceramic sealant or high-grade wax with UV inhibitors. In 40°C+ heat, a standard carnauba wax may melt off within days. Use a synthetic sealant (like Bowden’s Own Bead Machine) which offers better thermal resistance against the Australian sun.