Beach Hack: Master How to Get Sand Out of Swimsuit in Minutes

Key Takeaways

• From clever pre-swim rituals to smart beach hacks, we’ve got the inside scoop. Read on to learn how to keep your beach day blissfully sand-free.
• The secrets to maintaining your swimsuit’s color, shape, and comfort? Proper care can make all the difference – find out why in this article!

How Sand Gets in a Swimsuit

Understanding how to get sand out of swimsuit starts with knowing how it gets in:

• Fabric texture: Certain fabrics, especially those with textured surfaces, tend to trap sand more. The tiny grooves or patterns in the fabric can act like little pockets for sand grains to settle into.

Textured swimsuits can trap more sand

• Stretch factor: Wet swimsuit fabric stretches more, creating larger gaps where sand can enter. As it dries and contracts, it can trap sand particles inside.
• Fabric quality: Lower-quality materials may have looser weaves that make them more susceptible to sand penetration.

How to Get Sand Out of Swimsuits

Method #1: Shake off Your Bathing Suit

Do this right after you change so the sand doesn’t have a chance to dry completely and stay trapped among the fabric fibers. Start by finding a solid surface to stand on—the boardwalk, a changing area, or even a sturdy beach mat will do. Hold your swimsuit firmly by the waistband or straps, giving yourself plenty of room to maneuver.

Pro tip:  Let your swimsuit dry off a bit. Wet sand tends to cling more stubbornly to the material, so a few minutes of air drying can make a significant difference.

While it might be tempting to shake vigorously, the “How to get sand out of bathing suit” playbook will say otherwise. This practice can stretch or damage your swimsuit's fabric and seams. A firm but controlled shake is usually better.

A friendly, as-a-matter-of-fact reminder: be mindful of your surroundings as you shake. Maintaining a pleasant beach environment for everyone only takes a little consideration.

Method #2: Rinse Your Suit for 10 Minutes (With Cold Water)

Always use cold water for this step. It keeps the fabric fibers tight, preventing sand from getting trapped deeper.

Aim for a 10-minute rinse to ensure your suit has enough time to clean. Hold your swimsuit under a gentle stream of running water and give it a soft swish. This movement helps dislodge stubborn sand particles without being too rough on the fabric.

Don’t forget to turn your suit inside out during the rinse. This clever trick exposes all those hidden nooks and crannies where sand loves to hide, especially in seams and folds.

Method #3: Allow Your Suit to Dry Completely

For this step in how to get sand out of a swimsuit, air drying is your best bet—it’s gentle on the fabric and preserves your suit’s shape and elasticity. Skip the dryer to avoid damage.

Lay your swimsuit flat on a clean, dry towel instead of hanging it for best results. This method prevents stretching and maintains the suit’s form.

Air drying your bathing suits

There are two options for sunlight: Direct sun, which dries faster but can fade colors, and shade, which is gentler but slower. Choose based on your needs.

Generally, most swimsuits will dry completely in 4-6 hours under normal indoor conditions. Quick-drying materials, such as nylon-spandex blends, can be ready in 2-3 hours. On the other hand, denser fabrics or padded suits may take up to 8 hours or overnight.

Method #4: Give It Another Shake

This second shake removes any loose sand you might have missed earlier or loosened during the rinsing and drying process. Ensure your suit is fully dry before this step, as dry fabric releases sand more easily than damp material, as we’ve already established above.

Hold your suit by the waistband or straps and give it a firm but gentle shake. Pay extra attention to areas where sand often hides, like seams and folds. This final shake removes lingering sand particles and fluffs up the fabric, restoring its shape after drying.

Method #5: Use a Blow Dryer (on a Cool Setting)

This method might be helpful if you’re in a hurry or dealing with stubborn sand. But only use the cool setting on your dryer. Heat can harm the fibers of your swimwear, causing early wear and tear.

First things first, keep it at a safe distance (6-8 inches) from the fabric. A rule of thumb: if the air feels too hot on your hand, it’s too hot for your swimsuit.

Moving the dryer in a sweeping manner over the entire swimsuit can successfully remove sand.  Pay extra attention to seams, folds, and pockets where sand tends to hide. Gently move the fabric with your free hand to expose all areas to the airflow.

Note: limit this method to about 3-5 minutes to prevent over-drying, which can affect the suit’s elasticity.

Other Pro-Tips to Protect Your Bathing Suit from Sand

How to Avoid It Before It Happens

Before putting on your swimwear, apply sunscreen or talcum powder on your skin. This keeps sand from sticking to your skin and sunscreen from leaving a sticky surface on your suit that attracts sand. Following this religiously is how to prevent sand from getting in your swimsuit.

Applying sunscreen or powder before dressing to avoid sand penetration

Another handy tip is to wear a cover-up. When you're not in the water, a cover-up adds an extra layer between your swimsuit and the sand for walks or leisure time. Choose a lightweight, breathable cover-up that is simple to put on and take off so you can enjoy your beach day in style and without sand.

Use a Beach Towel

Start by creating a sand-free zone: lay out a large, thick towel and sprinkle water around its edges to create a sand-resistant barrier. When sitting or lying down, brush off excess sand from your body first so the zone stays sand-free.

When necessary, shake your towel as follows: Fold your towel in half twice lengthwise, then give it several sharp shakes away from yourself and others.

Use Beach Showers

Step into the shower and let the water wash over your entire body. Pay special attention to areas where sand collects, such as the edges of your swimsuit and between your toes.

Gently stretch pockets or folds under the water to flush out hidden sand. For maximum effectiveness, alternate between rinsing your body and your swimsuit. Take off your suit (if appropriate) and give it a good rinse under the shower as previously outlined.

Always Hand Wash Your Bathing Suit

Fill a washbasin or basin with lukewarm water and a small amount of gentle, swimwear-specific detergent. Gently dip your suit in and swirl it around, especially in places prone to sand accumulation, such as seams or pockets. This is undoubtedly the most environmentally friendly approach in how to get sand out of swimsuit lining. 

Avoid wringing or twisting the suit because it can harm the fibers and shape of your garment. Instead, gently squeeze soapy water through the material. Rinse thoroughly with cool water to remove all soap.

Hand washing your bathing suits

Then, place the suit flat on a clean towel and allow it to air dry.

Why Sand in Bathing Suits Can Be Problematic

Discomfort

Sand can collect in the lining, seams, and even where the fabric is stretched tight against your body. As you move, these sand particles shift and rub, constantly reminding you of their unwelcome presence. To no one’s surprise, that is not the most pleasant feeling on earth.

This can be painful in sensitive areas, making any activity, including walking, sitting, or even lying down on a beach blanket, less enjoyable than it should be. All the more reason to learn how to prevent sand from getting in your swimsuit.

Chafing

This happens when your skin rubs against the sand-filled fabric, causing irritation, redness, and sometimes painful abrasions. It commonly affects areas like underarms, thighs, and along the waistband.

Symptoms of chafing

To address chafing, apart from preventing sand from getting in your swimsuit in the first place, take these steps:

• Rinse immediately if you experience discomfort to eliminate sand particles and prevent further irritation.
• Dry the area with a soft towel. Avoid rubbing, as this might aggravate the inflammation.
• Apply a mild, fragrance-free moisturizer or aloe vera gel to calm irritated skin. In extreme situations, consider using an over-the-counter anti-chafing lotion or nappy rash ointment.
• Wear loose clothing to allow the injured area to heal without additional irritation.
• Staying hydrated can help your skin recover faster.
• Minimise further discomfort, keep the chafed area clean and dry, and avoid rubbing until the skin heals.

If chafing persists or worsens, with symptoms such as extreme pain, edema, or infection, seek medical attention. 

Skin Irritation/Infection

Just when you think things cannot get worse, the sand in your suit starts to host microscopic Coachella for bacteria and fungi—in other words, bad skin irritation.

Common conditions include folliculitis, heat rash, and, in more severe cases, staph infections. Sand can irritate sensitive or particular skin disorders such as eczema, causing flare-ups and chronic discomfort.

Sand can cause skin irritation

Treatment for infection is the same as chafing. Definitely visit a doctor if the symptoms persist after a few days or worsen (fever, swelling, pain, pus, etc.).

Swimsuit Wear and Tear

Sand particles are abrasive and can gradually wear away your swimsuit's fibers, causing the fabric to age prematurely. This wear and tear can emerge in a variety of ways:

• Pilling: The formation of small balls of fiber on the fabric's surface, giving it a worn and unattractive appearance.
• Stretching: Sand can penetrate the fibers, causing them to stretch and lose their shape-retaining properties.
• Color fading: Sand's abrasive nature can wear down the dyes in your swimsuit, resulting in faded or spotty coloration.
• Weakened seams: Sand can gather in your swimsuit's seams, increasing stress and potentially causing them to weaken or fall apart over time.
• Compromised functionality: Sand wear can cause a swimsuit to become see-through in specific spots or lose its capacity to provide enough covering and support.

The Importance of Proper Swimsuit Care

Caring for your swimsuit goes beyond just knowing how to get sand out of swimsuit lining. It’s an investment in comfort, style, and your wallet.

Proper swimsuit care can be beneficial

Proper care will considerably extend the life of your swimwear, saving you a lot of money.  It protects the suit's functionality by providing the required support and coverage for aquatic activities.

A well-maintained swimsuit retains its shape, color, and elasticity, keeping you looking and feeling great at the beach or pool. It also promotes better hygiene by preventing the build-up of bacteria and other microorganisms that can lead to skin irritations.

Moreover, proper care, including knowing how to remove sand from swimsuit, enhances your overall beach experience. A clean, sand-free swimsuit is more comfortable, allowing you to enjoy your time in the water thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get sand out of rash guards?

Shake the garment vigorously outdoors first. Then, rinse thoroughly with cool, fresh water, paying attention to seams and folds. Gently massage the fabric under running water to dislodge stubborn sand. Soak in cool water with mild detergent before rinsing and air drying for persistent sand.

Does salt water damage swimwear?

Yes, salt water can damage swimwear over time by fading colors and weakening elastic fibers. To minimize damage, rinse your swimsuit with fresh water immediately after use in salt water and wash gently with mild detergent.

Can I put sand clothes in the washing machine?

It’s not exactly how to get sand out of swimsuit effectively. Moreover, excess sand can damage the machine. Shake clothes thoroughly outdoors and rinse off as much sand as possible before machine washing. Use a gentle cycle with cold water and consider an extra rinse.

Does baby powder get rid of sand?

Yes, baby powder can help remove sand from the skin and some fabrics by absorbing moisture, making sand easier to brush off. This method works best on dry sand and skin but could be more effective in wet areas or for removing sand in the fabric.

Can sand ruin a dryer?

Yes, it can potentially damage a dryer by scratching the drum, clogging the lint filter, and accumulating in mechanical parts. Removing as much sand as possible before drying or opt for air-drying sandy items is best.