What to Wash After the Beach: Towels, Swimsuits & Sand-Covered Everything
A great beach day ends with… a laundry pile. Between sunscreen stains, salty swimsuits, and damp towels that somehow trap a pound of sand, post-beach laundry needs a little extra care.
Here’s exactly what to wash after a beach day — and how to keep your clothes, suits, and towels fresh for the next one.
1. Rinse Everything ASAP (Yes, Everything)
Even if you’re not doing a full wash right away, rinsing out saltwater, chlorine, and sweat helps prevent odor and fabric damage. This includes:
Swimsuits
Beach towels
Coverups
Rash guards
Hats or tote bags that got wet
Toss them in the sink or shower for a quick rinse with cold water. Then squeeze out the water gently and hang them to air dry if you’re not washing immediately.
2. Swimsuits Need Special Care
Swimwear fabric is delicate — it doesn’t like heat, detergent overload, or wringing.
Here’s what to do:
Hand wash or machine wash in a mesh bag
Use cold water and a swim-safe detergent
Never wring out or put in the dryer
Lay flat on a towel to dry (not over a hanger)
Favorite products:
3. Get the Sand Out of Your Towels
Towels love to hold onto sand — especially the thick, plush ones.
Try this:
Shake towels vigorously outdoors before bringing them in
Let them dry completely, then shake again
Wash in warm water with a splash of vinegar (no fabric softener)
Tumble dry with dryer balls to help lift out the last of the grit
Bonus: Quick-dry towels made for the beach are easier to clean and less clingy with sand.
Another option here.
4. Wash That Beach Bag
If your tote or wet/dry bag got hit with sunscreen, sand, or mystery spills — don’t forget to clean it out.
For machine-washable fabric bags: cold water, gentle cycle, air dry
For canvas: spot clean with mild detergent
For plastic-lined bags: wipe out with a damp cloth and vinegar
Pro tip: Keep a wet/dry zip bag in your beach tote so your clean clothes and electronics don’t end up smelling like surf wax.
5. Don’t Forget to Wash Your Hat
Salt and sweat love to settle into hats. If yours is washable:
Spot clean the sweatband area
Use a hat cage if machine washing *PS. These look hilarious but get the job done for your baseball caps.
Air dry in shape — not in direct sun (it can cause fading)
Final Takeaway
The beach is great — but what it leaves behind isn’t. With a few simple steps (and the right products), your towels will stay fluffy, your suits will last longer, and you won’t find sand in your washing machine next week - trust me, it sucks if you do.