The last swim is done. The towels are damp, there’s sand in the car and everyone’s thinking about dinner. Putting the beach gear away properly can wait, surely?

Give it a little attention when you get home. A chair dried before folding and an umbrella put away clean are a much better start to the next beach day.

Caring for beach equipment doesn’t need to become a project. Start with the instructions for your particular gear, then build a simple routine around them.

A quick rinse before heading home

I give the bucket and spade, snorkels and beach cricket gear a quick rinse to get the sand off. My feet get the same treatment before I hop in the car. A little sand belongs at the beach; it doesn’t all need to come home with us.

First, take everything out of the car

Empty the bag and cooler. Separate damp towels and swimmers from the dry things. Remove loose sand gently, especially around moving parts, seams and zips.

Let wet gear dry fully in a suitable, ventilated place before putting it into storage. A carry bag is handy for transport; it won’t dry a damp chair or umbrella for you.

Beach chairs: look after the moving parts

Check the frame, hinges and fabric before folding the chair away. Remove sand without forcing the mechanism. If it feels stiff, find the cause and consult the care instructions rather than adding oil or lubricant at random.

Whether your chair is from Sunday Supply Co., Sabulo or SunnyLife, use the cleaning method approved for that model. Don’t assume a metal frame makes the whole chair suitable for hosing down, or that a removable fabric part can go into the washing machine.

Allow it to dry fully before folding. If you spot damage to the frame or locking mechanism, stop using the chair and ask the supplier about the appropriate next step.

Umbrellas and cabanas: dry before the bag

For an umbrella from Sunday Supply Co. or SunnyLife, start with that model’s instructions. Do the same for any cabana. Brush away loose sand gently and check the fabric, pole and anchoring parts. Spot-clean only as the manufacturer advises; fabric finishes and materials vary.

Let the canopy and other components dry before packing. Store your shade somewhere dry and protected between outings. Gear made for a day on the beach isn’t necessarily made to stay outside all season.

Keep its instructions and accessories together. Next time, you’ll spend less time hunting for the part you need.

Towels: follow the label, not a universal recipe

If you have a Hommey towel, let its care label guide you. The same applies to towels from SunnyLife or any other maker: cotton, towelling blends and lightweight beach fabrics can have different requirements. Shake off loose sand and check the washing temperature, detergent guidance and drying instructions on the label.

Don’t add bleach or fabric softener unless the care guidance permits it. Make sure towels are fully dry before stacking them away.

If you’re replacing one, compare the care requirements as well as the colour and feel in our beach towel collection.

Bags and coolers: empty, clean, dry

Take out food, rubbish and wet clothing after each trip. For bags from Aloha Brands or Eau, check the care instructions for the actual fabric and construction. Do the same for any SunnyLife bag or cooler. Clean as instructed and leave it open to dry before storage; a beach bag, insulated cooler and waterproof bag won’t necessarily share a cleaning method.

Before the next beach day:

• Check frames, seams, zips and straps.
• Make sure shade accessories are together.
• Check that everything is clean and dry.
• Sort out any damage before you leave.

Keep the favourites going

A familiar chair and a towel you’ve had for years can be part of what makes a beach day feel like yours. Caring for them is worth a few minutes at home.

If something needs replacing, start with the missing piece. Browse beach chairs, beach shade or beach bags, or ask us through the Boatshed7 website if you need help finding the right care information.

Then you’re ready for another afternoon by the water.