There are many techniques for cleaning beach sand that you intend to use for craft projects. You can sift it to remove stones and other residues; to get rid of the organic material and silty sediments you need to rinse it instead. If you need sterilized sand, try putting it in a hot oven for 45 minutes; if you want to remove the salt, simmer it in water and then pour it into an American coffee filter. After a trip to the beach, use the showers of the equipped beaches, rinse the toys and other objects before getting in the car to avoid bringing the sand into the house. In extreme cases, remember that baby powder is perfect for taking it off the skin. If other remedies fail to produce satisfactory results, use a handheld vacuum to clean the cabin and house.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Cleaning the Sand for Craft Projects
Step 1. Collect twice as much sand as you need
It is likely that some part will be lost during the cleaning process; for this reason, take double the dose of what you calculated for the project. This way, you will be sure you have enough even after washing.
Step 2. Sift it to remove stones and debris
If you have an old colander or sieve, you can use it to remove all foreign bodies; alternatively, you can use a container and some tulle. Secure the fabric to the opening of the container using a rubber band, then pour the sand through the sheet.
Step 3. Rinse away the organic material and all unwanted particles
The sand on the beach is full of dirt such as shell fragments, microscopic organisms, silt and other small debris; to get rid of it, fill a bucket with water to half its capacity. Gradually add the sand while stirring and continue in this way for a few minutes; when finished, slowly discard the liquid.
- Go slowly to avoid throwing away too much sand.
- Repeat rinsing until the water you throw away is clear.
Step 4. Sanitize it in the oven
For a really thorough cleaning, you can "bake" the sand in the oven after washing it. Try to drain as much liquid as possible and then transfer the sand to dripping pans; set the oven to 150 ° C and sterilize the material for 45 minutes.
- The sand of the beaches teems with microscopic living organisms. If you have to make something that you intend to handle a lot, like kinetic sand, you should sterilize it.
- If you wish to use sand for a home hermit crab habitat, you should sanitize it so as not to expose the animal to fungi or bacteria.
Step 5. Remove the salt by simmering it in water
Transfer it to a large pot and add enough water to cover it. Heat the pan on the stove until the contents begin to simmer, reduce the heat or add more water if it starts to boil briskly; wait a few minutes for the salt to dissolve, remove the pot from the heat and use a large filter for American coffee to collect the sand.
- Attach the filter to a large jar with a wide opening using a rubber band; in this way, you should be able to separate the solid part from the salt water. Be careful when handling the hot pot and let the water cool until it reaches an acceptable temperature.
- If you want to mix sand with paint, you should remove the salt before proceeding, as this substance can corrode the canvas or paper over time.
Method 2 of 2: Cleaning Up the Sand after a Trip to the Beach
Step 1. Cover the seats and trunk of the car with old sheets
By preventing sand from getting into the cracks between the seats and the rear of the car you save yourself the hassle of a thorough cleaning after a day at the beach. Before you leave the house, take some old sheets and coat the interior surfaces.
On your return, carefully remove the towels, hang them to dry, then shake them to get rid of the sand and wash them
Step 2. Rinse the sanded items off before leaving the beach
If the area is equipped with showers or taps, try to remove as much sand as possible before getting into the car. Take a shower and rinse your feet, chairs, toys and all other items; if possible, do it while you are still on the beach, then change your clothes and place the wet swimsuits in plastic bags.
If there are no showers or taps, you can bring a tub or basin from home; fill it with water and rinse sanded feet and toys before getting into the car
Step 3. Use baby powder
If the beach is not equipped with showers or you don't want to use them, sprinkle your legs, feet, arms and all the areas covered up with talcum powder; when finished, rub them with a towel.
Talc works best if the skin is dry
Step 4. Hang sanded items outdoors when you get home
Despite all your efforts, it is very likely that some sand has stuck to the body, objects and spread around the house. To prevent this from happening, do not bring towels, bags and other beach items into the home, especially if they are damp; instead hang them outdoors and shake them when dry.
- When beach items, such as beach towels, are dry it is easier to clean them.
- Try painting a drying rack the same color as the exterior walls of the house and attach it to a wall that faces the back garden. You can use it to hang towels on them to dry or to rinse deck chairs or flip flops.
Step 5. Determine an area to change clothes
Create an intimate but external "dressing room" by hanging sheets on a clothesline in the garden or patio. If this is not possible and people have to change inside, choose a room near the entrance; have sheets or towels on the ground to retain as much sand as possible.
If everyone changes their clothes at the beach, the house is more likely to stay clean
Step 6. Wash the costume by hand
Put it in the sink and rinse it with cold water; then fill the sink with more cold water and a teaspoon of neutral detergent. Leave the swimsuit to soak for 15 minutes, drain the water and remove all traces of soap.
If you wash the sanded swimsuit in the washing machine, you can contaminate the appliance and damage the swimsuit itself, especially the women's one
Step 7. Use a portable vacuum cleaner
If the other remedies haven't worked well (which is quite likely), you need to use a vacuum cleaner to clean the floors or the car. The best tool to use is a cordless handheld vacuum cleaner that is able to penetrate corners, reach the bottom of the beach bag, and since it doesn't have the hindrance of cables, you can also use it in the car.
