Salt air, sand, and UV exposure are brutal on beach equipment. A little maintenance after each trip — and proper off-season storage — can double or triple the life of your gear. Here's what to do.
Beach Chairs
Need a durable chair that handles salt and sand? Check out the Yestomo Beach Chair with Backpack Straps — lightweight, rust-resistant, and easy to carry.
- After each trip: Shake out sand, wipe down aluminum frames with a damp cloth
- Deep clean (monthly): Mix mild soap with warm water, scrub fabric and frame, rinse thoroughly
- Never: Leave wet chairs folded up — mold develops fast in trapped moisture
- Storage: Store fully dry in a cool, dry place. Hang or stand upright to prevent frame stress
- Rust spots: Sand lightly with fine-grit sandpaper and apply clear coat or rust inhibitor
Coolers
Looking for a reliable beach cooler? The Rexmica Insulated Cooler Bag is leakproof, portable, and keeps ice for hours.
- After each trip: Empty completely, wash interior with baking soda solution (2 tbsp per quart of water)
- Odor removal: Leave open in sun for a few hours, then store with the lid cracked open
- Gaskets and zippers: Wipe gaskets clean. Apply zipper lubricant (like Gear Aid Zipper Lubricant) to waterproof zippers
- Storage: Store with lid open to prevent mildew. Never store with food residue inside
- Ice packs: Wash with soap and water, dry completely before refreezing or storing
Umbrellas & Shade Structures
- After each trip: Let dry completely before folding — even 30 minutes of trapped moisture causes mildew
- Fabric cleaning: Brush off sand, spot-clean with mild soap, rinse, air dry
- Poles and joints: Wipe down, check for cracks or bends
- Storage: Store in carry case in a dry area. Avoid heavy objects on top
Beach Blankets & Towels
- After each trip: Shake vigorously to remove sand, machine wash on gentle cycle
- Don't: Use fabric softener on microfiber towels — it clogs the fibers and reduces absorbency
- Drying: Air dry or tumble dry on low. High heat damages synthetic fibers
- Sand-free blankets: Check the Wekapo-style blankets for torn stitching around anchor points
Water Bottles
Keep drinks cold all day at the beach with an S'well Stainless Steel Insulated Bottle — triple-layered vacuum insulation keeps drinks cold for 36 hours.
- Daily: Rinse with warm water after each use
- Weekly: Clean with bottle brush and mild dish soap
- Deep clean: Fill with warm water + 1 tbsp baking soda, let sit overnight, rinse
- Lids and straws: Disassemble and clean all parts — gunk hides in seals and straw crevices
End-of-Season Checklist
- ☑ Inspect all gear for damage — repair or replace before next season
- ☑ Deep clean everything per the guides above
- ☑ Apply rust inhibitor to metal parts
- ☑ Lubricate all zippers and moving parts
- ☑ Store everything dry and covered
- ☑ Make a list of what needs replacing — buy in the off-season for better prices
Spending 30 minutes on maintenance after your last beach trip of the season saves hundreds in replacement costs. Take care of your gear, and it'll take care of you next summer.