The best sand removers for beach trips

sand removers

by Arabella Horspool |
Updated on

Every parent who's ever taken their little one to the seaside knows that sand gets everywhere and can still be found weeks after the trip, but thankfully there are special sand removers on the market which can help you to get rid of sand as soon as you step foot off of the beach.

A sand remover can make reapplying the kids' sunscreen much easier and make their hands nice and clean, ready to go and eat an ice cream or enjoy lunch by the sea. Plus, they are particularly useful for children with sensory issues as the feeling of sand on their skin may be uncomfortable for them.

Editor's Choice:
Best for travelling: SavviSand Sand Removal
Best for fragrance: Original Beach Powder
Best for a multipack: Johnson's Baby Powder
Best multipurpose option: WANGDEFA Sand Remover Brush

From sand removal powders to brushes and sprays, there are plenty of products to try and once you see how effective they are you'll want to bring them on every beach trip (along with your beach towels and bucket and spade sets of course). We've rounded up a list of the ones that are actually worth your while; check them out below.

Best for travelling

Perfect for beach holidays, the SavviSand kit provides a pain-free way to get rid of unwanted sand. Simply use the brush to swipe away dry grains or squeeze the applicator to release some of the formula to get rid of wet sand.

Our digital deputy editor Stephanie tried out SavviSand and said: "This is such a great product. It makes moving sand after a day at the beach so much easier, especially between little toes and fingers. The applicator is easy to fill and has bristles sturdy enough to remove sand, while not being scratchy on the skin. I love the travel bag too, so you don’t end up with sand in your beach bag. The eucalyptus fragrance the formula is really lovely, it doesn’t irritate sensitive skin and it also doubles up as an insect repellent - bonus!”

Pros

  • Soft bristles
  • Lightweight applicator

Cons

  • Have to wash it out after use

Best for fragrance

This sand remover powder smells just like vanilla ice cream so you can keep the beach vibes alive as you travel home (sand-free of course). All you need to do is towel dry the area and then apply some of the powder then brush it away - just like magic.

One reviewer said: "This is a fab product! I was sceptical about this but it does exactly what it says on the tin. My kids make a fuss about sand at home time usually so they love this "magic powder" - they used it on themselves and hey presto the sand was gone! I didn't need to use much for their feet and toes so I reckon it will last a long time - what good value for money."

Pros

  • Vegan formula
  • Allergen-free

Cons

  • Some users say it's easy to accidentally spill it

Best for a multipack

Yes, you heard it here first: you can use baby or talcum powder to effectively remove sand as it works just like the other powders on the list. If you've run out, this pack of six should see you through many nappy changes and beach trips.

One reviewer said: "I personally think Johnson's baby powder is amazing for keeping a body cool without a horrid medicinal odour, as well as keeping you free of sticky perspiration (it's essential for feet or between toes to prevent soft corns. These particular size bottles are brilliant for packing into your suitcase."

Pros

  • Leaves skin feeling super soft
  • Great at minimising sweat

Cons

  • Some users say that the bottles aren't full

Best for a budget

sand remover
Price: £3.48 (was 9.99)

www.temu.com

Available in blue and pink, these mitts are easy to slip into your beach bag and bring out whenever they're needed. For For maximum results, why not pair it with one of the powders or sprays on our list?

One reviewer said: "They are very good, especially for the price I paid for them. I love how easy it is to use these mitts. They are a must-have; whenever I'm packing to go on holiday I always bring them with me."

Pros

  • Breathable mesh on one side
  • Elasticated strap

Cons

  • Only one per pack

Best multipurpose option

sand remover brush
Price: £7.99

Thanks to the cute sea-themed design, little ones will love using this brush to remove sand from their hands and feet. You can also use it in the car or on your beach chairs too, which is a bonus.

One reviewer said: "The best beach tool you never knew you needed! I thought I would use this to just dust my feet off, but it comes in handy all of the time!"

Pros

  • Wide
  • Great for furniture too

Cons

  • No long handle

Best for powder

Say goodbye to that itchy sandy feeling with a little shake of the Sand Away bottle. It absorbs the sand, allowing it to be brushed away within a few seconds. It comes in a convenient travel-sized bottle.

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Slides off quickly

Cons

  • May have to use a lot if covering your whole body

Things to consider when purchasing sand removers

Type - There are plenty of sand removers to choose from, so you must decide whether you would like to use a spray, powder or a brush or mitt.

Usage - Some sand removers are effective at dislodging sand from furniture and car seats, whilst others are more effective on skin. If you're using a spray or powder you may want to use a brush or beach towel to wipe it off.

Ingredients - Always check the ingredients before using a sand remover, as some may have chemicals that are not kind to your skin or the environment.

Size - You may want to opt for a small travel-size sand remover, particularly if you're going abroad and don't want to take up too much room in your family suitcase.

Does baby powder really help to remove sand?

If you're looking for a fast and effective way to remove stubborn sand from your body, talcum or baby powder is your best bet as it's not only easy to use but contains no nasty ingredients, making it ideal for babies and those with sensitive skin.

Arabella Horspool is a Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby at Bauer Media. She's a bookworm who enjoys cooking and spending time with her many pets.

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