How to Store and Maintain Your Beach Gear for Next Summer

While we may find the beach relaxing, the elements at play near the ocean are rough on our equipment. The salt and coarse sand take their toll, so taking the time to clean, inspect, and store your essentials between beach seasons protects your investment and ensures everything is ready for another season of sun and salt air. A few thoughtful steps now can add years to your gear’s life and make that first warm day back on the sand feel effortless. 

Caring for Your Beach Chairs

As the first thing you unfold when you arrive and the last thing you pack up at the end of the day, your beach chair is the heart of your beach setup. You’ll want to make sure your sandy throne is well taken care of so you don’t dust it off next year to find some rents in the fabric or a broken folding mechanism. 

While many beach chairs are designed to be disposable and make repairs and maintenance a pain, luxury beach chair options like SUNFLOW’s Tall Sand Dune, Shore Thing, and High Tide chairs are built to last. Their designs make maintenance simple, so a few minutes of scrubbing and spraying should be all you need to keep our chairs good as new for years on end.

Before storing your chairs for the fall and winter months, take a few minutes to clean and protect them. Begin by shaking out any sand that has settled into creases or hinges, then use mild detergent and warm water to give it a deeper clean. For frames, wipe down aluminum or metal components with soapy water, then rinse and dry completely.

To keep your chairs in their best working order, SUNFLOW recommends the Ballistol Maintenance Spray. Ballistol is a biodegradable, non-toxic oil that neutralizes salt and prevents corrosion without harming rubber or skin. A light coat before storage will help your chair open smoothly and resist the elements for years to come.

Once everything is clean and dry, store your chairs in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Hang them on wall racks or place them under breathable covers to prevent pressure marks or fading. A well-cared-for chair is ready to return to the beach the moment the weather calls for it without any nasty surprises.

Protecting Beach Umbrellas and Cabanas

Beach umbrellas and cabanas are among the most common beach items damaged during long-term storage. Many umbrellas use thin metal or plastic ribs to extend the fabric when opened. These ribs are often fragile. Cabanas are more durable but should also be maintained with care.

Brush off loose sand before cleaning, then wash the canopy with a mild soap and water solution. Rinse thoroughly to remove all residue and allow it to dry completely in a shaded area before closing.

Inspect the pole, hinges, and ribs for wear or corrosion. Apply lubricant to crank mechanisms and moving joints. When everything is dry, store upright in a protective cover in a cool, dry location away from direct sun. Ensuring the umbrella is secure and won’t be accidentally knocked over is probably the best protection you can give it. 

Most cabanas include a carrying case that doubles as storage. Make sure that your cabana is dry before returning it to its storage case to avoid mildew or water damage.

Maintaining Surfboards and Boogie Boards

Surfboards and boogie boards require a little more maintenance to keep them in tip-top shape. To preserve their performance and appearance, it’s essential to give them a little attention before storing them for the off-season.

Start by removing all wax with a plastic scraper and rinse away any salt residue with fresh water. Salt crystals left on the surface are corrosive and can eat away at finishes over time. Wash with mild soap and a soft sponge, making sure to clean the fins and fin boxes thoroughly.

Before storage, inspect for any cracks, dings, or soft spots. Even minor damage can worsen over time and lead to delamination. Once repairs are complete, store boards on padded surfaces and make sure they avoid excessive heat, humidity, and direct sunlight, all of which can warp or discolor the surface.

Deep Cleaning Beach Coolers

The trusty beach cooler is easy to store, but the beating it takes rolling around on the sand and the fact that it carts around spoilable food means some deep cleaning is in order. Empty it completely and rinse away any debris or food residue with a garden hose. 

Clean the interior using a mixture of mild dish soap and baking soda, which neutralizes odors while lifting stains. For deeper sanitation (especially after storing raw food), you should use a diluted bleach solution to sterilize inside surfaces.

Allow the cooler to air dry completely before closing it, as the vacuum seal will turn the inside into a moldy wonderland. When storing, keep the lid slightly propped open to allow airflow and avoid musty smells. Adding an open box of baking soda inside helps maintain freshness, so your cooler is ready to keep drinks crisp and lunches cool next summer.

Refreshing Beach Towels

Beach towels deserve better than just being stuffed in a bag for months on end. To keep them soft and absorbent, you’ll need to give them the same attention you’d give any other summer essential.

Shake out sand before washing, as it can damage both washing machines and fibers once wet. Launder towels separately in warm water with mild detergent, adding a half-cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to remove salt and refresh the fabric. Skip fabric softeners (they reduce absorbency and most contain potentially harmful chemicals, anyway) and dry towels completely before storage to prevent mildew.

Store rolled towels in a dry, ventilated space. Avoid sealed plastic bins, which trap moisture, and instead choose breathable canvas bags or open shelving. For a subtle touch of freshness, add lavender sachets or cedar blocks to your storage space. Next summer, they’ll emerge clean, soft, and ready for the sand once again.

Preparing for Next Summer

Spending an hour or two caring for your beach essentials now ensures you won’t have to make yet another expensive and lengthy trip to the outdoor store next summer. Proper cleaning and storage preserve both the function and beauty of your gear and saves you money in the long run.

When next summer arrives, your gear will be waiting, clean and ready, just as you left it. A beach trip should be relaxing, and nothing is quite as relaxing as knowing everything you need is in working order and waiting for you.