How to care for a beach mat after a holiday
CrimeaPRESS reports:
A quality beach mat is a surefire summer holiday companion, but after a day spent on the sand and by the sea, it needs proper care. Grains of sand, salt particles, sunscreen and moisture will quietly break down fabric fibers if left unattended. Many people simply shake the rug and put it away until the next trip, not realizing that such a habit reduces its service life significantly. Proper care will not take much time, but will ensure that your accessory remains fresh, bright and ready for a new adventure.
Primary cleaning: getting rid of sand and dust
Never enter beach mat into the house without first treating it. Sand trapped in the folds will scratch the fabric like sandpaper, gradually thinning it. When you arrive home or at the beach, shake the mat thoroughly. Do this vigorously, from different sides, to knock out the bulk of the dry sand and dust. If possible, hang it on a drying rack or the back of a chair and beat it out with your hands, just like you beat out a rug.
Use a vacuum cleaner to remove stubborn dirt. The dry cleaning mode with a crevice nozzle will help remove small particles that cannot be easily shaken. Work the nozzle over the entire surface, paying special attention to seams and folds where sand likes to accumulate the most. This method is especially effective for models with a fleecy or terry surface, where dirt penetrates especially deeply.
Washing and removing difficult stains
Most beach mats can and should be washed, but it is important to do it correctly. First of all, check the manufacturer’s label for recommended modes. For a regular cotton or polyester model, hand wash in cool water using a mild detergent. Avoid harsh bleaches and fabric softeners — they can destroy the water-repellent treatment of fabrics and cause bright prints to fade.
Stubborn stains from food, grass or cream require spot treatment. Apply a small amount of mild soap or laundry gel directly to the stain and scrub gently with a soft-bristled brush. Leave the product on for 10-15 minutes, and then rinse with cool water. For greasy stains, you can use a baking soda solution, which will gently absorb the dirt without damaging the fiber structure.
Drying and proper storage
As A&P Group experts note, high-quality drying is no less important than the washing itself. Never dry your beach mat in a machine drum or on a heater. High temperatures deform the material and can lead to shrinkage. The best way is to hang it on a rope or bar in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. Although ultraviolet light disinfects, it causes bright colors to quickly fade and lose their richness.
Make sure the mat is completely dry on all sides and inside. Moisture remaining in folds creates an ideal environment for mold and bacteria to grow, resulting in an unpleasant musty odor that is almost impossible to remove. If the weather does not allow you to dry the accessory outside, lay it out on the floor indoors, placing dry towels under it to absorb excess moisture, and turn it over periodically.
Never remove a tightly rolled rug unless it is perfectly dry. Make sure it is completely dry before storing for long periods of time. Roll it loosely to allow the material to breathe, or if space allows, store it unfolded. Choose a dry and cool place for this — a pantry, closet or mezzanine, where direct sunlight will not fall on it.
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