How to Wash Swimsuits so they Last Longer

Whether you are a competitive swimmer or want to relax by the pool, finding the perfect swimsuit is one of life's perfect moments. Now that you've located the ideal swimsuit, how you care for it will determine how well it retains its shape and color. Fabrics in bathing suits take a beating from chlorine and other pool chemicals, sunscreen, salt and sweat, and sand, but with proper care and washing, you can keep your suit looking new all season long. 

Even if you don't use it in the water, you should still wash your swimsuit after each wear. Ingredients in sunscreens can harm the fabric and eventually cause it to break down. Additionally, some SPFs are more harmful than others. If you do not wash your swimwear correctly, using lotions and oils containing minerals can cause them to gradually yellow or stain the fabric over time. 

The elasticity of swimwear comes from spandex fibers, which are easily damaged and discolored by chlorine and sweat. Swimming suits are best cared for by promptly being rinsed in cold water after use. To avoid further fabric damage, you can load a sink with lukewarm water and soak it for 30 minutes to wash away harmful chemicals and body soil. Prepare for the travel home from the pool or beach by packing clean water and your swimwear in a leak-proof plastic bag or compact container.

ALSO READ: What to Consider Before Buying A Swimsuit

How to Hand-Wash a Swimsuit

Hand washing is preferable to machine washing a swimsuit because it is kinder to the fabric and less likely to cause stretching. To clean your workout clothes, fill the sink with warm water and use a mild detergent like Hex Performance Laundry Detergent. A swimsuit only needs a teaspoon of detergent to be thoroughly cleaned. White vinegar has deodorizing and antibacterial properties and is a go-to alternative to detergent in a pinch.

You should wear swimwear inside out. Scrub necklines and other potential sunscreen-staining areas with a small amount of laundry detergent on a soft-bristled nylon brush (an old toothbrush works great for this). For a few minutes, gently squeeze the suit while swishing it in the sudsy water.

Please remove the soapy water and replace it with fresh, cool water to rinse the swimsuit. Don't wring; squeeze the water out. Swimwear should be rolled in a terrycloth towel to absorb excess water or hung in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight to prevent color fading. You should install a fan to fasten the drying process. High temperatures in the dryer can irreparably harm the fabric, so you should probably avoid using it.

How to Machine-Wash a Swimsuit

We recommend that the swimsuit be machine washed with other similar synthetic fabrics. You can remove sunscreen stains from your swimsuit by turning it inside out and treating the stained areas with a small amount of mild detergent. It's best to wash the suit in a mesh laundry bag to avoid snagging and stretching. Please wash in cold water with a mild detergent and a gentle cycle. Once the swimwear cycle is complete, take it out of the bag and hang it up to dry.

Don't Do These Things:

• Please don't leave a swimsuit in the water all night, as it might loosen the fibers.
• Avoid allowing a swimsuit to dry in the sun. It could lead to fading.
• Don't dry your swimsuit in the dryer. The heat reduces the spandex's elasticity. The same logic applies to why you shouldn't use a hot tub while wearing your favorite bikini.
• Never dry a swimsuit by hanging it from a metal rod. The garment's shape may change if you hang it, and the metal rod may leave a permanent rust mark.
• Don't sit in your swimsuit on uneven ground. The swimsuit material gets snagged by the wood from the lounge chairs or the concrete next to the pool. Always spread out a towel before sitting.