Splash into Swimsuit Care: How to Wash Swimsuits Like a Pro

Key Takeaways

• Discover why rinsing your bathing suit before and after each swim can make such a big difference in preserving its quality.
• We all know hand washing is gentle on the fabric, yet machine washing is much more convenient. Read on to learn when and how to do each type of swimsuit care.
• While the sun may be great for tans, it’s not so kind to your swimsuit. Find out why you should avoid drying them under the sunlight.

How Often to Wash a Swimsuit

Before learning how to wash swimsuits, learning how frequently you should do so can be helpful. In standard conditions, strive to wash your swimsuit every 3-5 wears for a proper clean.

However, if you’ve been in a chlorine pool, wash immediately with mild soap. If left uncleaned for too long, chlorine can eat away at the fabric, compromising its integrity. Similarly, sand and salt can be pretty rough, too, so be mindful and give it a good rinse after a beach day.

If you’re a frequent swimmer (we’re talking 3+ times a week), you can get away with thorough rinses between full washes. Just keep an eye (and nose) out for signs that it needs a wash sooner.

How to Hand-wash Swimsuits

Hand-cleaning bathing suits is always safer than washing them in the washer. It is gentle on your suit's fabric, shape, and color. The only downside is that you have to work for it, but given how long your swimsuit would be in an ideal state, the trade-off is worth the effort!

Preparations

• Hands: Wash your hands and make sure they’re squeaky clean and free from lotions or oils. You wouldn’t want unnecessary dirt on your suit’s fabric.
• Swimsuit accessories: Detach removable accessories, if there are any, from your bathing suits before washing. This step ensures no harm is done to the accessories or fabric while ensuring that water and detergent reach every area.
• Water temperature: Use cool to lukewarm water to prevent fiber breakdown and color fading. NEVER use hot water, as it can damage the fabric’s elasticity and accelerate wear.
• Detergent: Regular laundry detergent is way too harsh for your delicate swimwear, so you know what to avoid. Go for a mild, swimsuit-specific detergent or a gentle hand soap. Some recommendations are Splash Swimsuit Detergent and SWIM™ Swimsuit Cleaner by Molly’s Suds.
• For a natural alternative, consider a mixture of white vinegar and water. 

Use mild detergents to wash swimsuits

Steps to Hand-wash Your Swimsuit

• Pre-soak: Fill the sink with cool water and detergent. Allow the swimsuit to soak for 15–30 minutes. This step is intended to loosen dirt, body oils, and sunscreen residue.
• Gentle wash: Gently squeeze and press the fabric to clean it after soaking. Remember, we’re being gentle here – no wringing or twisting allowed! Pay close attention to areas that tend to get extra sweaty or oily, such as straps and underarm regions.
• Rinse: Rinse thoroughly with cool, clean water until it runs clear. Remember this when you learn how to clean a swimsuit effectively. We want to make sure there’s no soap left behind. Soap can irritate your skin and damage the fabric over time.

Rinse bathing suit after washing

• Remove excess water: Gently squeeze the swimsuit without wringing. Place it flat on a clean, light-colored towel and blot to absorb moisture. Don’t roll it up in the towel if you don’t want it to lose shape.
• Air dry: Instead of hanging it, lay it flat on a clean towel, preferably in the shade. This section provides more on air drying.

Special Care for Structured Swimsuits

For padded or structured swimsuits, reshape cups or padding while damp. Smooth out any linings so they dry flat and keep their shape – your future self will thank you when you put it on next time!

How to Machine Wash a Swimsuit

Generally, swimwear experts advise against machine washing for several reasons. It stretches out swimsuits, fades colors, damages padding, etc. So before deciding to do it anyway, remember to check the care label first.

Always check care label first

Once you’re done, do these, and voilà, you’re now a pro at how to wash swimsuits in washing machine:

• Prepare the swimsuit: Turn it inside out and ALWAYS place it in a mesh laundry bag to protect it from snagging or excessive stretching.
• Load the washer: Put the bagged swimsuits in the washing machine, as one does when you do any type of laundry. If washing with other items, only include similarly delicate, lightweight items.
• Add detergent: Use a little mild, swimsuit-specific detergent or a gentle, unscented liquid detergent. AVOID fabric softeners and bleach.
• Set the cycle: Choose the gentlest cycle available, typically “delicate” or “hand wash,” and set the water temperature to cold.
• Air dry: When the wash cycle is done, take the swimsuit out immediately.  Gently squeeze out the water (no twisting or wringing!), and lay it flat to air dry away from direct sunlight—more on this in the next section.

How to Dry Swimsuits

• Gentle squeeze: After washing, gently squeeze out the excess water. Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric since it will harm the fibers and stretch out your swimsuit.
• Towel blotting: Put your swimsuit flat on a clean, dry towel. Wrap the towel around the swimsuit, pressing lightly to absorb any excess moisture. Unroll and repeat with a new towel if necessary.
• Flat drying: Lay your swimsuit flat to air dry instead of hanging it by the straps. This causes stretching, misshaping, and inevitably, a very sad-looking bathing suit. If you must hang it, drape it over a drying rack or shower rod might work better.

Drape swimsuits over racks

• Avoid direct sunlight: ALWAYS dry your swimsuit in a covered, well-ventilated environment. Direct sunlight can fade colors and break down elastic fibers.
• No heat sources: A common question is, “Can you put swimsuits in the dryer?” Sadly, no. Heat can significantly damage the fabric and elastic, so tossing them in the dryer or near a heater is a no-go.
• Reshape when damp: Gently adjust any padded parts or smooth out wrinkles to keep the swimsuit in the right shape.
• Indoor drying: When possible, dry your swimsuit indoors to protect it from outside elements such as dust, pollen, or unexpected rain.
• Patience is key: Allow your swimwear to dry completely before wearing or storing it. It may take a day or two, but trust us when we say it’s worth the wait!
• Storage after drying: Once completely dried, keep your swimsuit flat in a cool, dry place. Avoid folding it in ways that create unappealing sharp creases.

How to Reduce Fading

• Immediate rinse: The number one tip for how to keep swimsuits from fading is to give your swimsuit a quick rinse in cool water after a swim. This rinsing session washes away chlorine and salt that can dull your suit’s colors.
• Gentle detergents: Wash your swimsuit using a gentle, swimwear-specific detergent. Harsh soaps can strip away those fabulous colors.
• No direct sunlight when drying: ALWAYS dry your swimsuit in the shade. Direct sunlight bleaches materials and causes colors to fade quickly.
• Alternate between swimsuits: Give each one a vacation from chlorine and saltwater, notorious for fading swimwear.
• Turn inside out for washing and drying: This practice can protect the outer fabric from sun and soap.

Turn inside out for the best swimsuit care effect

• No hot water and high heat: Wash your swimsuit in cold water and avoid using dryers or other heat sources. Heat can fade colors and weaken the fabric.
• Sunscreen before swimwear: Certain brands of sunscreen can discolor or degrade swimwear. Therefore, apply sunscreen and allow it to soak in before putting on your swimsuit, and everyone will be happy. 

How to Treat Stains on a Swimsuit

• Act quickly: Give it a quick rinse with cool water when you notice a stain before it moves in permanently.
• Gentle scrub: Using a delicate cloth or your fingertips, apply a tiny splash of mild soap or white vinegar to the stain. But we're not washing pots, so be gentle!
• Let it soak: Fill a sink with cool water and let your swimsuit soak for about 15-30 minutes to get rid of the stain.
• Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the swimsuit entirely with cool water until all cleaning agents are gone.
• Air dry: Lay your swimsuit flat in a shady spot to dry. Avoid direct sunlight, which can set stains and fade colors.

Tips for Caring for Your Swimsuit

To sum the whole article up, here are the general guidelines:

Pre and Post-Swim Care

Sandwich your swimsuits between rinsing sessions before and after swimming to keep them from absorbing pool chemicals or saltwater.

Washing Routine

• Even if you’ve been lounging dry, treat your swimwear to a gentle hand wash every few uses to keep it clean and fresh.
• Use a light, swimsuit-appropriate detergent or soft hand soap that won’t sabotage fabric or color.
• For the same reason, avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach and fabric softeners.

Drying Practices

• Gently squeeze out excess water; don't wring or twist to keep the suit in good shape.
• Lay it flat to dry in a shaded area, away from direct sunlight, to preserve color.
• Avoid hanging by the straps so it won’t stretch.

Storage Tips

• Make sure your swimsuit is as dry as the desert before storing.
• Store straight in a cool, dry location.
• Don't store them in plastic bags; they can trap moisture and promote mildew.

Other Pro Tips

• Mix it up: Switch between two or more swimsuits to give each time to relax and regain shape between wears.
• Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen and let it soak in before putting on your swimwear to avoid stains.
• Cover-up: Consider wearing a cover-up to limit UV exposure when not in the water.

Wear a cover-up to preserve your suit

• Avoid rough surfaces: Be extra careful when sitting on rough surfaces such as concrete pool edges or wooden benches, or consider not doing that altogether if possible. They might snag or harm the fabric.
• Proper fit: Ensure your swimsuit fits well. A too-tight suit can stretch faster, while a loose one may sag and lose shape.
• End-of-season care: Before storing for the off-season, give your swimsuit a thorough, gentle wash and ensure it’s completely dry.