Swimwear is a delicate garment. To preserve it and make it last as long as possible, you need to follow a few guidelines for drying and washing it, and handle it with care. In this guide, discover all our care tips for your swimsuit, as well as our advice on how to preserve it so you can wear it for many years to come.
How should you wash your swimsuit?
Between pool chlorine, sea salt, and the sun, your swimsuit takes a real beating. So you need to be extremely careful when washing them. That’s why the best way to wash swimsuits without damaging them is by hand. To do this, use mild cleaning products (delicate laundry detergent or Marseille soap). Wash it gently inside out without rubbing, and rinse thoroughly with clean water before laying it flat to dry in the open air and in the shade. If your swimsuit has removable embellishments, be sure to remove them before washing.
If you don’t have time to wash it right after swimming, at least rinse it with clean water to prevent any stains from setting in.
Machine washing is not recommended, as it tends to damage the fibers more quickly. However, it is possible to machine-wash it (for simple swimsuits—those without embellishments—and if the care label allows it) by selecting the gentlest cycle and using cold water.
Want to learn more about this topic? Feel free to read our article on “How to Wash Your Swimsuit.”
How to Remove Stains from Your Swimsuit
Just like your clothes, your swimsuit isn’t immune to stains. The biggest threats aren’t food (though, let’s face it, we’re never safe from a small piece of ice cream slipping out of its cone) but rather oils and sunscreen. Since these products contain fats, once the stains set in, they’re very difficult to remove. Since you can’t wash it in hot water or put it in the washing machine, you’ll need to find other alternatives. Don’t worry—there are plenty of options.
Of all the solutions available, the most effective is to dilute a tiny bit of white vinegar or baking soda in a little cold water. Once your solution is ready, apply it to the stain and let it soak in before gently rubbing the stain and rinsing it thoroughly.
To remove a sunscreen stain, apply a few drops of liquid laundry detergent to the stain. Gently rub with your fingers to work the product deep into the fibers. Let it sit for about 20 minutes before gently rubbing the fabric under a trickle of water.
Tips for Extending the Life of Your Swimwear
Rocks on the beach or pool edges are rough surfaces that can damage your swimsuit if it comes into contact with them. Before sitting down, be sure to check that it’s safe to do so without damaging your swimsuit. If you have no other choice, you can use a beach cover-up—such as a sarong, a skirt, or simply your beach towel—to act as a barrier and protect your precious bikini.
When washing your swimsuit by hand, first mix your detergent and water thoroughly. If your bikini has beads, sequins, or a more delicate fabric (such as crochet swimsuits), handle it with even greater care. If the care label says it’s machine-washable, be sure to place it in a laundry bag, like the ones used for lingerie.
Don’t want to end up with mismatched swimwear? Be sure to wash the top and bottom together every time.
Did you know? Highly chlorinated water can damage the fabric’s appearance and fade the colors. So, opt for pools that don’t use chlorine.
Things to Avoid
There are certain things you should absolutely avoid if you want your bikini to last for years:
- Never dry your swimsuit in the dryer.
- Don’t let it soak
- Don’t use chemicals
- Do not iron your swimsuit
- Don’t leave it in a wet ball. Instead, store it in a pouch, neatly folded, until you can wash it.
- Avoid contact with oily substances such as oils or sunscreen.
Feel free to check out our infographic on our Pinterest account to keep our tips in mind by clicking HERE.
In summary
Like lingerie, swimsuits are made of a more delicate material than regular clothing. What’s more, they’re prone to wearing out faster due to exposure to the sun, the ocean, and other factors. To make them last longer, you’ll need to take extra care when maintaining them. By following this guide and applying each tip and trick, you should be able to keep your swimsuit in good condition for longer.
Despite all these tips, don’t forget that a high-quality swimsuit will last much longer. Even if it costs more upfront, its longer lifespan means you’ll come out ahead in the long run.