Swimsuits are not just another piece of clothing. They often come with hefty price tags and are made from delicate, stretchy fabrics to endure water, chlorine, salt, and sun. Yet, proper care is essential to make them last more than just a single season. Whether you’re taking laps at the pool, lounging on the beach, or heading back from a tropical vacation, learning how to wash swimsuits can save you time, money, and heartbreak over ruined swimwear.

This guide dives into the essentials of washing swimsuits and caring for swimwear. From rinsing right after a swim to proper storing methods, we’ll cover everything you need to know to keep your favorite swimwear in pristine condition.

Why Proper Swimsuit Care Matters

Quality swimsuits are specifically designed to handle the wear and tear of water activities. However, they’re far from invincible. The sun fades colors, chlorine stretches fibers, and saltwater can leave pesky residues. Over time, these elements can degrade your swimsuit if special attention isn’t given to its care. Caring for your swimwear can extend its lifespan, preserve its elasticity, and reduce pilling or discoloration.

The good news? You don’t have to spend hours maintaining them. A few small tweaks to your post-swim routine can make all the difference.

Immediate Rinse After a Swim

Swimming often exposes your swimsuit to chlorine, saltwater, sunscreen, and sweat, all of which can compromise the fabric. To prevent long-term damage, always rinse your swimsuit as soon as possible after getting out of the water.

How to Rinse Effectively:

• Use Cool, Fresh Water: This helps remove harmful residues without damaging the fabric or elasticity.
• Be Gentle: Avoid wringing or twisting out excess water. Instead, lightly press the suit between your hands to remove moisture.
• Portable Rinsing: If on the go, carry a clean water bottle for a quick rinse until you get home.

Skipping this step can allow chemicals, salt, and oils to linger in the fibers, leading to a faded, stretched-out suit over time.

Hand Washing vs. Machine Washing

Hand washing and machine washing are both options when caring for swimsuits, but the wrong choice can reduce the lifespan of your swimwear.

The Case for Hand Washing

Hand washing is the safest and most effective way to wash swimsuits. It gives you full control over the process, ensuring the delicate fabric doesn’t face harsh agitation or chemicals. Here’s how:

• Fill a Sink with Cool Water: Avoid hot water, as it can weaken elastic fibers.
• Add Swimsuit-Safe Detergent: Mix a small amount of gentle or swimsuit-specific detergent.
• Gently Agitate: Submerge your swimsuit and use your hands to swish it around for a few minutes.
• Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse under cool running water until all detergent is removed.

Can You Machine Wash a Swimsuit?

Machine washing is not recommended for delicate swimwear, but if you’re pressed for time, it can be done with precautions:

• Use a Laundry Bag: Place the swimsuit in a mesh laundry bag to prevent fabric snags.
• Opt for a Gentle Cycle: Select cold water and a delicate cycle with minimal spin.
• No Harsh Detergents: Choose mild or swimsuit-specific detergent only.

While convenient, machine washing can increase wear and tear, so hand washing should be your primary method whenever possible.

Choosing the Right Detergent

Believe it or not, the detergent you choose plays a significant role in swimsuit care. Regular laundry detergents are often too harsh for swimwear, breaking down the fabric over time.

What to Use:

• Mild Detergents: Look for detergents specifically labeled as gentle or formulated for delicate fabrics.
• Swimsuit-Specific Products: Some brands create detergents made for swimwear, designed to neutralize chlorine, salt, and oils without degrading the elastic fibers.

What to Avoid:

• Bleach: Even in small amounts, bleach can ruin vibrant colors and elastic materials.
• Fabric Softener: This can actually coat the fibers, making them less flexible and more prone to damage.

Using the right detergent ensures your swimsuit stays vibrant and stretchy.

Drying Swimsuits the Right Way

How you dry your swimsuit is just as important as washing it. The wrong technique can lead to stretched-out fabric or mildew growth.

Dos and Don’ts of Swimsuit Drying:

• Avoid Tumble Dryers: The heat and agitation of a dryer can ruin elastic fibers. Always air-dry your swimsuit instead.
• Lay Flat to Dry: Lay your swimsuit on a clean, dry towel in a shaded area. Direct sunlight can fade colors and weaken the material.
• Skip the Hangers: Hanging a wet swimsuit can stretch its fabric, especially around the straps and edges.
• Towel Patting: Gently pat the suit between a clean towel to remove excess water before laying it flat.

Drying your swimwear properly helps maintain its shape and texture.

Storing Swimsuits Properly

Where and how you store your swimsuits during the off-season or between swims also affects their longevity.

Best Practices for Swimsuit Storage:

• Clean Before Storing: Always ensure your swimsuit is washed and completely dry before putting it away to avoid mildew.
• Fold Rather Than Hang: Hanging may stretch straps and seams over time. Instead, fold swimsuits neatly to maintain their structure.
• Use Breathable Containers: Store your swimsuits in a fabric bag or drawer to allow airflow and prevent odors.

Proper storage prevents unnecessary damage and ensures your swimwear is ready for its next dip.

Protect Your Swimwear and Keep it Looking New

Taking a little extra care with your swimsuits goes a long way in preserving their beauty and functionality. By following these steps, you’ll protect your swimwear from damage and keep it looking fresh for summers to come.

If you’re looking for professional help with cleaning or maintaining delicate fabrics, contact Fabricare of Greenville. Our experts specialize in dry cleaning and fabric care to keep your wardrobe in top shape. Reach out today for quality garment care tailored to your needs.