Last updated on November 4th, 2023 at 09:10 am
If you want your awesome sustainable swimwear to last season after season, you need to take proper care of it. Swimsuits are exposed to harsh chemicals, saltwater, sand, and sunlight, which can damage the fabric and shorten the lifespan of your swimwear.
In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about proper swimsuit care. There are tips on how to wash, dry, store, and maintain your swimwear, so it looks and feels like new for a long, long time.
[Psst, looking for plus size sustainable swimwear? Or, maybe you need the right sustainable swimwear to wear under your wetsuit?]
- How To Wash Swimsuits By Hand
- How To Wash Swimsuits In Washing Machine
- Best Swimsuit Detergent
- Can You Wash Swimsuits With Other Clothes
- Washing Bathing Suits In Baking Soda
- Why Swimsuit Care Matters
- How to Store Your Swimsuit
- More Tips for Maintaining Your Swimsuit
- Frequently Asked Questions on Swimsuit Care
How To Wash Swimsuits By Hand
To make your swimsuit last for a long time, it’s important to hand wash it in cool water with a mild detergent after each use. Avoid using hot water or a washing machine, as these can damage the delicate fabric and elastic. Gently rinse the swimsuit and then lay it flat to air dry, avoiding direct sunlight or heat. Avoid wringing or twisting the swimsuit, as this can cause it to lose its shape. If you like a step-by-step roadmap, then follow this:
- Fill your tub or sink with cool water.
- Use mild hand soap, or specially formulated swimsuit detergent, to the water, and mix.
- Soak the swimsuit in this soapy water for 15 minutes.
- Gently massage the swimsuit to work out the salt, dirt, and chemicals.
- Rinse the swimsuit until the soap is washed off.
- Roll the swimsuit on a towel to absorb and remove extra water, and then air-dry.
More Tips on Washing Your Swimsuit:
1 / Rinse your swimsuit immediately after use
2 / Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners
3 / If you cannot wash by hand, then use the gentle cycle on your washing machine
4 / Do not dry clean or iron your swimsuit
How to Dry Your Swimsuit
To dry your swimsuit, it’s best to lay it flat on a towel or drying rack, away from direct sunlight or heat. Avoid wringing or twisting the swimsuit, as this can damage the delicate fabric and elastic. Instead, gently press the excess water out of the swimsuit using a towel, and then reshape it to its original form.
Allow the swimsuit to air dry completely before storing it. Avoid using a clothes dryer or hanging the swimsuit, as these methods can cause the fabric to stretch out and lose its shape. With proper drying techniques, your swimsuit can stay in good condition for many wears and swims to come.
How To Wash Swimsuits In Washing Machine
If handwashing isn’t your thing and you need to use the washing machine, do this:
- Put the bathing suit in a mesh laundry bag.
- Use a mild, bleach-free detergent (or a special swimsuit detergent). Regular detergents are too harsh for swimwear fabric.
- Select the gentle or delicate cycle and cold water. Add in other swimsuits, or synthetic clothing – to prevent waste as well as over-agitation.
- Air dry the swimsuit after soaking up the excess water with a towel.
Best Swimsuit Detergent
If you’re wondering what the best detergents are for washing your swimwear, then mild detergents that are specifically designed for swimwear are the way to go. They’re great at washing away all the chlorine, salt, and other pesky chemicals that can damage your swimsuit over time.
If you don’t have any swimwear detergent on hand, don’t worry – you can also use a gentle hand soap as an alternative. Another handy trick is to try using vinegar to get rid of any stubborn odors that just won’t seem to go away.
If you’re a super frequent swimmer, then it’s best to invest in a swimwear detergent. Regular detergents are often too harsh for swimsuits. These detergents are formulated to tackle swimwear woes, and do a good job:
1 / Molly’s Suds Swimwear Cleaner
2 / No Naste Performance Laundry Detergent
3 / Fashion Care Splash Chlorine Removal Detergent
Can You Wash Swimsuits With Other Clothes
Yes, you can wash your swimsuits with other clothes. But make sure they are items that don’t lose color or shape, and that can be washed in the same gentle/delicate cycle. Items such as underwear, socks, old t-shirts, pajamas, etc. To save energy and water, wash your swimwear with similar types of synthetic fabric.
Washing Bathing Suits In Baking Soda
Many people swear by baking soda and/or vinegar to remove sunscreen stains from swimsuits. Do they work? While the best approach is preventative (let your skin absorb the sunscreen before you put on your swimsuit), sometimes you do end up with a sunscreen stain. Then, you actually can use baking soda or vinegar!
EITHER:
Sprinkle lots of baking soda on the stain, let it sit for a couple of hours, and then wash.
OR:
Make a solution of 1 part vinegar and 3 parts water, soak the stain in the solution, and then wash.
Why Swimsuit Care Matters
Why take so much trouble over our swimwear?? Well, taking good care of your swimsuit not only helps it last longer, but it also has important waste and environmental implications. Swimwear is often made from synthetic materials like nylon and polyester, which are derived from non-renewable resources and can take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills. By extending the life of your swimsuit through proper care, you can help reduce the amount of textile waste that ends up in landfills.
Additionally, washing your swimsuit in cool water and air drying it instead of using a dryer can reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with clothing care.
How to Store Your Swimsuit
To store your swimsuit properly, make sure it is completely dry before putting it away. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, or moisture, as these can damage the delicate fabric and elastic. Avoid tightly folding or crushing the swimsuit, as this can cause creases and distort its shape. Instead, hang the swimsuit or lay it flat in a drawer or storage container.
More Tips for Maintaining Your Swimsuit
- Always rinse your swimsuit after use
- Use cold water and mild detergent to wash your swimsuit
- Avoid bleach or fabric softeners
- Squeeze out excess water gently and avoid wringing or twisting your swimsuit
- Store your swimsuit flat or hanging and away from direct sunlight or heat
- Alternate between swimsuits to extend their lifespan
- Rinse your swimsuit after swimming in chlorinated water
- Avoid wearing your swimsuit in hot tubs or jacuzzis
Frequently Asked Questions on Swimsuit Care
1 / How often should I wash my swimsuit?
A: You should wash your swimsuit after every use, especially if you’ve been swimming in chlorinated water or saltwater.
2 / Can I wash my swimsuit in a washing machine?
A: Yes, you can wash your swimsuit in a washing machine using a gentle cycle and cold water.
3 / Can I dry my swimsuit in a dryer?
A: No, you should avoid using a dryer to dry your swimsuit. Instead, lay it flat to dry in a shaded area.
4 / How can I prevent my swimsuit from fading?
A: To prevent your swimsuit from fading, rinse it immediately after use, avoid sunlight and direct heat, and avoid using bleach or fabric softeners.
This post was about swimsuit care
Taking proper care of your swimsuit is crucial if you want it to last for more than just one season. By following the tips and tricks we’ve shared in this article, you can keep your swimwear looking and feeling like new for years to come.
If you liked this post, please share it with your friends. Thank you!<3
THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE DETAILS.
NOTE: All brand photographs belong to the respective brands/businesses.
Leave a Reply