From Sand And Salt To Sunscreen And Sweat, Bathing Suits Experience A Ton Of Wear And Tear, So Here’s How To Properly Wash These Garments To Preserve Their Longevity

VadimGuzhva - stock.adobe.com - illustrative purposes only, not the actual person
VadimGuzhva - stock.adobe.com - illustrative purposes only, not the actual person

On hot summer days, much of your time is probably spent at the beach or relaxing by the pool in your favorite swimsuit.

It’s a well-known fact that swimwear can be pricey, so once you find the perfect swimsuit, you want it to last. The way you wash your bathing suit will make a huge difference in maintaining its quality and color.

Swimsuit fabrics face challenges that most other garments are protected from. Swimsuits experience a lot of wear and tear due to chemicals in pools, sunscreen, salt, sand, and sweat.

Knowing how to wash your bathing suit properly can keep it looking great for many more seasons, saving you money.

But unless you’re some kind of laundry expert, then you probably don’t know how to wash swimwear appropriately—and that’s okay! We’re here to guide you on how best to wash bathing suits.

To extend the life of a swimsuit and retain its shape, you must rinse it after every use, even if you don’t go in the water. Rinsing off the suit will help wash away oils, sweat, and sunscreen, which can cause staining to the material and lead to the eventual breakdown of the delicate fabric.

While tossing your bathing suit in the washing machine might seem more convenient, it’s actually better to wash it by hand.

Don’t worry; it’s much easier than it sounds, especially with garments as small and lightweight as swimwear. Hand laundering is gentler and prevents the elastic from stretching out.

First, mix a small amount of detergent with cool water. Next, submerge the suit in the suds and swish it around before letting it sit for about ten minutes.

VadimGuzhva – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual person

Afterward, pour the solution down the drain and press down on the suit to squeeze out the water. Refrain from wringing or twisting it, as this can stretch it out and ruin the fit.

Finally, lay the swimsuit on a flat surface to air dry in a spot with good air circulation and away from direct sunlight.

If you need to use the washing machine, here are some tips to ensure that your suit doesn’t come out of the wash damaged.

The first step is to put the suit in a mesh laundry bag to protect it from snagging and becoming tangled. Wash it with similar materials and avoid tossing it in with bulky items like your beach towel.

Set your machine to the gentlest cycle and use cold water and mild detergent. After machine washing, skip the dryer and leave the suit out to air dry. The dryer’s heat will weaken the integrity of your suit and can cause the colors to fade.

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Emily  Chan is a writer who covers lifestyle and news content. She graduated from Michigan State University with a ... More about Emily Chan

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