Properly Wash Swimwear for Long-Lasting Freshness

When summer calls, swimwear becomes a second skin. From beach breaks to poolside lounging, your bathing suits go through a lot - chlorine, salt, sunscreen, sweat, and sun. Yet, many of us toss our swimwear into the wash without a second thought. Over time, this can lead to faded colours, sagging fabric, and that dreaded loss of stretch. If you want your favourite swimsuit to last season after season, it’s time to learn the best way to wash a swimsuit.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the essentials of how to wash bathing suits correctly. It’s easier than you think—and your swimwear will thank you for it.

Washing your swimwear isn’t rocket science—it just needs a little care and attention. Here’s the best way to wash a swimsuit after each use:

1. Rinse Immediately After Wearing
   Even if you’re not washing right away, always rinse your bathing suit in cool, clean water as soon as you can. This removes chlorine, salt, and body oils before they can settle into the fabric.
   Tip: If you’re out and about, a quick rinse in a shower or sink can help until you get home.
2. Use Cold Water and Gentle Detergent
   When it’s time to wash, fill a basin with cold water and add a small amount of gentle detergent. Harsh soaps can damage the delicate fabric. Avoid using fabric softeners or bleach—they break down elasticity and can leave residue.
   This is one of the most overlooked steps in how to wash swimwear, but it's crucial.
3. Hand-Wash, Don’t Machine-Wash
   While the spin cycle may seem tempting, hand-washing is the best way to wash a swimsuit. Machine washing can stretch, snag, or even tear your swimwear, especially if it has embellishments or mesh panels.
   Gently swish the suit around in soapy water for about 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly in cold water.
4. Squeeze, Don’t Wring
   To dry, gently press the swimsuit between a towel to absorb excess water. Never wring or twist the fabric—it may seem harmless, but it ruins the suit’s shape and elasticity.
   Knowing how to wash bathing suits also means knowing how to dry them correctly.
5. Air-Dry in the Shade
   Lay your suit flat on a towel and let it air dry in the shade. Direct sunlight can fade colours, while hanging can stretch the fabric over time. If you’re wondering how to wash swimwear for longevity, drying it properly is just as important as washing.

Even if you only wore your suit for a quick dip, washing it after each use is essential. The build-up of chlorine, sweat, and sunscreen can silently damage the fibres if left untreated.

If you’re on holiday and using the same suit daily, consider rotating between two. This gives each one enough time to dry and return to its natural shape.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s look at what not to do when figuring out how to clean a bathing suit:

1. Washing in hot water - this breaks down elastic fibres.
2. Using regular laundry detergent - it can be too strong and leave behind residue.
3. Drying in the sun or using a dryer - heat leads to fading and shrinkage.
4. Leaving suits damp in bags - encourages mould and mildew.
5. Washing with towels or heavy items - friction causes wear and tears.

Different suits need different levels of care. Here’s how to adjust your routine based on your swimwear:

1. Padded or Underwired Suits
   These require extra delicacy. Always hand-wash them and reshape the padding gently before air-drying flat.
2. Dark or Bright Colours
   To preserve vibrancy, turn suits inside out before washing. This also prevents surface fading from friction or exposure to detergent.
3. High-Performance or Competitive Swimwear
   These suits are often made from high-tech fabrics. Use a swimwear-specific cleaner and follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to wash bathing suits designed for athletic use.

Caring for your swimwear isn't about adding more work. It's about protecting what you love. Whether it's your go-to black one-piece or that neon bikini that turns heads, taking time to learn how to wash bathing suits the right way helps them stay stylish and functional for many seasons.

So next time you’re tempted to toss that bathing suit in the laundry basket, remember: your swimwear deserves better. With a little attention and the right routine, you can keep every piece looking and feeling as good as new.