How to Wash Your Swimsuit: The Ultimate Guide
septembre 24 2025 – Sunsets
The Ultimate Guide:
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR SWIMSUIT
It might surprise you, but the very things we love most—the very things we wear our swimwear for—sun, the pool, and even the sea—can take a toll on swimwear. The good news? A little care goes a long way. With the right wash routine, your favorite suit will keep its color, shape, and support season after season. Consider this your guide to keeping your swimwear looking its very best.
SUPPLIES FOR WASHING A SWIMSUIT
Swimsuit care doesn’t require fancy products — just what you have at home.
Sink, Tub, or Bowl
For best results, skip the washing machine! Even gentle cycles can be tough on your bikini.
Towels
Opt out of a tumble cycle in favor of drying with a towel. Dryers can ruin the elastic in your suit and open-air drying methods can leave swimwear faded or misshapen.
Liquid Detergent
You only need a bit of liquid laundry detergent mixed with cold-to-room-temperature water for a typical cleaning. In most cases, you can use any non-bleach detergent you have on hand.
White Vinegar
For a natural touch, add a splash of white vinegar. In small doses, white vinegar is gentle on fabric and great for its antibacterial properties.
Baking Soda
Stubborn spots, such as the ones caused by sunscreen, can be treated with baking soda.
HOW TO HAND-WASH YOUR SWIMSUIT
Follow these easy steps to keep your swimwear looking new and lasting longer.
STEP 1
Prepare Your Swimsuit
If your swimsuit has been stained, make a thick paste by mixing baking soda with a few drops of water. Leave the solution on your stain for a few minutes while you get everything else ready.
STEP 2
Prepare the Water
Fill a sink or bowl with lukewarm water and no more than 1 teaspoon of liquid laundry detergent. Add a splash of white vinegar, if desired.
STEP 3
Soak Your Swimsuit
Let your swimsuit soak in the soapy water for a few minutes.
STEP 4
Rinse
Drain the water and refill the basin with cold water for a thorough rinse. Avoid wringing the suit, which can stretch the fabric; instead, give it a gentle squeeze.
STEP 5
Remove Excess Water
Gently roll your swimsuit in a towel to help remove excess water. Again, avoid wringing your suit.
STEP 6
Air Dry
Lay your swimsuit flat on a towel to dry, out of direct sunlight. To avoid fading and stretching, avoid hanging or placing your suit somewhere like the back of a chair.
STEP 7
Store Carefully
After your bikini has fully dried, fold it carefully and store in a cool, dry place. For best results, don’t wad your suit or stuff it into a tight space.
ADDITIONAL CARE INSTRUCTIONS
When in doubt, check the care instructions label on the inside of your suit! Every garment can be made with a variety of materials that need specialized care.
No Bleach
Stay away from bleach! It can harm the color of your suit and damage the stretchy elastic materials used in swimsuits, rendering them useless. Remember: Yes to the beach, no to the bleach!
No Fabric Softener
Fabric softeners can leave a residue on your suit, affecting both their texture and elasticity. Stick with a mild or natural detergent.
Avoid washing suits together
Always hand-wash suits separately. Swimwear can bleed the same way your everyday clothes do. To avoid color transfer, always wash swimsuits individually (or with like colors).
