What You Need to for a Proper Hand-Washing
Everything else you need for proper care can be found at home:
The Ultimate Guide to
Keeping Your Swimsuit in Its Prime
It may seem counterintuitive to learn that swimming and sunbathing are hard on swimwear—but they don’t have to be! After enjoying your time at the beach or pool, be sure to give your swimsuit proper care to help keep its vibrancy and shape for as long as possible. Here’s how you can wash your swimwear the way it deserves.
Sink, tub, or bowl
For best results, skip the washing machine! Even gentle cycles can be tough on your bikini. Handwashing is a game-changer when it comes to extending the lifespan of your favorite 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. Just add 1 teaspoon or less of liquid detergent.
White vinegar
For a natural touch, add a splash of white vinegar, known for its antibacterial properties. It’s helpful to use on swimwear because it’s gentle on the fabric while ensuring the suit still gets clean.
Baking soda
Stubborn spots, such as the ones caused by sunscreen, can be treated with baking soda. Make a thick paste of baking soda and a few drops of water, and leave on your stain. Scrub gently and rinse.
Cleaning Your Swimsuit
Now it’s time to restore your swimsuit to its full glory.
Prepare the Water:
Fill a sink or bowl with lukewarm water and a bit of liquid laundry detergent.
Soak Your Swimsuit:
Let your swimsuit soak in the soapy water for a few minutes.
Rinse:
Drain the water and refill the basin with cold water for a thorough rinse. Avoid wringing your suit, which can stretch the fabric; instead, give it a gentle squeeze.
Remove Excess Water:
Gently roll your swimsuit in a towel to help remove excess water. Again, avoid wringing your suit.
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.
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.
Swimsuits are sensitive to chemicals, so it’s best to stick to a simple cleaning solution to keep your suit in its prime.
Avoid stronger cleaning products, especially:
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!
Fabric Softener
Fabric softeners can leave a residue on your suit, affecting both their texture and elasticity. Stick with a mild or natural detergent.
Oh, and be sure you have enough space to wash your suits separately! Dye colors can bleed from swimwear when laundered, just like with your real clothes.
Treating your swimwear with the TLC it deserves is the secret to having it accompany you on countless sunny adventures. By following these simple steps and showing your swimsuit a little extra love, you’re not just prolonging its lifespan—you’re ensuring that every beach day and poolside escape remains as stylish and enjoyable as the first. So, go ahead and dive in knowing your swimwear is ready for the fun!