Swimwear Care: Washing and Storage Tips

Swimwear Care: Washing and Storage Tips

Why Proper Swimwear Care Matters

Swimsuits are made from delicate fabrics and elastics that can degrade quickly if not treated with care. Proper washing, drying, and storage will help maintain color, shape, and elasticity — extending the life of your favorite suits and saving money in the long run. Whether you swim in chlorinated pools, saltwater, or at the beach, small habits after every wear make a big difference.

How to Wash Your Swimsuit

Follow these simple steps to get the best results:

• Rinse immediately: Right after swimming, rinse your swimsuit in cool running water to remove chlorine, salt, sunscreen, and body oils. This prevents chemicals from setting into the fabric.
• Handwash when possible: Fill a sink with cool water and add a small amount of gentle detergent or a detergent made for delicates. Swish the suit gently — avoid wringing or twisting, which can stretch fibers.
• Use the right detergent: Standard laundry detergents can be too harsh. Use a mild soap, baby shampoo, or specialized swimsuit cleaner. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners.
• If you must machine wash: Use a laundry bag, cold water, and the delicate cycle. Keep the wash minimal and only with similar delicate items. Avoid high spin speeds.
• Remove excess water carefully: Press the suit between two towels to absorb water. Do not twist or wring the garment.

Drying Tips

How you dry a swimsuit matters as much as how you wash it.

• Air dry flat: Lay the suit flat on a towel in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Direct sunlight can fade colors and weaken elastics, so avoid prolonged sun exposure when drying.
• Flip to dry evenly: Turn the suit over partway through drying to ensure both sides dry uniformly.
• Avoid heat: Never put swimwear in the dryer or use a hair dryer. High heat breaks down spandex and other stretch fibers.

Storage: How to Keep Suits in Shape

Proper storage prevents misshaping and mildew.

• Completely dry first: Store only fully dry suits to prevent odors and mildew.
• Flat or folded: Store laid flat or folded loosely. Avoid hanging heavy, wet suits by the straps — this can stretch them out over time.
• Separate storage: Keep swimsuits away from rough items like zippers and velcro that can snag fabric. Consider a dedicated drawer or breathable fabric bag.
• Rotate suits: If you swim often, rotate among several suits to allow each one time to recover between uses.

Special Considerations

Different swimsuits need slightly different care.

• Underwire or molded cups: Remove carefully and store flat to avoid deforming cups. If removable padding is present, remove it and let both pieces dry separately.
• Neoprene or wetsuits: Rinse thoroughly and hang inside out on a wide hanger. Use wetsuit shampoo occasionally and keep away from heat and sunlight.
• Metal hardware: Rinse thoroughly after saltwater to prevent corrosion. Dry fully before storing.

Quick Fixes and Maintenance

Small repairs and preventive measures can prolong your suit’s life:

• Tighten straps: Sew or replace loose straps early before more damage occurs.
• Remove sunscreen spots: Pretreat spots with gentle dish soap or a small amount of stain remover safe for delicates, then rinse thoroughly.
• Handle pilling and snags: Trim loose threads and use a fabric shaver cautiously on thicker cover-ups (not swimwear itself).

Practical Swimwear Care Routine

Adopt a simple after-swim routine and stick with it:

1. Rinse your suit immediately after swimming.
2. Handwash with mild detergent within a few hours.
3. Gently press out water and lay flat to dry in shade.
4. Store only when fully dry, in a cool, dark drawer or breathable bag.

Final Thoughts

Swimwear is an investment — a little attention goes a long way. By rinsing promptly, using gentle cleaning methods, drying correctly, and storing thoughtfully, you can keep your swimsuits looking and fitting their best for seasons to come. These habits not only preserve fabric and color but also maintain comfort and support so that your suits remain ready for the next swim.