A swimsuit is an essential item for any water-related activities. Proper care and washing help maintain the quality, appearance, and longevity of your swimsuit. Following some simple care instructions can keep your swimwear looking and feeling its best.

Selecting the Right Swimsuit Material

The material of your swimsuit plays a big role in determining the washing and care. Common swimsuit materials include:

Spandex and Lycra

These stretchy fabrics with a tight weave are chlorine-resistant, retain shape well, and resist pilling. However, they can be damaged by heat and abrasion.

Nylon and Polyester

Lightweight, quick-drying, and durable synthetic fabrics. Nylon is more slippery while polyester provides more stretch. They resist fading but can pill with wear.

Natural Fibers like Cotton, Silk, and Bamboo

Breathable and soft but more delicate and prone to stretching out. Generally require gentler cleaning.

General Washing Tips

Read and follow care instructions on garment tag if available.
Turn the swimsuit inside out to protect decorations on the fabric exterior.
Use a laundry bag or pillowcase to avoid straps getting caught or tangling with other items.
Wash suits after each use to remove chlorine, saltwater, sand, and body oils that can degrade the fabric.
Handwashing gently in the sink can help suits last longer versus machine washing.
Use mild liquid detergents and wash on the delicate cycle in cold water.
Don’t use fabric softeners or dryer sheets which can leave residue.
Line dry only – avoid the dryer which can damage spandex and elastic.

Handwashing a Swimsuit

Handwashing is the most gentle cleansing method and can help swimsuits maintain their fit and elasticity over time.

Supplies Needed

Mild liquid detergent or specialty swimsuit shampoo
Large sink or wash basin
Washcloth or soft-bristle brush

Steps

Fill sink or tub with cold water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Agitate the water to create suds.
Submerge the swimsuit fully and let soak for 5-10 minutes to loosen dirt and oils.
Gently move the suit around, using a washcloth or brush to work the detergent through the fabric. Focus on sweaty areas like the armpits.
Drain the water and refill the basin, rinsing the suit thoroughly until the water runs clear.
For chlorine-exposed suits, do a second rinse with a 1/4 cup of white vinegar added to the water.
Roll the suit in a towel to absorb excess moisture. Shape and smooth out the fabric.
Lay flat or hang to air dry out of direct sunlight.

Tips

Use lukewarm water for greasy stains like sunscreen.
Avoid vigorous scrubbing, wringing, or twisting which can damage fabrics.
Repeat wash cycles for stubborn odors or stains.

Machine Washing a Swimsuit

Machine washing is quicker but can be harsh on swimwear. Take precautions to protect your suit.

Supplies Needed

Mesh garment bag or pillowcase
Mild liquid detergent

Steps

Place the swimsuit inside a mesh bag and zip or tie it closed. This prevents tangling and tugging.
Choose the delicate or gentle cycle on your washing machine. Set for cold water only.
Use the lowest spin speed or skip the spin cycle altogether to reduce friction.
Add a small amount of mild detergent to the detergent dispenser. About 1-2 tablespoons is sufficient.
Add an extra rinse cycle to remove all traces of detergent residue.
When the cycle finishes, gently remove the suit from the bag. Smooth and shape the fabric.
Lay flat or hang the swimsuit to air dry fully before wearing or storing.

Tips

Wash swimsuits separately from other clothing items.
Consider using a garment cleaner product for delicates.
Skip the pre-soak setting to avoid over-agitating the fabric repeatedly.

Drying Your Swimsuit

It’s crucial to dry your swimsuit fully before wearing or storing it away. Leftover moisture breeds mildew and bacteria.

Hanging to Dry

This no-heat method protects the elasticity and allows the suit to retain its shape.

Hang on a plastic or wooden hanger inside out. This prevents creases on the outer fabric.
Use several clips on straps and diagonal edges to keep the suit in place while drying.
Find an indoor spot with good airflow away from direct light.
Avoid wire hangers that can snag fabric. Swimsuits take longer to dry than regular clothing.

Laying Flat to Dry

Lying a suit flat is another no-heat option.

Lay the swimsuit smooth and flat on a clean, dry towel. Stretch out the fabric.
Reshape the cups and place elastic straps straight.
Fold a dry towel on top to gently press moisture out. Change towels as needed.
Flip over periodically and reshape to dry evenly. Keep out of direct sunlight.

Drying on a Rack

A mesh rack allows air circulation all around the suit.

Bend the hanger into a wide U-shape. Place inside the cups to hold the shape.
Lay the suit flat across the rack, smoothing and straightening the fabric.
Keep the rack in a shady spot indoors or a covered patio area outdoors.
Turn over periodically until fully dry. Straps will feel stiff when ready.

Storing Your Swimsuit

Proper storage preserves the elasticity and prevents damage when swimsuits are not being worn.

Long Term Storage Tips

Store suits dry before placing into a bin or drawer long-term.
Fold suits smoothly along seams or hang on wide, padded hangers. Avoid creasing cups.
Place a stack of clean, dry towels or a cloth bag in the dresser drawer first. This absorbs moisture.
Use breathable storage containers like cloth bins or mesh bags rather than plastic.
Keep suits in cool, dark places. Avoid attics, garages or sheds with extreme temperatures.

Short Term Storage Tips

Rinse suits thoroughly after pool or saltwater use before storing.
Roll up damp suits in a dry towel to absorb excess moisture before hanging up.
Store suits inside out and use clips to keep straps in place on hangers.
Hang suits in a shady, breezy spot to finish drying if still slightly damp.
Keep suits away from direct sunlight which can fade colors and degrade elastic.

Removing Chlorine from Swimsuits

Chlorine can prematurely wear down swimsuit fabric over time. Take steps to remove it after pool use.

Rinsing Off

Rinse your suit thoroughly with plain water before washing. This prevents chlorine from drying on the fabric.
Shower while wearing your suit then rinse it again before taking it off. This dilutes and flushes out chemical residue.

Vinegar Soak

Soak the suit in a sink or bucket with 1 cup of white vinegar and 2 gallons of water for 15 minutes.
Rinse well with plain water afterwards. The vinegar helps neutralize and remove lingering chlorine.

Swim Suit Shampoo

Use a specialty swimwear shampoo containing dechlorinating agents during washing.
Products like TriSwim offer phosphate and surfactant formulas that target chlorine.
Follow with an extra thorough rinse cycle.

Baking Soda Scrub

Make a thick paste using 1 tablespoon baking soda + 1 cup cool water.
Gently scrub paste over the suit inside and out. Avoid sequins or prints.
Let sit 5 minutes then rinse clean. Baking soda neutralizes chlorine naturally.
Use occasionally, not every wash, as scrubbing can damage fabrics.

Vitamin C Soak

Crush 5-10 vitamin C tablets and dissolve in 2 cups of hot water.
Submerge suit and soak for 30 minutes. The acidity in vitamin C removes chlorine.
Rinse thoroughly afterwards.

Removing Odors from Swimsuits

Musty, mildewy odors can build up in swimwear from bacteria, sweat, and dampness. Banish smells between washes with these handy methods.

Baking Soda

Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the entire dry suit.
Let sit overnight or up to 24 hours to absorb odors.
Shake off the excess powder thoroughly before wearing or washing.

Vodka Rinse

Fill a spray bottle with cheap vodka. Spritz over the suit.
The alcohol kills bacteria that cause odors without damaging the fabric.
Let dry fully before wearing. The smell dissipates as it dries.

Lemon Juice

Hand wash the suit in a sink with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice added to the water.
Let soak 10-15 minutes then rinse clean. The citric acid destroys odor-causing bacteria.
Avoid using lemon juice too often as the acidity can fade colors over time.

Vinegar Rinse

Add 1 cup white vinegar to a sink or bucket full of water.
Soak the smelly suit 20-30 minutes then rinse thoroughly. Vinegar kills odors naturally.
Mix a more diluted vinegar solution for delicate fabrics prone to fading.

Activated Charcoal

Place 2-3 activated charcoal bags inside the swimsuit overnight.
The porous material absorbs moisture and odors.
Discard old charcoal bags once they lose effectiveness.

Whitening Swimsuits

Swimwear inevitably loses its bright white appearance over time. Restore dingy suits to their original color.

Baking Soda Paste

Mix 3 tablespoons baking soda with enough water to form a spreadable paste.
Coat the paste over stained or discolored areas of the dry swimsuit.
Let sit 1 hour before rinsing clean. Baking soda naturally whitens without bleach.
Repeat as needed for stubborn yellowing or graying on white swimwear.

Lemon Juice + Sunlight

Handwash the swimsuit in cold water with 1/4 cup lemon juice.
Roll up in a towel to soak up excess moisture.
Lay the damp suit in direct sunlight for 1-2 hours. The sun’s UV rays and lemon juice whiten.
Rinse off the lemon juice completely before wearing or storing.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Mix 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide with 1 gallon of cold water in a sink or bucket.
Soak the discolored swimsuit for 30 minutes, then rinse clean.
Hydrogen peroxide naturally whitens without harsh chemicals.
Repeat as needed for severe discoloration. Avoid getting peroxide on hair or skin.

White Vinegar

Add 1 cup white vinegar to a sink full of cold water.
Soak the yellowed swimwear 1 hour, then wash normally.
Vinegar is a mild acid that removes stains and restores whites.
Use occasionally, as the acidity can fade prints and colors over time.

Removing Stains from Swimsuits

Swimsuits are prone to various stubborn stains. Tackle them promptly for the best chance of removal.

Chlorine Stains

Soak in a solution of 1 cup vinegar + 2 gallons water for 15 minutes to dissolve chlorine.
Rinse well and wash normally. Chlorine can bleach color prints if left untreated.

Mildew Stains

Apply lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide directly to the stain. Let sit 1 hour.
Launder as usual. Both help remove the grayish stain and musty smell.

Rust Stains

Make a paste of cream of tartar and water. Coat on the rust spot.
Let sit 20 minutes then rinse off. The oxalic acid in cream of tartar dissolves rust.

Sunscreen Stains

Rub a small amount of regular dish soap on greasy sunscreen stains.
Let sit 5 minutes then rinse. The grease-cutting detergent helps break down oils.
Avoid vigorous scrubbing on delicate swim fabrics.

Makeup Stains

Gently dab stains with hydrogen peroxide applied with a cotton ball.
Let bubble 5 minutes then rinse. The peroxide breaks down makeup pigments.
Avoid rubbing or over-saturating the fabric.

Repairing Swimsuits

From loose straps to holes, swimsuits are prone to wear and tear over time. Make minor repairs to extend their lifespan.

Re-attaching Cup Padding

Sew loose pads back in place by hand using a needle and nylon thread.
Make tight stitches around the edges of the padding to secure it inside the lining.

Replacing Elastic

Use a seam ripper to remove old, saggy elastic straps or edging carefully.
Measure the length required and cut new elastic to size.
Pin then sew the new elastic in place using a tight zigzag stitch and nylon thread.

Patching Small Holes

Turn the suit inside out and place a small piece of mesh fabric over the hole.
Sew around the edges to patch the hole securely. Match thread color to suit.
Fuse-on patches applied to the inside also work to cover small holes.

Stitching Split Seams

Smooth the edges of the split fabric together matching up seams.
Sew the seam back together with small tight stitches using nylon thread in a matching color.
Apply a dot of fabric glue inside the seam allowance for added strength.

Replacing Drawstrings

Remove the old worn drawstring using pliers to grab the tip and pull through.
Cut a new drawstring to the same length. Use elastic cord or nylon cording.
Thread the new drawstring through the waist or neckline channel. Double knot ends.

FAQs About Caring for Swimsuits

How do you get the smell out of a swimsuit?

Rinse immediately after wearing to prevent odors from setting in.
Handwash suits with a few tablespoons of baking soda or white vinegar added to the water.
Soak in a solution of 1 part vinegar + 3 parts water for 30 minutes to kill bacteria.
Spritz with vodka and let dry fully to eliminate odors between wears.

How do you clean a swimsuit without ruining it?

Turn it inside out and wash on the delicate cycle in cold water using a mesh bag.
Use a mild detergent and skip fabric softeners or dryer sheets which leave residue.
Reshape and lay flat to air dry out of direct sunlight.

How do you get wrinkles out of a swimsuit?

Hang the damp suit up immediately after rinsing and wring gently to prevent wrinkles setting in.
Gently tug and reshape areas like the bust and bottom while wet.
Lay flat on a towel and smooth out wrinkled spots, changing towels as needed.

What removes stains from swimsuits?

Rinse suits immediately after wearing to prevent stains from setting.
Treat with lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide, or diluted vinegar before washing.
Use dish soap on sunscreen or makeup stains and scrub gently before washing.
Make a paste with cream of tartar for rust stains.

How do you keep white swimsuits white?

Rinse right after wearing to prevent dirt from setting in.
Wash regularly in cold water using non-chlorine bleach suited for swimwear.
Soak in baking soda paste or hydrogen peroxide solution to brighten dingy suits.
Add white vinegar to the rinse cycle to maintain whites.

How do you tighten swimsuit straps?

Replace old, stretched out elastic straps with new elastic cut to size.
For adjustable slider straps, tighten the slider closer together at the back.
Take in the straps at the top back by stitching the edges of the fabric closer together.

How do you fix saggy cups in a swimsuit?

Replace worn elastic edging around the top of the cup using new elastic cut to size.
Take in the side seams of the cup incrementally by folding the edges in and sewing.
Add tight ruching stitches radiating from the center bust wire channel for a lifting effect.
Insert new removable padding to provide more structure and support.

Conclusion

With proper care and washing methods, your swimsuits can maintain their fit, fabric quality, and appearance for many seasons. Handwashing suits after each wear is ideal, while machine washing requires some precautions. Lay flat or line dry only. Remove odors, stains, and chlorine promptly when they occur. Store suits dry and use protective containers and bags. Make minor repairs as needed to increase longevity. Taking a little extra care with your swimsuits helps protect your investment in these essential summer staples.

How to Wash and Care for a Swimsuit

Wearing a swimsuit often involves exposure to chlorine, saltwater, dirt, sand, and oils that can be rough on the fabric over time. Follow these steps for keeping swimwear clean, odor-free, and lasting for multiple seasons:

Use the Right Washing Method

Handwash gently for longest life, using mild soap and cool water. Avoid vigorous