How to Wash Swimsuits So They Look Good All Summer

How Often to Wash a Swimsuit

Make sure to wash your swimsuit after each and every wear—even if you don't go in the water. "Sunscreens contain ingredients that can be damaging to the fabric and can lead to the eventual breakdown of the material," says Marysia Reeves, designer of Marysia Swim. To top it off, some SPFs are more detrimental than others, warns Lindsey J. Boyd, co-founder of the all-natural detergent line, The Laundress. Mineral-based lotions and oil formulations can cause yellowing or gradual stains over time if swimsuits are not washed properly.

The best thing you can do for your swimsuit is to rinse it out in cool water as soon as you take it off. Even better, fill a sink with cool water and let the suit soak for about 30 minutes to remove most chemicals and body soil that can damage the fabric.

How to Wash a Swimsuit by Hand

Washing a swimsuit by hand is best because hand-washing is gentler and helps prevent stretching.

1. Create Some Soapy Water

   Fill a sink with lukewarm water and add a gentle detergent formulated for activewear like Hex Performance Laundry Detergent. One teaspoon of any detergent is enough to clean a single swimsuit.

   In a pinch, Boyd also swears by adding a splash of white vinegar, known for its deodorizing and antibacterial properties, in lieu of detergent.

2. Turn the Swimsuit Inside Out

   Scrubbing from the inside helps keep the exterior fabric looking newer longer, and addresses the areas most likely to have come in contact with sweat and sunscreen.

3. Use a Soft Brush to Scrub Away Stains

   A dab of the laundry detergent on a soft-bristled nylon brush (an old toothbrush works great) can be used to gently scrub necklines and areas that may have sunscreen stains.

4. Swish and Squeeze Your Suit

   Swish the suit through the sudsy water while you gently squeeze the fabric for several minutes, then empty out the sink.
   

   Be sure to wash your swimsuit in a timely manner. Don't soak a swimsuit overnight, which can loosen fibers.
   

5. Rinse the Suit

   Refill the sink with cool, clean water to rinse the swimsuit. Gently squeeze out the water—no wringing!

6. Dry the Suit

   Roll the swimsuit in a terrycloth towel to absorb excess water or simply hang it to air-dry in a spot with good air circulation, away from direct sunlight, which can cause colors to fade. Add a circulating fan to speed drying. Skip the dryer because high temperatures can permanently damage the fabric.

How to Wash a Swimsuit in the Washing Machine

Using your washing machine can be an easy way to wash your swimsuit. Just be gentle to help ensure your suit lasts longer than your tube of sunscreen.

1. Pretreat Stains

   Apply gentle detergent to areas prone to sunscreen stains.

2. Place the Suit in a Mesh Laundry Bag

   Turn the swimsuit inside out, and place it in a mesh laundry bag to help prevent snags and stretching.

3. Wash it on a Gentle Cycle

   Set your washing machine to the gentle cycle and use cold water and gentle detergent on it.

   Don't toss it in with your beach towel—that's a recipe for swimsuit damage. Wash the swimsuit with similar types of synthetic fabrics.

4. Hang it Dry

   Don't put a swimsuit in the dryer. The dryer will damage your suit's fibers (the heat weakens the elasticity of the spandex), so take it out of the wash and hang it to dry.

   Don't hang your swimsuit on a metal rod to dry. Doing so can alter the shape or leave rust marks.
   

How to Reduce Fading

The reality is that swimsuits fade over time. That's a result of a lot of sunshine and salt or chlorine and other chemicals that can fade their color. Because you wear swimsuits in the ocean and at the pool, it's inevitable that they'll fade eventually. However, you can reduce fading by being sure to rinse your swimsuit in cool, fresh water after you swim each time. This can wash away any salt, chlorine, or chemicals from sunscreens.

You should also avoid exposing the swimsuit to direct sunlight when you're not wearing it. While you'll likely wear it in the sun for extended periods of time, be sure to air dry it in the shade and store it somewhere shady. Using a mild detergent when you wash it can also help preserve the color.

Tips for Caring for Your Swimsuit (and Keeping it in Great Shape)

As mentioned, it's always a good idea to rinse your swimsuit immediately after swimming. Likewise, you should try to minimize exposure to hot tubs and spa baths with chemicals that can degrade the fabric faster. High temperatures alone can damage the fabric of your swimsuit.

Don't sit on rough surfaces while wearing a swimsuit either. The concrete beside the pool or wood from the lounge chairs may snag the swimsuit material. Always lay down a towel before you sit to protect the fabric.