How to Care for Your Swimwear: Washing, Drying, and Storing Tips

Swimwear is often exposed to harsh conditions: chlorine, saltwater, sunscreen, sweat, and sun. Proper care will keep your swimsuits looking new longer, preserve elasticity, and protect colors. Below are practical, easy-to-follow steps and best practices for washing, drying, and storing your swimwear so it lasts through many seasons.

1. Rinse Immediately After Use

After swimming, rinse your suit in cool, fresh water as soon as possible. This removes chlorine, salt, and oils (from sunscreen and body products) that can degrade fabric and elastic. If you can’t rinse immediately, at least rinse within a few hours.

2. Hand Washing is Best

Hand washing is gentler and helps maintain fabric integrity. Use cool or lukewarm water and a mild detergent formulated for delicates or specifically for swimwear. Gently swish the suit in soapy water for a few minutes, paying attention to areas with sunscreen or oils. Avoid scrubbing or wringing aggressively.

3. Machine Washing — If You Must

If you prefer machine washing, take precautions: always put swimwear in a mesh laundry bag, use the gentle/delicate cycle, choose cold water, and use a mild detergent. NEVER use bleach or fabric softener; these damage fibers and reduce elasticity.

4. Removing Chlorine and Stains

• Soak in a solution of one part white vinegar to four parts water for 15–30 minutes to help neutralize chlorine and prevent yellowing. Rinse thoroughly afterward.
• For sunscreen stains, pre-treat with a small amount of mild dish soap or a gentle stain remover safe for delicates, then hand wash as usual.
• Avoid harsh bleach or strong oxygen bleaches unless labeled safe for the specific fabric.

5. Drying Correctly

Never tumble-dry swimwear. Heat damages elastic fibers and can shrink fabrics. After washing, gently press out excess water without wringing. A good method is to lay the suit flat on a clean towel, roll the towel up to absorb water, then unroll and reshape the suit.

Lay flat to dry in the shade. Direct sunlight can fade colors and break down fibers over time. If you must hang, use a wide hanger and hang from the waistband rather than straps to avoid stretching.

6. Storing Swimwear

Always make sure swimwear is completely dry before storing to prevent mildew and odors. Store flat in a drawer or on a shelf; avoid cramped plastic bags for long-term storage. Breathable containers or fabric pouches are ideal. Avoid folding padded suits in ways that crease the foam — store them flat or with padding inserted to keep shape.

7. Rotate and Rest Your Suits

Rotate between multiple suits when you swim frequently. Elastic needs time to recover from stretching, so let a suit rest for 24–48 hours between uses to prolong its life.

8. Avoid Rough Surfaces and Oily Products

Rough pool edges, wood decking, and concrete can snag delicate fabrics. Sit on a towel when changing or lounging on rough surfaces. Also minimize use of oils, tanning lotions, and sticky sunscreens while wearing swimwear — these attract dirt and accelerate fabric wear.

9. Know Your Fabric

Common swim fabrics include nylon, polyester, and blends with elastane (Lycra/Spandex). Polyester is generally more chlorine-resistant than nylon; elastane provides stretch but will lose resilience over time. Follow manufacturer care labels for best results.

10. Small Repairs and Maintenance

Fix loose threads or straps early to prevent bigger damage. Replace straps or add small fabric patches for snags. For persistent sagging, it may be time to replace the suit — elastics degrade after many swim cycles.

Quick Hand-Wash Routine

1. Rinse suit in cool water to remove surface salt/chlorine.
2. Fill basin with cool water and a small amount of mild detergent.
3. Soak for 5–15 minutes, gently agitating.
4. Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear.
5. Press water out with a towel, reshape, and lay flat to dry in shade.

Final Tips

• Always follow care labels — manufacturers may have specific instructions for the fabric used.
• If you swim in chlorinated pools often, consider a swimsuit made with chlorine-resistant fibers.
• Keep a small mesh bag in your gym bag so you can separate damp swimwear from other items to avoid odors.

With a little attention and the right routine, your swimwear can maintain color, shape, and performance for many seasons. Rinse, treat gently, dry properly, and store thoughtfully — small habits make a big difference.