Swimsuits work hard all summer long. They dive into chlorine, soak up saltwater, battle sunscreen stains, and somehow still need to look good doing it. But despite their job description, swimwear is surprisingly delicate – and the wrong washing routine can stretch it out, fade the color, and wear it down fast.
If you want your favorite suit to last more than one season, a little extra care goes a long way. Here’s how to keep your swimwear looking (and feeling) like new – plus when it’s worth handing things over to a professional laundry service.
Rinse Immediately After Wearing
As soon as you take off your swimsuit, give it a quick rinse with cool, clean water. Even if you’re not ready to wash it right away, rinsing helps remove salt, chlorine, sunscreen, sweat, and body oils that can break down the fabric and fade the color over time.
This simple step can make a big difference in preserving the stretch and vibrancy of your suit. Pro tip: Rinse before you swim, too. A damp swimsuit is less likely to absorb damaging chemicals from pool water.
Skip the Washing Machine (and Definitely the Dryer)
Swimsuits may be tough in the water, but they’re delicate when it comes to care. Skip the washing machine and hand wash in cold water with a gentle detergent – ideally one made for delicates or activewear. Harsh cleaners, bleach, and fabric softeners can break down the fibers and stretch out your suit.
After washing, gently press out excess water with a towel. Avoid wringing, which can damage the fabric, and never use a dryer. Instead, lay your swimsuit flat to dry in the shade – direct sunlight can cause fading and weaken elastic over time. It takes a little longer, but this method helps your suit keep its shape and color longer.
Rotate Your Swimsuits
Wearing the same swimsuit every day? It might be time to start a rotation. Just like bras or athletic wear, swimsuits need a break between wears to allow the elastic to fully return to its original shape. Constant use without rest can cause the material to stretch out faster and lose its snug fit.
If you swim often, having two or three suits to alternate can extend the life of each one – and keep you looking fresh at the beach or pool.
Common Swimsuit Washing Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to accidentally shorten the life of your favorite suit. Here are a few mistakes to steer clear of:
- Leaving it wet in a bag or towel: Traps moisture, encourages mildew, and can cause colors to bleed or fade.
- Wringing it out: Twisting stretches the fabric and damages elastic. Press with a towel instead.
- Using regular detergent: Harsh formulas can break down the delicate fibers in swimwear. Stick to mild or specialty detergents.
- Hanging by the straps to dry: Gravity can stretch them out over time. Lay flat instead.
- Drying in direct sunlight: UV rays fade color and weaken elasticity.
Avoiding these simple mistakes can make a big difference in how your swimsuit holds up over the season.
Don’t Have Time to Deal With Washing Your Swimsuit? Let Kean’s Handle it For You
If swimsuit care feels like just one more thing on your summer to-do list, let Kean’s take it off your plate. Our professional laundry service knows how to treat delicate items – including swimwear -with the extra care they need.
Whether it’s part of a larger post-vacation laundry load or a regular fluff and fold service, we’ll make sure your swimsuits (and everything else) come back clean, fresh, and folded – never faded, stretched, or damaged. With pickup and delivery available in Baton Rouge, it’s convenience and care, all in one.
