Written by Tenley Haraldson.Â
Whether you're going on a beach vacation or heading to the local pool, it's important to clean bathing suits properly to extend their lifespans. Discover how to wash swimsuits with these fabric-safe tips and tricks.Higher-Quality Materials Will Last Longer
No one wants to wear a thin, faded swimsuit. If you can, splurge on 1-2 premium swimsuits that will retain their strength, color, and shape for years. If purchasing new items is cost-prohibitive, check out secondhand sites (like eBay or ThredUp). Always wash a thrifted suit before wearing it!
Rinse Suits After Every Use
Sunscreen, self-tanner, sweat, and chlorine can break down fabric fibers, so it's important to rinse bathing suits out as soon as you step out of the pool. The most effective way is taking a shower while still wearing the suit (since it's stretched across your body and not scrunched up).
How Often Should I Wash My Bathing Suit?
You don't necessarily need to wash your suit every time it's worn. But it's encouraged after swimming in chlorinated water, lakes, and streams.
How to Wash My Swimsuit by Hand
If you wear a lycra or spandex suit, hand washing is definitely recommended. Most suits come with a "handwashing" tag to avoid stretching the fibers and destroying the fit.
Pro tip:Â Materials like nylon and polyester tend to hold up better in a washing machine. See below for instructions on machine washing.
Treat Stains
On a holiday, any number of smudges and marks can land on your clothes. That's why we always bring a TSA-friendly container of Natural Stain Remover wherever we go. Cover the affected area, agitate the area by rubbing the fabric together, and wait for up to one hour (at least 15 minutes).
Soak
Fill a bathtub or large basin with lukewarm water. Turn your swimsuit inside out and let it soak for at least 30 minutes. This helps loosen and remove sand, chlorine, sweat, sunscreen, and stain particles.
Drain & Agitate
Drain water and flip your swimsuit "right-side out." Refill your basin with lukewarm water and no more than 1/2 a pump of Puracy Natural Laundry Detergent (though shampoo can work in a pinch). Gently mimic the motions of a washing machine by swirling your suit around.
These coconut-based surfactants and plant-based enzymes will remove chlorine, sunscreen, and odors – and the formula completely washes away.
Rinse &Â Dry
Use clean, cool water to remove soap and gently "squish" as much water out with your hands (twisting can destroy fibers over time). Don't put your bathing suit in the dryer or hang it – sopping wet – to dry. Place it on a flat surface and let it air dry on a clean, waterproof surface. In a pinch, you can hang damp suits on a clothesline.
How to Wash a Swimsuit in a Washing Machine
Unless your suit's care tag states that it's machine washable, avoid throwing your bathing suit in a washing machine. However, there are precautions you can take: Choose a delicate cycle and use a mesh garment bag and gentle laundry detergent.
How to Store Your Swimsuit
If you're not planning on wearing your suit for at least a few months, avoid fading by washing and drying it. Next, place it in a garment bag and store it in a cool, dry location.
Puracy Is Safe for All Fabrics & Skin Sensitivities
If you invest in a quality swimsuit, you want it to last. That's why our laundry formulas are loaded with ingredients like coconut cleansers and plant-based enzymes that naturally erase elements like pool water, sweat, and sunscreen – then completely rinse away.
