How to Wash, Dry and Store Your Bathing Suits
Good swimsuits are expensive.
Period.
If you want a quality suit, be prepared to spend upwards of $100.
However, if you care for them properly, your swimsuits can last you three seasons or more. At around $35 per season, that’s a great investment.
With that in mind, here a few simple tips to prepare your suit for this season and ensure that it lasts for several.
I just bought a new suit. Should I wash it before I wear it?
YES! First, for countless sanitary reasons. But, this is also the first step in preserving the suit’s color and preventing fading. Please don’t just toss it in the laundry machine. Here’s what I recommend:
Soak your new suit for 20-30 minutes in a sink with 2 tablespoons of white vinegar to every quart of water (before you google it, 4 quarts make a gallon).
Lay it flat and roll it up in a clean, dry towel to expel any excess water.
Unroll and air dry flat, away from the sun.
OK, I’m wearing it now. Can I jump in the water?
Hold up. Quickly rinse off in the shower before you leap. This allows your suit to absorb natural, clean water first and not the harsh chemicals from the pool or salt water. Then, grab that plastic wine glass and dive in!
I’m done swimming now. Do I have to do that vinegar thing again?
Nope. After a day in the pool or at the beach, you can protect your suit by simply rinsing it off.
Fully rinse your suit in the shower or soak it in cold water in a sink.
DO NOT use soap or body wash on it. This can cause fading and break down the fabric.
DO NOT wring your suit out. Like I mentioned above, lay it flat and roll it up in a clean, dry towel to expel any excess water.
Hang it in half to dry over a towel bar, or from the crotch on a hook.
So, should I never put it in the washing machine?
Hand washing your swimwear with gentle detergent is best. (In fact, they actually make detergents just for swimsuits. Who knew, right?) But, if you don’t have the time to wash by hand (or the budget to buy your suit its own detergent), try this:
Wash your suits on the absolute most delicate cycle in cold water and with any gentle detergent.
Place your bikinis in a lingerie bag to prevent tie tangles.
Remove your suits promptly to reduce mildew and unwanted moisture.
Dry flat or hang over a laundry rack. DO NOT put them in the dryer. Ever. No dryers. Even on the “air dry” setting. Seriously.
My suits are dry now. Just toss them in the drawer?
As long as you store your suits away from sunlight, any drawer should be OK, however, your best bet is to stack them neatly in a plastic bin that can be kept easily under your bed or in your closet.
DO NOT crumple up your suit and put it in a Ziploc bag.
DO NOT put your suit in the attic or garage – the fluctuation in temperature can cause moisture, mildew and mold, ruining your suit.
Here’s the recap.
Invest in good suits. You’ll get more use per dollar.
Pre-treat your suit by soaking in a water and vinegar solution.
Rinse your suit in fresh water before going into the pool/ocean.
Rinse your suit after the pool/ocean WITHOUT soap.
Hand-wash your suit with mild detergent.
Lay flat on towel and roll to express water. Dry flat.
Need to use a laundry machine? Read the washing instructions, but use delicate cycle, delicate detergent and cold water.
NO DRYERS! EVER!
DO NOT dry in the sun! It will fade your suits.
Store your suit in a temperature-controlled plastic bin.
Enjoy your suit for years to come!