With swimsuit season just around the corner, stocktaking of all wearable summer cloth items has officially commenced. And one of the essential pieces of clothing in this category is a swimsuit.
To ensure that your existing swimsuit will serve you efficiently through summer, you need to ensure that you are cleaning it properly to prevent the fabric from developing a funky smell.
You also need to ensure that you dry it the right way as some swimsuits such as spandex swimsuits are best air-dried to extend the fabric’s elasticity.
Keep reading to find out the best ways of washing swimsuits when hand washing and machine washing swimsuits with various types of fabrics.
How to wash women’s swimsuit
As most women’s bathing suits are made of stretchy fabric, it is best to hand wash and air-dry the swimsuit to preserve its elastic nature. As a rule of thumb, use cold water to wash any swimsuit made using a synthetic fabric with elastic features.
You should also ensure that you rinse the swimsuit as soon as you take it off to remove any chlorine and germs. Then wash the swimwear as soon as you get home.
Hand Washing Steps
- Add mild soap without bleaching agents in a tub or sink filled with cold water and soak the swimsuit for at least 15 minutes.
- Then wash the swimsuit and rinse it until the water runs clear.
- Avoid wringing the swimsuit as this may damage its fibers. Instead, use a dry, highly absorbent towel to absorb the excess water.
- For best results, lay it down to dry to reduces the chances of stretching.
Machine Washing Steps
- Place the swimsuit in a mesh laundry bag to prevent the straps from getting snagged.
- Use a bleach-free detergent to wash the swimsuit.
- Ideally, you should use cold water in a gentle cycle. You can also throw in your wet towels so they can act as a cushion for the swimsuit.
- Air-dry the swimsuit to prolong its fabric life.
How to wash swimming trunks
Unlike women’s swimsuits, most men’s swimsuits are not made out of stretchy fabric. As such, they can be machine washed and dried. But always remember to check the label to confirm whether the swimming trunks are machine washable. If not, wash by hand.
Hand Washing Steps
- Soak the trunks in cold water for at least 15 minutes using bleach-free detergent.
- Then wash the swimsuit and rinse it until the water runs clear.
- Use a dry, highly absorbent towel to absorb the excess water.
- Then lay flat to dry.
Machine Washing Steps
- Wash in a gentle cycle using bleach-free detergent.
- Use a dry, highly absorbent towel to absorb the excess water.
- Then lay flat to dry.
How to remove stains swimwear
To remove stains from your swimwear, soak them in one part vinegar three parts water. Then wash as usual. Alternatively, you can apply white vinegar directly onto the stain then let it sit for a few minutes before washing the swimming costume as usual.
You can also use baking soda to lift the stain by sprinkling it on the stain and letting it sit for a least two hours. Then proceed to wash it as usual.
How do you wash stinky swimsuits?
Baking soda is perfect for deodorizing swimsuits without causing any damage or bleaching effect. Add half a cup of baking soda to a tub of cold water and soak your swimsuit for an hour. Then rinse it and dry it as usual.
Can I wash a swimsuit in a washing machine?
Yes. But you should always check the label to ensure that the fabric is machine washable. The swimsuit will also have specific instructions regarding machine washing the fabric for instant warm or old drying and whether you can machine dry or not.
Additionally, always remember that elastic fabrics should be cold washed or hand washed to prevent degradation of the rubber used to give the swimsuit stretch. Also, be cautious when selecting the type of detergent or bleach you use to machine wash your swimsuit.
Chlorine bleaches damages fabrics, especially synthetic materials such as polyester, lycra, and spandex. Avoid using these as they eat at the fabric, reducing their lifespan considerably. Lastly,
How do you sanitize a swimsuit?
Distilled white vinegar is highly effective against bacteria and a myriad of other pathogens. Soak your swimsuit in a mixture of water and white vinegar and let it sit for a few hours. Then proceed to wash it and dry it as usual.
You can also look for a disinfectant that will not damage the fabric, such as an alcohol-free disinfectant designed to kill pathogens. Ensure the disinfectant will not damage your swimsuit fabric before using it to soak your swimsuit.
Conclusion:
To reduce germ overload on your costume, wash it during your post-swim shower instead of just rinsing it once you take it off. Additionally, you can use shampoo for cleaning the swimsuit as it does not contain any bleaching agents. Do not use a shampoo that contains conditioner.
Always ensure that our swimsuits are completely dry before storing them to prevent the growth of mildew. Lastly, look for detergents formulated for washing fabrics containing lycra or spandex.