Bathing suit wash and maintenance tips

Planning a vacation and want to take good care of your swimsuit? If not paid attention to, natural elements such as sunlight, saltwater, sand, and chemicals in swimming pools can cause damage to your swimsuit. Therefore, keeping your swimsuit clean is crucial for preventing fading, deformation, and extending the lifespan of your beloved swimsuit. Here are some simple steps to help you make the most of your swimsuit.

Maintain your swimsuit during use

Choose the right pool

Chlorine is a corrosive substance that effectively kills bacteria in water. However, it can also damage the structure of swimsuits and cause colors to fade rapidly. Therefore, if you swim at home, it is recommended to invest in proper pool management and follow the recommended standards for chlorine content. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that the pH level of a swimming pool should be maintained between 7.2 and 7.8, with a minimum level of free chlorine of 1 ppm, while hot tubs and spas should maintain a free chlorine level of 3 ppm. If you are swimming outdoors, consider choosing non-chlorinated pools or pools that use saltwater. If you are on vacation, it is advisable to prioritize natural bodies of water such as the ocean.

Avoid rough surfaces

Serrated or rough edges can damage clothing, especially swimsuits, by causing wear and catching the fabric. Therefore, be extra careful when sitting or reclining before and after swimming to avoid damaging the fabric and causing pilling. If you need to sit on the pool deck, be aware that its surface can be quite rough. It is recommended to lay a towel down before sitting as a protective barrier to reduce friction between the fabric and the surface. Additionally, try to avoid contact with sand and dirt.

Watch out for lotions and oils

Although sunscreens, cosmetics, and tanning oils are very beneficial for the skin, especially at the beach, they can cause damage to clothing. Therefore, when applying them, try to minimize contact with fabrics. Otherwise, over time, your swimsuit may suffer damage and fading.

Bathing suit wash

To prevent damage, mold growth, and the permeation of odors in your swimsuit, avoid tightly packing your wet swimsuit into a plastic bag or casually tossing it at the bottom of a laundry basket. Doing so can put unnecessary stress on the fabric and encourage the growth of mold. To maintain the appearance, functionality, and fresh scent of your swimsuit, it is recommended to clean it properly as soon as possible after each use, following the care instructions on the label. Simply rinsing with water may not be enough for a thorough cleaning. Therefore, after each swim, you should wash your swimsuit with a small amount of detergent to ensure the removal of salt, minerals, and any chemical residues from the fabric.

Remove strong stains

Swimsuit fabrics have the characteristic of absorbing oily substances, such as sunscreen. Once these oily substances come into contact with the fabric, they tend to adhere to it. Most of these stains can be removed with the mild detergent you usually use to wash your swimsuit. When you notice oily stains on your swimsuit, pre-treat these areas with liquid detergent first, and then wash with water at the highest temperature that the swimsuit can withstand (usually, swimsuits are washed with warm water).

Use a fan to dry

After washing your swimsuit, avoid wringing it out forcefully! Doing so can damage the fabric and seams, causing the swimsuit to distort or wrinkle. Instead, lay the swimsuit flat on a clean towel and gently roll it up from one end, allowing the towel to absorb the excess water. This method effectively removes moisture without putting stress or stretch on the swimsuit. Make sure the swimsuit is completely dry before storing it, as any residual moisture can lead to odors and premature aging of the fabric.