How to Wash Your Swimsuit Properly

Whether it is a luxury one-piece, a bikini for summer holidays, or your regular swimwear for weekly pool sessions, knowing how to wash a swimsuit properly can make a significant difference in how long it lasts.

The best way to wash swimwear is to rinse it immediately after use, gently wash it in cold water with a mild detergent, avoid wringing, and air dry it away from direct sunlight. This simple routine helps protect delicate fibres from chlorine, saltwater, sunscreen residue, and heat damage.

At Hamlet Laundry, we regularly see garments lose their shape much earlier than expected—not because of poor quality, but because of small washing mistakes that gradually damage the fabric. The good news? Most of these problems are preventable.

In this guide, we will explain how to wash swimwear properly, why swimsuits stretch or fade, common mistakes people make, and practical expert tips to help keep your swimwear looking new for longer.

Why Proper Swimwear Washing Matters

Swimwear is different from everyday clothing. Most swimsuits are made from delicate synthetic blends such as:

These fabrics are designed to stretch and fit closely to the body. However, they are also sensitive to chlorine, saltwater, sweat, sunscreen, friction, and heat.

Research in textile science shows that prolonged exposure to chlorine and high temperatures can weaken elastane fibres, reducing elasticity and causing stretching over time (Textile Research Journal, 2017).

That is why a swimsuit left damp in a gym bag or washed in hot water may lose shape faster than expected.

Why do swimsuits wear out so quickly?

Swimsuits often wear out quickly because chlorine, saltwater, sunscreen residue, body oils, and improper washing gradually weaken stretch fibres, causing fading, sagging, or fabric breakdown.

Step-by-Step: How to Wash Your Swimsuit Properly

Step 1: Rinse Your Swimsuit Immediately After Swimming

One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting too long.

After swimming, rinse your swimsuit in cool, clean water as soon as possible.

Why?

Pool water contains chlorine, while beach water leaves behind salt and minerals. On top of that, sunscreen, sweat, and body oils stay trapped inside fabric fibres.

According to fabric-care experts, immediate rinsing helps remove chemical residue before it settles deeply into the material (American Cleaning Institute).

Should you rinse your swimsuit after swimming?

Yes. Rinsing immediately helps remove chlorine, saltwater, sunscreen, sweat, and body oils that may damage swimwear fibres over time.

Even if you cannot wash it immediately, rinsing first makes a difference.

Step 2: Check the Care Label

Before washing, always check the care label.

Some swimwear—especially luxury or designer pieces—contains delicate embellishments, specialty fabrics, or stitching that require extra care.

Look for instructions like:

• Hand wash only
• Cold wash
• Do not tumble dry
• Dry flat

At Hamlet Laundry, we always recommend following garment instructions first, particularly for premium swimwear and delicate fabrics.

Step 3: Hand Wash in Cold Water (Best Method)

If you want your swimsuit to last longer, hand washing is usually the safest option.

How to hand wash swimwear properly:

1. Fill a sink or basin with cold water
2. Add a small amount of mild detergent
3. Gently swirl the swimsuit
4. Let it soak for about 10–15 minutes
5. Rinse thoroughly

Avoid harsh detergents or bleach.

Strong cleaning chemicals may break down elastic fibres faster, especially elastane and Lycra-based swimwear (International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, 2019).

What is the best way to wash swimwear?

The safest way to wash swimwear is by hand in cold water using a gentle detergent, followed by air drying away from direct heat.

Step 4: Can You Machine Wash Swimwear?

Yes—but carefully.

Machine washing is not ideal for every swimsuit, but if necessary, do it properly.

Follow these rules:

✅ Use a mesh laundry bag
✅ Choose a delicate cycle
✅ Use cold water only
✅ Add mild detergent
✅ Wash with lightweight garments

Avoid heavy towels, jeans, or rough fabrics that may damage delicate material through friction.

Can swimsuits go in the washing machine?

Yes, but only on a cold delicate cycle and ideally inside a mesh laundry bag. Hand washing remains the best method for preserving elasticity and colour.

Step 5: Never Wring Your Swimsuit

After washing, many people twist swimwear tightly to squeeze out water.

This is a mistake.

Wringing stretches delicate fibres and can weaken elasticity over time.

Instead:

• Lay the swimsuit flat on a towel
• Roll the towel gently
• Press softly to remove excess moisture

This protects fabric shape without damaging stretch fibres.

Step 6: Dry Your Swimsuit Properly

Drying matters just as much as washing.

The best way to dry swimwear:

✅ Lay flat on a towel
✅ Dry in shade
✅ Choose a cool, ventilated place

Avoid:

❌ Tumble dryers
❌ Radiators
❌ Direct sunlight
❌ Hanging from straps

Heat exposure can damage elastane and speed up loss of elasticity (Textile Outlook International).

Can you tumble dry swimwear?

No. High heat from tumble dryers may weaken elastic fibres and reduce stretch performance over time.

How Chlorine, Saltwater, and Sunscreen Damage Swimwear

Understanding the “why” behind swimsuit damage helps prevent expensive mistakes.

1. Chlorine Damage

Chlorine disinfects swimming pools, but it is harsh on swimwear.

Over time, chlorine may:

• weaken elasticity
• cause fading
• create lingering odours
• dry out fibres

Research has shown that repeated chlorine exposure contributes to deterioration in elastane-rich fabrics (Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2016).

How to reduce chlorine damage:

• Rinse immediately
• Wash after every use
• Avoid leaving swimwear damp

2. Saltwater Damage

Beach water may seem harmless, but salt crystals can stay trapped in fabric.

This may cause:

• stiffness
• rough texture
• premature wear

A quick rinse after swimming in the sea helps prevent residue build-up.

3. Sunscreen and Body Oils

Sunscreen protects your skin—but not necessarily your swimwear.

Residue from sunscreen, lotions, and body oils can lead to:

• yellow staining
• unpleasant smells
• trapped residue
• discolouration

This becomes more noticeable with lighter-coloured swimwear.

Common Swimwear Washing Mistakes to Avoid

Many swimsuits are damaged by everyday habits rather than swimming itself.

Biggest Mistakes and Better Alternatives

At Hamlet Laundry, we frequently notice premature fabric damage caused by heat exposure and harsh washing habits—issues that are often avoidable with proper garment care.

How to Remove Chlorine Smell from a Swimsuit

If your swimsuit smells strongly of chlorine, do not panic.

Try this method:

Step-by-Step Chlorine Odour Removal

1. Rinse thoroughly in cool water
2. Fill a basin with cold water
3. Add mild detergent
4. Soak for 15 minutes
5. Rinse well

For stubborn odours, some garment-care experts recommend a diluted white vinegar soak, but always check care instructions first because certain fabrics may react differently.

How do you remove chlorine smell from swimwear?

Wash it gently in cold water with mild detergent after rinsing thoroughly. Prompt washing helps remove trapped chlorine residue before odours settle into fibres.

How to Make Your Swimwear Last Longer

Good swimwear can be expensive. Proper care protects your investment.

Expert Tips for Longer-Lasting Swimwear

Rotate between swimsuits

Avoid wearing the same swimsuit daily if you swim often.

Elastic fibres benefit from recovery time.

Sit carefully

Poolside concrete and rough surfaces can damage fabric.

Use a towel before sitting.

Avoid hot tubs too often

Hot water and chemicals may wear fibres faster.

Store it properly

Never store swimwear while damp.

Dry fully before folding.

Wash after every wear

Even if it looks clean, chemical residue remains.

When You Should Avoid Washing Swimwear at Home

Home washing works well for most swimwear.

However, certain items deserve extra care.

You may want professional help for:

• designer swimwear
• luxury fabrics
• embellished bikinis
• delicate stitching
• stubborn staining
• premium resort wear

For example, heavily embellished or premium swimwear may require gentler handling than a standard home wash cycle can provide.

At Hamlet Laundry, delicate garments are handled with fabric-appropriate care to help reduce unnecessary wear and preserve quality wherever possible.

For London residents, this can be particularly helpful after holidays when swimwear returns stained with sunscreen, sand, chlorine, or saltwater residue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you wash a swimsuit after every wear?

Yes. Even if it looks clean, chlorine, salt, sweat, and body oils remain trapped in fibres.

What detergent is best for swimwear?

A mild detergent without harsh chemicals or bleach is generally safest.

Can hot water ruin a swimsuit?

Yes. High temperatures may weaken elastane and reduce elasticity over time.

Why does my swimsuit smell like chlorine?

Residual pool chemicals trapped in fibres can create lingering odours if swimwear is not rinsed properly.

How do I stop swimwear fading?

Wash gently, avoid direct sunlight, skip harsh detergents, and rinse immediately after swimming.

Final Thoughts

Taking care of swimwear does not need to be complicated.

Small habits—like rinsing immediately, washing in cold water, avoiding heat, and drying properly—can dramatically extend the life of your favourite swimsuit.

The truth is that many swimwear problems are preventable. Stretching, fading, chlorine smells, and fabric damage often happen gradually because of repeated care mistakes.

With proper washing habits, your swimwear can stay comfortable, supportive, and looking newer for much longer.

👙 Keep Your Swimwear Looking Its Best with Professional Care

Sometimes, delicate garments deserve extra attention—especially luxury swimwear, premium fabrics, or stubborn stains after holidays.

If you are in London and want a convenient, professional solution, Hamlet Laundry Ltd. can help.

Why Choose Hamlet Laundry?

✨ Professional care for delicate garments
🚚 FREE pickup & delivery all over London
🧺 Convenient laundry and dry-cleaning services
⏰ Save time with hassle-free scheduling
👔 Expert handling of premium fabrics and special-care garments
🏠 Reliable service from a trusted London-based laundry company

Whether your swimwear needs careful cleaning after a beach holiday or you simply want expert garment care without the hassle, Hamlet Laundry makes laundry easier and more convenient.

Book your FREE pickup and delivery today and let Hamlet Laundry take care of your garments—so you can spend less time worrying about laundry and more time enjoying life.