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Key Takeaways:
- Rinse your swimsuit immediately after wearing to remove chlorine, salt, and sunscreen
- Always wash in cold water. Heat is the fastest way to ruin elasticity and fade colors.
- Use a gentle, enzyme-based laundry detergent pod.
- Protect your suit during the wash with a delicate cycle and a mesh laundry bag.
- Never use the dryer. Lay flat to dry to preserve shape and elasticity.
Swimsuits live a rough life. They deal with chlorine, saltwater, sunscreen, and sweat. But somehow they’re expected to snap back into shape like nothing happened. Then we toss them in with a load of towels, hit “normal,” and act surprised when the straps go limp and the color looks like it spent a summer in 2009.
The problem isn’t your swimsuit. It’s how it’s being washed. Here’s how to clean your swimwear without ruining it in the process.
How to Wash Swimsuits (Step-by-Step)
Here’s the short version:
- Rinse your swimsuit immediately after wearing
- Wash in cold water only
- Use a gentle, enzyme-based laundry detergent pod
- Run a delicate cycle (preferably in a mesh bag)
- Lay flat to dry (never use heat)
Do those five things consistently, and your suits will last longer and keep their shape. Now let’s get into why.
No matter what your care tag says, these must-haves keep your clothes looking and smelling their best—minus the guesswork.
Swimsuit Care: Dos and Don’ts
There’s a lot of advice floating around about swimwear. We’re here to separate out what’s legit and what’s not.
Do:
Rinse it right away: Chlorine, salt, and sunscreen don’t wait politely to be washed later. They start breaking down fabric the second you take your suit off.
Wash in cold water: Heat is the fastest way to ruin elasticity. Cold water cleans without compromising the fibers that give your suit its shape.
Use a mesh laundry bag: Swimsuits don’t play well with other clothes. A mesh bag protects against friction, stretching, and getting tangled in heavier items.
Rotate between suits: Spandex needs time (about 24 hours) to return to its original shape. Wearing the same suit back-to-back days stretches it out faster.
Don’t:
Wring it out: Twisting a wet swimsuit puts stress on the fibers and breaks down elasticity.
Hang it while soaking wet: Water weight pulls on straps and distorts the fit over time.
Use heat (washer or dryer): Hot water and heated dryers can damage the fibers that make swimsuits functional.
Wash with heavy fabrics: Towels and denim create friction. Friction is how you end up with stretched-out, misshapen swimwear.
How to Wash Swimsuits Based on the Situation
Not all swims are created equal. What your suit went through matters.
After the Pool (Chlorine)
- Rinse immediately, even before you leave if possible
- Wash the same day
- Use a detergent that can break down chemical residue
After the Ocean (Saltwater)
- Rinse thoroughly with fresh water
- Wash if you wore it for extended time
After Sunbathing (Sweat + Sunscreen)
Even if you didn’t swim, your suit still needs a wash.
Sunscreen and body oils cling to synthetic fabrics in a way water alone won’t fix. Over time, that buildup dulls color and affects stretch.
For Smelly Swimsuits
If your swimsuit smells off, buildup is usually to blame.
- Use a cold wash
- Use a laundry detergent that targets oils and residue
- Avoid masking it with fragrance-heavy products
How to Wash Different Swimsuit Materials
Most swimsuits look similar, but they don’t all behave the same.
Nylon / Spandex (Most Swimsuits)
This is the standard combo. It’s stretchy, lightweight, and sensitive to heat and friction. Stick to cold water and gentle cycles.
Polyester
Polyester is a bit more durable and resistant to chlorine, but still not invincible. Treat them gently if you want them to last.
Ribbed or Textured Fabrics
These trap more friction during washing. Always use a mesh bag and avoid washing with anything rough.
Designer or Structured Suits
These tend to have more delicate construction and more risk of distortion. Handle with extra care and avoid aggressive cycles.
What’s the Best Laundry Detergent for Swimsuits?
Swimsuits don’t just get “dirty.” They absorb sunscreen, body oils, chlorine, and salt. Standard detergents (especially in cold water) often struggle to break those down completely.
That’s why enzyme-based detergents are a better fit. They’re designed to target oils and organic residue without relying on heat, which is key for protecting elasticity.
Laundry Sauce pods are built for exactly this kind of job. They work effectively in cold water, breaking down buildup without putting stress on the fabric—and without needing multiple pods or hotter cycles to compensate.
The result is cleaner swimsuits that still feel like they fit the way they’re supposed to.
FAQs About Washing Swimsuits
Can you wash swimsuits in the washing machine?
Yes—just use cold water, a delicate cycle, and a mesh laundry bag to minimize friction.
How often should you wash a swimsuit?
After every wear. Even if you didn’t swim, sweat and sunscreen still build up.
Why do swimsuits lose elasticity?
Heat, chlorine exposure, and repeated stretching without recovery time all break down elastic fibers.
Can you put swimsuits in the dryer?
No. Heat damages the fibers and leads to sagging, fading, and loss of shape.
How do you remove chlorine smell from swimsuits?
Rinse immediately after swimming and wash with a detergent that can break down chemical residue.
Can you wash swimsuits with regular clothes?
It’s better not to. Heavy fabrics create friction that can stretch and distort swimwear.
Can you use fabric softener on swimsuits?
Never use fabric softener on swimsuits. The conditioning agents leave behind a residue that messes with quick-drying fabrics and can trap bacteria.
Take a Summer Trip with Laundry Sauce—No Passport Needed
We’re all for pool days, beach days, and impromptu hot tub nights. But your swimsuit deserves a little post-party care. Make sure you have Laundry Sauce on hand to break down sunscreen, sweat, and chlorine without wrecking your fabric.
Plus, our premium fragrances will transport you to the Amalfi Coast or the French Riviera, even if you’re just lounging in your backyard. Dive into Laundry Sauce this summer and see for yourself why everyone’s ditching generic detergent.
