How to Wash Swimsuit / Swimwear
What You'll Need
- Sink or basin
- Small amount
- 1
Step-by-Step Method
Rinse the swimsuit in cool fresh water as soon as possible after swimming. This removes chlorine, salt, sunscreen, and body oils before they can degrade the fabric.
Fill a sink with cool water and a tiny amount of mild detergent. Gently press and squeeze the suit in the water. Do not twist or wring.
Rinse in cool water until soap is gone. Lay the suit flat on a clean towel. Roll up the towel with the suit inside and press to remove water. Unroll.
Lay flat to dry away from direct sunlight. Sun bleaches and degrades spandex/lycra fibers.
- Never machine wash swimsuits (agitation destroys elastic fibers)
- Never put in the dryer (heat kills spandex)
- Never wring or twist (distorts the shape)
- Never leave a wet swimsuit in a plastic bag (breeds bacteria and damages fibers)
- Never dry in direct sunlight (UV degrades spandex)
- Chlorine is the #1 destroyer of swimsuit elasticity. Pre-soaking the suit in fresh water before entering the pool reduces chlorine absorption because the fibers are already saturated.
- Rotate between 2-3 swimsuits if you swim regularly. Spandex needs 24 hours to recover its shape between wears.
- White vinegar added to the rinse water (1 tbsp per quart) helps neutralize chlorine.
Frequently Asked Questions
With proper care: 1-2 years of regular use (3+ times per week). Without care: a few months. Chlorine is the primary degradation factor. Hand washing, avoiding the dryer, and rinsing immediately after swimming are the three habits that extend swimsuit life.
Sources & Methodology
Swimwear care based on textile industry standards for spandex/elastane fibers. Chlorine degrades polyurethane-based elastic fibers through oxidative degradation.
Last reviewed: March 20, 2026