How to wash swimsuits to make them last longer

Hand wash, not machine wash. Don't wear the same swimsuit every day, but alternate them.

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To make your swimsuits last longer (whether bikinis or swim trunks), the most important thing is to treat them gently, because chlorine, salt, and sun quickly damage elastics and fabrics.

After each use, rinse them immediately with cold or warm water. This step is essential: it removes chlorine, salt, and sand before they "set" in the fibers.

For the actual washing, better to do it by hand: use cold water and a gentle detergent (even a neutral soap is fine). Avoid soaking for too long: 10–15 minutes is more than sufficient. Don't scrub vigorously or twist the fabric, as it can easily deform.

Hand washing, however, removes chlorine, salt, sweat, and sunscreen residue without subjecting the fabric to these mechanical stresses. This helps preserve:

  • elasticity
  • the original form
  • the fit of the costume
  • the intensity of the colors

In practice, the greatest damage to swimsuits often comes not from detergent, but from the gradual loss of elasticity caused by chlorine, UV rays, and mechanical stress. Hand washing reduces at least one of these factors, helping to extend their life.

If you use the washing machineOnly do this occasionally and choose a delicate cycle (for wool and silk) at a cold temperature, no higher than 20-30 degrees, in a bag for delicates. Absolutely avoid a high spin cycle.

And in any case, know that in the washing machine, even with delicate programs, the costume is subjected to:

  • rubbing against other clothes and against the drum
  • repetitive twisting and stretching
  • centrifuge, which puts the elastic fibres under strong stress
  • temperatures that may be higher than indicated

Finally, drying, equally important: Air dry in the shade, without using a dryer or prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Then, lay the swimsuit flat or hang it in the shade to help it retain its shape and elasticity. After washing, do not wring it out vigorously: If it's very wet, gently press the fabric between your hands or pat it dry with a clean towel. Many people hang their swimsuit with clothespins. This is fine for short periods, but if the swimsuit is still very wet, the weight of the water can stretch some areas of the fabric. Therefore, flat drying is generally the gentlest solution. If your swimsuit has sunscreen stains, simply follow this procedure: 

  1. Rinse the stained area with cold water.
  2. Apply a small amount of gentle laundry soap or liquid detergent directly on the stain.
  3. Massage gently with your fingers.
  4. Leave it on for 10–15 minutes.
  5. Rinse well and wash the swimsuit as usual.

For more persistent stains, you can prepare a paste with baking soda and a little waterApply it to the stain and let it sit for about 30 minutes before washing. Test a small, inconspicuous area first, especially if the swimsuit is colored. 

The most common cause of swimsuit wear, also due to frequent washing, is loss of elasticity. This can be seen with very obvious signs when the swimsuit: 

  • It doesn't stick as well as it used to and appears looser, especially at the waist, hips, or bust.
  • It moves easily when you walk, swim, or get out of the water.
  • He does some small creases or wrinkles in areas that were previously very tense. 
  • The fabric appears relaxed or “tired”, without the original uniform tension.
  • Elastic seams appear wavy or puckered even when the swimsuit is stretched out.
  • In some cases, thin lines are seen white elastic filaments

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