How to Wash Swimsuits So They Last Longer and Stay Bright
By Molly's Suds | Published: 2026-10-13
Category: Tips & Care
Learn how to wash swimsuits by hand to remove chlorine, sunscreen, and sand, and extend swimsuit life without fading color or stretching the fabric.
Quick answer
Rinse your swimsuit in cool water immediately after every wear, then hand wash it with a gentle swimsuit cleaner and lay it flat to dry away from direct sun. Skip the washing machine, dryer, and harsh detergents—they break down elasticity and fade color faster than chlorine alone.
Why immediate rinsing matters more than soap
Chlorine, salt, sunscreen, and body oils start weakening swimsuit fibers the moment you leave the water. A 30-second cool rinse in the sink or shower before you towel off removes most of the surface residue. If you can't rinse right away, at least wrap the suit in a clean towel and wash it as soon as you get home. The longer chlorine sits in the fabric, the more it dulls color and eats into spandex.
Choose a cleaner made for swimwear, not just laundry
Regular laundry detergent is formulated to lift dirt from cotton and synthetics, but it can leave residues that trap chlorine or irritate sensitive skin. A dedicated swimsuit cleaner targets sunscreen, oil, chlorine, and sweat while preserving elasticity, shape, and color. Look for simple active ingredients and no added dyes or fragrances if you have sensitive skin or want to avoid buildup. If you only have a gentle plant-based detergent on hand, use a tiny amount and rinse thoroughly—but a swim-specific formula is the safer default for expensive suits.
Hand wash technique that protects seams and lining
Fill a clean sink or basin with cool water and a small amount of swimsuit cleaner. Submerge the suit and gently squeeze the water through the fabric for about a minute. Never wring, twist, or scrub the suit against itself—those motions stretch the lining and break down the elastic fibers around the legs and straps. Pay extra attention to the underarm area and the crotch lining, where sunscreen and body oils concentrate. If the suit is heavily soiled, let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse with cool water until no suds remain.
Drying and storing to prevent fading and stretch
After rinsing, gently press the suit between two clean towels to remove excess water. Do not twist or wring. Lay the suit flat to dry on a towel or hang it by the straps in a shaded, well-ventilated spot. Direct sunlight and high heat from a dryer will fade colors and degrade spandex. Once dry, store suits flat or loosely folded—never on a metal hanger, which can rust and stain, and never in a sealed plastic bag while still damp.
Step-by-step swimsuit washing routine
- Rinse immediately after every swim: Use cool water to rinse off chlorine, salt, and sand before they set into the fibers. Do this in the sink or shower, or at least as soon as you get home. Checkpoint: the water should run clear, not slippery or foamy.
- Hand wash with a swimsuit cleaner: Fill a basin with cool water and a small amount of cleaner like SWIMTM Swimsuit Cleaner. Gently squeeze the suds through the suit for one minute, focusing on underarms and lining. Common mistake: using hot water or regular detergent, which can fade color and leave residue.
- Rinse and press out water: Rinse with cool water until no suds remain. Press the suit between two clean towels to remove excess water—never wring or twist. Checkpoint: the suit should feel damp, not dripping, before drying.
- Lay flat to dry in the shade: Lay the suit flat on a dry towel or hang it by the straps in a shaded, ventilated area. Avoid direct sun and never use a dryer. Common mistake: drying in direct sunlight or on a metal hanger, which can fade colors and cause rust stains.
- Store loosely folded: Once completely dry, store the suit flat or loosely folded in a drawer. Do not store it damp in a plastic bag or on a hanger. Next step: rotate between two suits if you swim daily, giving each one 24 hours to fully dry and recover its shape.
Product facts
- SWIM™ Swimsuit Cleaner: SWIMTM Swimsuit Cleaner gently lifts sunscreen, oil, chlorine, sweat, and sand while eliminating tough odors from chlorine and seawater. It removes the specific residues that dull color and break down stretch, so your suit stays bright and elastic for more seasons.
- SWIM™ Swimsuit Cleaner: This swimsuit cleaner is made with simple yet effective active cleaning ingredients and is gentle for all ages, including those with sensitive skin. You can wash your suit thoroughly without harsh detergents that might irritate skin or leave residue that traps odors.
