Rinse Before and After You Swim
Cleaning a swimsuit before and after spending time in the water is crucial to maintaining its quality. Bathing suits normally contain polymers that can break down after extended exposure to salt water and chlorinated pools. Rinsing your bathing suit before jumping into the water will allow the filaments in the material to initially absorb fresh water instead of the saltwater and chemicals that break it down further. After a swim, rinsing helps remove these pesky elements before you can give it a proper wash.
Hand Wash with Gentle Detergents
Before washing, make sure to read the laundry symbols on the garment care label. If the garment care label has been taken off, handwashing with gentle detergents is your best bet! It is best to wash your bathing suit inside out with cool water. Though hand washing is the best method, many suits can be washed in a machine under a gentle cycle. When washing bikini tops, use a laundry bag or pillowcase to protect the straps from tangling and the bra cups from deforming. The same for swim trunks, to protect the drawstrings and linings.
Lay Flat to Dry
The excessive amount of heat from the dryer and sun may cause the vibrant colors of your swimwear to fade. To dry, remove excess water by gently rolling it into a dry towel and then laying it flat to dry. Instead of laying it outside, choose a well-ventilated area or a drying rack to ensure a perfect amount of airflow.
Removing Odors and Stains
To protect your swimwear from odors, it is essential that you don’t leave it wet and balled up in a plastic bag. Balling up your swimwear stresses the fabric and can also result in mildew if left wet for a prolonged period of time. If this is the case, or you are having trouble removing chlorine and other smells, try using a lightly fragranced detergent. If the problem persists, citrus detergents can also help eliminate stubborn odors. Finally, if you notice any stains from sunscreen or other oily substances, treat the areas with liquid detergent and run the garment under warm water.
Once the suit is cleaned and dry, it is now ready for storage! Make sure to fold the garment and lay it somewhere flat. If putting it away for the winter, use a silk garment bag (or dust bag made out of fabric) to keep it safe. If you have any trouble with any of these steps feel free to give us a call. We have a wash and fold service that can help you clean your swimwear and other laundry from your vacation. Give us a call at 716-885-4351.