Swimwear goes through a lot — chlorine, salt water, sunscreen, and even hot sun can take a toll on its colour and elasticity. Over time, these can cause fading, stretching, or that stiff texture nobody wants. But with the right care, swimsuits can last far longer while keeping their shape and comfort.

This guide breaks down the best way to wash and care for swimwear,  from rinsing after a beach day to knowing when to leave it to a professional laundry service like Tumble Laundry.

‍

Understanding Swimwear Fabrics

Most swimsuits are made from nylon, spandex (Lycra), or a blend of both. These fabrics are stretchy, quick-drying, and smooth against the skin, but also delicate when exposed to heat, friction, and chemicals.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Nylon → Durable and soft but can fade faster with sun or chlorine exposure.

• Spandex/Lycra → Gives swimwear its stretch and shape retention but breaks down over time when exposed to harsh detergents or hot water.

• Polyester blends → More resistant to chlorine and colour fading, often used in competitive swimwear.

Understanding what the swimsuit is made of helps determine the best way to clean it and avoid habits that wear out the fabric too soon. If you don't feel confident, consult your local laundry service or dry cleaner for help.

‍

How Often Should You Wash Swimwear?

Unlike regular clothes, swimwear doesn’t need a full wash after every wear. However, it should always be rinsed immediately after swimming. Salt water, chlorine, and sunscreen residue can weaken the fibres if left for too long.

If it’s been worn for a quick sunbathing session or a short swim, a rinse with cool water is enough. But if the suit has been through heavy use (like hours in chlorinated pools or at the beach), it deserves a full wash.

As a rule of thumb:

✅️ Rinse after every wear

✅️ Wash every 2–3 wears or after long swims

✅️ Hand-wash and avoid machine washing unless the care label says it’s safe

‍

How to Wash Swimwear by Hand

The gentlest and safest way to clean swimwear is by hand. It takes only a few minutes and can significantly extend its lifespan. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Rinse thoroughly in cool or lukewarm water to remove salt, chlorine, and lotion residue.

2. Fill a basin with cold water and add a small amount of mild detergent or a detergent specifically for delicates. Avoid fabric softeners or bleach as they can damage the stretch fibers.

3. Submerge and gently swirl the swimsuit for about 5–10 minutes. Avoid scrubbing or wringing.

4. Rinse again until the water runs clear.

5. Gently press out excess water by laying the swimsuit flat on a towel and rolling it up. Never twist or wring it dry.

‍

Can Swimwear Be Machine-Washed?

Machine washing is not ideal as it can shorten the lifespan of swimwear. However, for sturdier pieces or when hand washing isn’t an option, it can be done carefully. Follow these tips to minimise damage:

• Use a mesh laundry bag to protect the fabric.

• Choose the delicate or gentle cycle with cold water.

• Use a mild, non-alkaline detergent.

• Skip the spin cycle if possible. It’s better to remove excess water manually.

• Never tumble dry. The heat can destroy the elastic fibres.

‍

How to Dry Swimwear the Right Way

Drying is just as important as washing. Improper drying can stretch or fade the fabric quickly. Here’s how to do it right:

• Lay flat to dry on a clean towel in a shaded, ventilated area.

• Avoid hanging by the straps as water weight can stretch them out.

• Never use a dryer or direct sunlight as heat and UV rays break down spandex and fade colours.

• If drying indoors, flip the swimsuit occasionally so both sides dry evenly.

‍

When to Let Professionals Handle It

Some swimwear deserves extra care. If your swimsuit is made from delicate materials, has built-in padding, or is part of a designer set, it’s better to leave the cleaning to professionals.

At Tumble Laundry, delicate fabrics like Lycra, silk-blend swimwear, and padded bikinis are cleaned using gentle, fabric-safe methods that protect both elasticity and colour vibrancy. Our professional laundry service and dry cleaner also ensure padding stays in place and straps don’t lose shape, something that’s hard to guarantee with at-home washing.

So when in doubt, or if the care label says “Dry Clean Only”, Tumble’s expert care is the safest bet to keep your swimwear looking and feeling new.

‍

Final Thoughts

Swimwear care doesn’t have to be complicated, just consistent. Rinsing after every use, hand-washing gently, and drying flat away from sunlight go a long way in preserving fit, colour, and comfort.

And for those favourite pieces that deserve a little extra love, professional laundry services like Tumble make sure every swimsuit gets the treatment it needs.

Book a laundry service at Tumble today and get your swimwear clean, fresh, and ready for the next dip in the pool or sea.