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If there’s one thing I don’t cut costs on, it’s bathing suits. I don’t mind spending a little extra money on a high-quality bathing suit if it’s super flattering. My favorite bathing suits are by L*space and Triangl, and let me tell you, they don’t come cheap. Unfortunately, these bathing suits made of delicate materials that aren’t the easiest to clean. Of course, there’s great inexpensive bathing suits out there, too. But I’d argue that you need to be even more careful when washing cheap bathing suits because they are likely to become discolored or rip. Washing your bathing suits is a necessity because they are exposed to things like sweat, chlorine, and sunscreen. All of these elements can breakdown fabric and cause a bathing suit to stretch or change color. Here are my tips for keeping your bathing suits clean and in the best condition all summer long:
How To Clean Your Bathing Suits Without Ruining Them
- Rinse off after the pool. Chlorine weakens fabrics so try to rinse off with fresh water after taking a dip.
- Never put your bathing suits in the washing machine. The machine will damage the suit and ruin the elasticity.
- Wash your swimwear in the sink. Fill the sink with cold tap water and add mild detergent or vinegar. Let the swimwear soak for up to 30 minutes and then rinse with fresh water.
- Use a mild detergent to was your bathing suits. I’m a fan of the The Laundress Signature Detergent ($19). It’s great for hand washing delicate items in the sink.
- Don’t wring out your bathing suits. This can damage the fabric and stretch out the elastic fibers. Gently squeeze out excess water or roll the swimsuit in a towel.
- Make sure you lay the swimwear flat to dry. Never put it in the dryer.
- Don’t let swimwear air dry in the sun because this can cause the colors to fade.
- Wash your bathing suits after every wear, even if you don’t go in the water. Sweat and sunscreen can damage the fabric.
- Be especially careful with neoprene bathing suits (like Triangl). Always hand wash them with mild detergent. Never fold neoprene bikinis because they can crease. Be sure to store them flat after washing.
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