Chlorine, sand, sunscreen, salt water — your favorite bikini goes through a lot in one beach day.
When you return home, you toss it carelessly into a hot wash with regular detergent - and your bikini is ruined. The elastic became saggy, or the color has faded, or the fabric pills within a few wears.
However, keeping swimwear looking new isn't complicated once you know the rules of how to wash swimwear and bikinis. It just takes the right water temperature, the right detergent, and a few minutes of care instead of a careless toss into the hamper.
In this swimwear care guide, there's everything you need to know to make your swimwear and bikinis outlast the summer. Read on to learn how to wash swimwear.
Why swimwear needs special treatment
Swimwear isn't made like your everyday t-shirt. Most swimwear is built from spandex or elastane blended with nylon or polyester. That stretch is what gives a suit its shape, and it's also the first thing to go if you treat the fabric carelessly. Heat, friction, and harsh chemicals all break those fibers down faster than you'd think.
A few reasons swimwear deserves its own routine:
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Chlorine and salt residue break down elastic fibers over time if left to sit in the fabric.
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Sunscreen and body oils build up, dull the fabric, and can leave a faint smell behind.
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Hot water and dryer heat are basically the enemy of spandex.
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A regular wash cycle tosses your suit around with zippers, hooks, and everything else in the load.
This doesn't mean you have to treat your swimwear with extra care forever—it just takes a few simple habits to keep it in great shape.
The right way to wash your swimwear
Here is your quick step-by-step guide about how to wash swimwear and bikinis.
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Rinse immediately after wearing
Start by rinsing your swimwear and bikinis in cool water immediately after wearing it, ideally before chlorine or salt has a chance to dry into the fibers. A quick rinse in the shower works perfectly.
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Hand wash gently
From there, hand washing is always the gentler option. Here's how to hand wash a swimsuit. Fill a basin with cool water, add a small amount of a plant-based, paraben-free detergent, and gently swish the suit for a minute or two.
Avoid wringing or twisting, as this stretches out the fibers permanently. Instead, press out excess water and lay the suit flat.
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Machine wash with care
If hand washing isn't realistic, a gentle machine cycle can work too. Place the swimsuit inside a mesh laundry bag and always choose the cold water setting on a delicate or hand-wash cycle.
A detergent like Mozi Wash is safe across fabric types and machine settings, works effectively in cold or warm rinses, and only requires one to two tablespoons for a delicate swimwear load.
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Pick the right detergent
If you prefer something without dyes or added fragrance, a free-and-clear option is worth considering, especially since swimwear sits close to the skin for hours.
For instance, Mozi Wash products can be one of the best detergents for swimwear as they are made with gentle, effective cleansers and skip harsh additives while still tackling pool and ocean residue.
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Dry it properly
Resist the urge to throw your suit in the dryer. Heat is swimwear's biggest enemy. Air drying is one of the best bathing suit washing tips.
Roll the suit in a clean towel to absorb excess water, then lay it flat on a fresh towel away from direct sunlight. Air drying in a shaded, well-ventilated spot is always the safer bet.
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Remove stains and odors
For stubborn sunscreen stains or a faint mildew smell from a damp beach bag, a dedicated stain and odor booster can make a real difference.
Add a mineral and enzyme-powered booster alongside your detergent to lift stains and neutralize odors without bleach or harsh chemicals.
Swimwear car guide: few extra tips worth remembering
A few additional habits can help keep your swimwear in great condition for even longer.
Here are a few extra tips that you should include in your swimwear care guide:
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Never store a wet swimsuit balled up in a bag for hours; the trapped moisture breeds bacteria and odor fast.
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Rotate between two or more swimsuits if you swim often, giving each one time to fully dry and recover its shape between wears.
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Avoid fabric softener on swimwear. It coats the fibers and actually reduces the elasticity and shape retention over time.
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Wash swimwear after every wear, even if it doesn't look dirty. Chlorine and salt are invisible damage waiting to happen.
Conclusion
Your swimwear works hard all summer, so it deserves a little extra care in return. A quick rinse, a gentle cold wash, a mild plant-based detergent, and air drying are all it takes to keep your favorite suits vibrant, stretchy, and ready for the next pool day. Skip the harsh chemicals and high heat, and your swimwear will reward you with seasons of wear instead of just one.
Frequently Asked Questions about Washing Swimwear & Bikinis
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Can I wash my swimwear in the washing machine?
Yes, as long as you use a cold, delicate cycle and place the suit in a mesh laundry bag for protection. Hand washing is gentler, but a careful machine wash with a mild, low-suds detergent works well too.
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Will washing my swimsuit too often wear it out faster?
No, it's the opposite. Leaving chlorine, salt, or sunscreen residue on the fabric does far more damage than a gentle rinse or wash after each wear. Regular, gentle washing actually extends a suit's life.
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Can I just use my normal laundry detergent on my bikini?
You can, but it's not ideal. Heavy-duty detergents made for towels and jeans tend to be too harsh for spandex. A gentle, low-suds, plant-based formula is gentler for a bikini.
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How do I get the chlorine smell out of my bikini?
Rinse it in cool water right after swimming, then wash with a mild detergent. If the smell lingers, an enzyme-based stain and odor booster added to the wash usually takes care of it. Knowing how to wash a bikini ensures its longevity.
