Whether you swim at your local pool, hit the waves at Bondi, or train with your squad year-round, your swimmers go through a lot. Exposure to chlorine, saltwater, sweat, sunscreen, and the harsh Aussie sun can take a real toll on your swimwear’s fit, colour, and elasticity.
But with the right care, your togs can last much longer, saving you money, keeping you comfortable, and helping you perform at your best.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to wash swimwear the proper way. From rinsing after a swim to the best drying methods, we’ve included everything you need to keep your swimmers looking good and feeling great, whether they’re high-performance training gear or your favourite beach pair. Let’s dive in.
Key Takeaways
- Rinse after every swim to remove chlorine, salt and sand
- Use cold water and mild detergent, never bleach or fabric softener
- Hand washing is best for preserving colour and stretch
- Avoid wringing or twisting to protect delicate fabric
- Dry flat in the shade, never under harsh sun or in a dryer
- Store only when completely dry to prevent mould or odours
Why Proper Swimwear Care Matters
Swimwear isn’t like your everyday clothing. Most swimmers are made from technical fabrics like Lycra, spandex or polyester blends. These materials are designed for stretch, support and quick drying, but they’re also more sensitive to water, chemicals and heat.
Here’s why proper care makes all the difference.
Prolongs the Life of Your Swimmers
Chlorine, salt and sunscreen can break down elastic fibres over time. If you don’t rinse or wash your swimmers properly, they can lose shape, stretch out or fade quickly. A few simple habits can help your swimsuit stay looking and feeling like new for longer.
Maintains Comfort and Performance
Swimwear that fits well moves better in the water. Poor care can leave fabric stiff, saggy or irritating on the skin. If you’re swimming for sport or fitness, good care ensures your swimmers stay flexible and comfortable.
Saves You Money
A quality swimsuit isn’t cheap. Whether it’s for competition, training or weekend wear, looking after your gear properly means you won’t have to replace it as often.
Better for the Environment
Taking care of your swimwear helps reduce unnecessary waste. When you get more wear out of each item, you buy less and throw away less, a win for your wallet and the planet.
From elite athletes to casual beachgoers, everyone benefits from good swimwear care. The best part is, it only takes a few minutes to do it right.
What to Do Before Washing Swimwear
1. What to Do After Swimming: The First Rinse
The most important step in caring for your swimwear starts the moment you step out of the pool or ocean. Always rinse your swimmers straight after use, whether you’ve been in chlorine or saltwater.
A quick rinse with cold, fresh water helps remove damaging residues like chlorine, salt, sweat and sunscreen. These substances can weaken the fabric and lead to fading, bad smells and a loss of elasticity over time.
Even if you can’t wash them right away, giving your swimmers a proper rinse can go a long way in preserving their shape and colour. Keep a water bottle or tap handy for a quick splash if you're on the go.
2. Pre-treatment Tips for Stains and Odours
Stains from sunscreen, deodorant, or body oils can cling to swimwear fabric, especially lighter colours. If you notice spots or a lingering smell, it’s best to treat them before doing a full wash.
Start by gently dabbing the area with a mix of cold water and mild detergent. You can also soak the suit in a solution of cold water with a spoonful of baking soda or white vinegar to help lift odours and break down build-up.
Never scrub aggressively or use rough brushes. Swimwear fabric is delicate, and too much friction can damage the fibres and shorten the life of your swimmers.
How to Clean Swimwear: Hand Wash vs Machine Wash
1. Hand Wash Swimwear (Recommended)
Hand washing is the safest and most effective way to clean your swimwear. It’s gentle on the fabric and helps preserve the fit and colour, especially if your swimmers are made with Lycra or spandex.
To wash by hand:
- Fill a basin or sink with cold water
- Add a small amount of mild detergent or swimwear-specific soap
- Gently swirl the swimsuit around for a minute or two
- Avoid twisting or stretching the fabric
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water until all the soap is gone
This method works well for performance swimwear, bikinis, boardshorts, and anything with built-in elastic or delicate stitching.
2. Machine Wash Swimwear (If You Must)
If you’re in a rush or dealing with kids’ swimwear that needs frequent washing, the machine can be an option, but only with care.
Here’s how to do it safely:
- Place the swimsuit inside a mesh laundry bag to protect it from rubbing against other clothes
- Select the cold, gentle cycle on your washing machine
- Use a mild, bleach-free detergent
- Skip the spin cycle if possible, and never use the dryer
Avoid adding towels or heavy items into the same load. The extra friction can wear down the elastic fibres and stretch the swimsuit out of shape.
3. Choosing the Right Detergent
The detergent you choose makes a big difference when it comes to swimwear care. Regular laundry detergents are often too harsh and can damage delicate fabrics.
Instead, use a gentle, eco-friendly detergent that’s free from bleach, brighteners and strong fragrances. Baby shampoo or cleaners made specifically for activewear or swimwear are excellent options.
Most importantly, never use fabric softener. While it might seem like a good idea for comfort, softeners actually coat the fibres and make it harder for the fabric to bounce back, reducing stretch and overall durability.
Swimwear Care: Drying Tips and Storage Advice
1. How to Dry Swimwear Properly
Drying your swimmers the wrong way can do just as much damage as improper washing. High heat, direct sunlight and rough handling all put stress on the fabric and reduce elasticity.
After washing, gently press out the excess water by rolling your swimwear in a clean towel. Avoid wringing or twisting it, as this can stretch out the fabric and damage the seams.
Lay your swimwear flat to air dry in the shade. Avoid hanging it by the straps or waistband, as the weight of the water can cause it to stretch and lose shape. If you’re drying outdoors, pick a shaded area with good airflow. Direct sunlight can cause colours to fade and weaken the material over time.
Never use a tumble dryer or heater. Even a single cycle of high heat can ruin the elasticity and cause shrinkage or hardening of the fabric.
Drying your swimmers the right way helps keep them soft, stretchy and colourfast, whether it's a training suit, your go-to pair of togs, or team swimwear.
2. Storage Tips to Maintain Swimwear Shape
Once your swimwear is completely dry, it’s time to store it properly. This is often overlooked, but storing your swimmers the right way plays a key role in keeping them in top condition.
- Always make sure your swimwear is completely dry before storing. Damp suits can trap moisture and develop mildew or unpleasant odours.
- Store them in a cool, dry place, preferably in a drawer or a breathable fabric pouch. Avoid plastic bags or containers that trap humidity.
- Fold your swimmers instead of hanging them. Hanging can stretch the fabric, especially at the straps or waistband, over time.
These tips help you preserve swimsuit elasticity, avoid unwanted smells, and maintain the original fit, so they’re ready to go next time you hit the water.
3. How to Rotate & Prolong Swimwear Lifespan
If you swim regularly, rotating between a few different pairs of swimmers is a smart way to extend their life. Giving each one a break between uses helps the fabric regain its shape and dry thoroughly.
This is especially helpful for athletes, school swim teams, and active families who are in and out of the water every week. Not only does it reduce wear and tear, but it also gives you a backup if one pair needs time to dry or soak.
To extend the lifespan of any swimwear:
- Avoid sitting on rough surfaces like concrete, which can cause fabric pilling
- Rinse after every wear, even if you didn’t swim for long
- Keep a spare towel to sit on at the beach or pool
- Treat stains or odours early before they set in
Looking after your swimmers doesn’t need to be complicated. With just a bit of care, your swimwear can stay in great shape for season after season.
How to Avoid Ruining Your Swimwear: Top Care Mistakes
Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to damage your swimwear if you’re not careful. Here are the most common mistakes that can shorten the lifespan of your swimmers, and how to avoid them.
1. Using Hot Water or Harsh Chemicals
Hot water breaks down the fibres in most swimwear fabrics, especially those with elastane or spandex. Over time, this can cause your swimmers to lose stretch and fit poorly.
Equally damaging are strong detergents, bleach and stain removers, which can fade colours and weaken the material. Stick to cold water and a gentle detergent made for delicate or activewear.
Avoid:
- Washing with bleach or chlorine-based cleaners
- Using fabric softeners (they break down elastic)
- Harsh stain removers on delicate areas
2. Wringing or Twisting Swimwear
Many people twist their swimwear to get rid of excess water after a wash, but this habit stretches out the fabric and damages seams.
Instead, gently press the water out using a towel. Lay the towel flat, place the swimwear on top, roll it up and apply light pressure.
This method is safer for bikini tops, racerback suits, swim trunks, and all other types of swimmers.
3. Drying in Direct Sunlight or Using a Dryer
It might be tempting to speed up drying, but UV rays and high heat are the top reasons swimwear degrades quickly. Direct sun fades colours, while heat from dryers can make fabrics brittle and shrink.
Always:
- Dry your swimwear in the shade
- Air dry flat instead of hanging
- Avoid tumble dryers, even on low heat
4. Leaving Wet Swimwear in Bags or Towels
After swimming, it’s common to toss wet swimmers into a bag or wrap them in a towel, and forget about them. But trapped moisture creates the perfect environment for bacteria, mildew and odours.
As soon as possible:
- Remove swimwear from your gym or beach bag
- Rinse thoroughly
- Let it dry completely before storing
Keeping a dedicated mesh bag in your gear is a great way to let wet swimmers breathe until you can wash them.
Final Thoughts on Washing and Caring for Swimwear
Caring for your swimwear doesn’t need to be complicated, just consistent. With a few simple habits like rinsing after each swim, avoiding hot water and harsh detergents, and drying in the shade, your swimmers can stay vibrant and stretchy all season long.
At Team Spirit Sports, we design custom swimwear that’s made to last, and with proper care, you can enjoy your swimmers for longer while keeping colours sharp and fabrics in top condition.
Ready to kit out your team? Get in touch today to create custom gear that moves with you.
FAQs: How to Wash Swimwear
1. Can I machine wash my swimwear?
You can, but it’s not ideal. If necessary, use a cold gentle cycle inside a mesh laundry bag. Never use hot water, bleach or fabric softener.
2. What’s the best way to dry swimmers?
Air drying flat in the shade is best. Avoid direct sunlight and tumble dryers, which can fade colours and weaken elastic.
3. How do I get rid of sunscreen stains?
Pre-treat with mild detergent, baking soda or vinegar soak. Avoid scrubbing, gently blot the stained area instead.
4. Can I use regular laundry detergent on my swimmers?
Only if it’s non-abrasive and bleach-free. Better options include baby shampoo, sportswear detergents or swimwear-safe formulas.
5. How often should I wash my swimwear?
After every swim. Rinse immediately in cold water to remove chlorine, salt, or body oils, even if you didn’t swim for long.
6. Why is my swimwear losing shape?
This is often due to excess heat, chlorine, or rough handling. Avoid wringing, machine drying, and strong chemicals to maintain shape and elasticity.