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Looking for the perfect swimsuit is enjoyable, whether you swim occasionally or are an avid swimmer. When found, maintain it properly to preserve its shape and color. The fabric can get damaged by seawater, beach sand, chlorine, sunblock, and extreme heat. Synthetic swim fabrics are not only prone to pilling, but can also have constant odours that make them difficult to wear. To keep the swimsuit you love for a longer period of time, it is essential to invest time and effort into taking proper care of it. Here, we’ll share ways to extend your swimwear’s life. This will save you both time and money. So now you get to hold onto your favourite swimsuit for a bit longer!
The Different Fabrics
Nylon, spandex, and lycra are suitable textiles since they are all long-lasting and simple to maintain after swimming. It’s vital to remember that although spandex is only pleasant when coupled with other textiles, nylon can fade in direct sunlight. A fabric that is less commonly used when it comes to swimsuits is polyester; while it is less elastic and softer than nylon, it is more resistant to fading and chlorine, meaning that it will typically last longer.
The Best Way to Wash Your Swimsuit
Rinsing with cold water after you take a dip is a step that should not be overlooked. If possible, soak your swimsuit in cold water, which is good for the fabric. Not only does it help to remove any salt or chemical remains that have attached themselves to your swimsuit, but it can also help protect against discomfort and irritations caused by these elements.
Washing with a mild detergent: It is important to wash your swimsuit each time you wear it. Swimsuits that are wet should not be scrunched up or left inside a plastic bag. Doing so can put unnecessary tension on the fabric, which can cause it to stretch out and become less durable, as well as prolong the onset of unpleasant odours. Hand-wash your swimsuit with a mild detergent in cold to room temperature water as soon as you can after each wear, following the instructions on the swimsuit label to maintain its appearance, functionality, and smell.
Avoid harsh detergents: Swimsuits can be completely ruined by the strong chemicals found in most washing powders and liquids. (Sunlight bar soap is highly recommended in SA.) Over time, the buildup of these chemicals can cause the fabric of your swimsuit to weaken, losing its stretch and elasticity as well as its shape. Moreover, don’t even think of reaching for bleach to clean your swimwear, as it’s a recipe for disaster, and your poor swimsuit will have its life cut short right there and then!
Note: If your swimsuit has extra details such as beads or ruffles, be cautious of hand-washing it. You can simply fill a basin with cold or lukewarm water and gently swish your swimsuit around until it is clean.
Drying Your Swimsuit
Firstly, avoid tumble dryers. The intense heat can cause the swimsuit to lose a bit of its colour and, worse, its shape. The best drying method for swimsuits is air-drying on a flat surface.
After rinsing or washing your swimsuit, remove it from the water and gently press and squeeze out the excess water. Attempting to wring the material can cause damage to the shape of your swimsuit due to the stretching. Then find a good, ventilated area to allow it to air-dry.
Alternately, to get a thorough removal of water, start by rolling your swimsuit in a towel, much like you would with a down jacket or cashmere sweater, and gently pressing out as much water as possible. Once you have done this, make sure to spread it out in an open space while avoiding direct sunlight.
Note: The fibres in your swimsuit may fade or weaken due to the sun’s UV rays, so keeping it out of direct sunlight will be beneficial.
Stain Removal
Going out for a fun-filled day at the beach or by the poolside can mean coming home with a few unforeseen stains on your swimsuit. When it comes to removing a stain from a swimsuit, the best method will depend on the type of staining agent. Fortunately, a lot of the stains can be removed using the same mild detergent you use to wash your swimsuit. However, no matter what technique you use, you can improve your chances of successful stain removal by using a pre-treatment first. This can particularly help with oil marks and other stubborn stains. All you have to do is apply the pre-treatment or a bit of liquid detergent and wash with lukewarm water. This is also where avoiding dryers helps, as they make stubborn stains even more stubborn to get out.
Sunscreen lotions can be one of the most notoriously difficult stains to remove from swimsuits. The best way to tackle this issue is to use an oxygen-based bleach, such as OxiClean, mixed into cool water and allow the garment to soak for eight hours or longer. If you find that the stain still remains, simply repeat the process.
Note: Only use oxygen-based bleach, never ordinary bleach, on swimsuits.
Pilling
There is only one way to avoid pilling, and that is to steer clear of sitting on surfaces that are rough. Yes, sitting on the rocks at the beach or poolside can in fact damage your swimsuit. Thus, the only way you can lessen the possibility of pilling, the little fluffy, woolly balls that start accumulating, is by not sitting directly on these rough surfaces. What you can do is sit on your towel rather than on a surface that could cause unnecessary pilling.
Odours
How can you prevent odours from coming from your swimsuit? Washing after every wear. If you are struggling to get that strong chlorine smell out of your swimsuit, use a detergent with a slight fragrance. There are, however, some home remedies, such as baking soda or vinegar, to take away persistent odours. Although if you are washing your swimsuit after every use, you won’t have to worry about putting in extra effort!
Repairing Your Swimsuit
Don’t throw away your fairly new swimsuit just because a strap broke or because you saw a tiny hole. Here are some tips to get it fixed and avoid physical damage to your swimsuit:
- Grab a needle and thread.
- If the damage is too complex, take it to a tailor that works well with swimsuit fabrics.
- Avoid rough surfaces that can cause your swimwear to pill and create holes.
Storage
When your swimsuit has dried completely, instead of reaching for the hanger, which will ultimately end up stretching your swimsuit, opt to lay the swimsuit flat inside a mesh bag instead. This will ensure that your bikini straps stay untangled and that matching pieces actually match for once. Place all the small bags together in a drawer to stay fresh and ready for when you are ready to wear them again!
Key Takeaway
Discovering the perfect swimsuit is delightful, but maintaining it is crucial. To safeguard against damage from salt, chlorine, and the sun, rinse after each use and hand-wash promptly with mild detergent. Choose durable fabrics like nylon, spandex, or polyester, and air-dry flat in a shaded area. Combat stains with pre-treatment and avoid pilling by sitting on towels. Prevent odours by washing after wear and exploring gentle remedies. Repair minor damage and store dry suits in mesh bags to preserve their form. With these steps, you can cherish your cherished swimsuits for longer, saving both time and money.
