How Do You Wash Clothes After Swimming?
Swimming is a fantastic way to stay fit, unwind, and cool off on a hot day. But whether you’re taking a dip in a chlorinated pool, saltwater beach, or even a freshwater reservoir, your swimwear takes a beating. Left untreated, chlorine and salt can weaken fabric, fade colors, and even leave behind an unpleasant odor. So, how do you wash clothes after swimming?
If you’ve been tossing your wet swimsuit into the laundry hamper and calling it a day, you’re probably shortening its lifespan without realizing it. Swimwear needs extra care to maintain elasticity, prevent fading, and eliminate bacteria buildup. Let’s explore the best ways to keep your swimwear clean and long-lasting.
Why Swimwear Needs Special Care
Unlike everyday clothing, swimwear is made from delicate, stretchy materials like Lycra, spandex, and polyester blends, designed to withstand exposure to water and body movements. However, these fabrics are highly susceptible to chlorine, salt, and sun damage, making proper washing essential.
Chlorine, commonly found in pools, is notorious for weakening fibers, fading colors, and causing an unpleasant chemical smell. Over time, chlorine exposure can make swimwear lose its stretch, leading to sagging or thinning.
Saltwater and beach sand can be just as damaging. The combination of salt and UV rays dries out swimwear fabric, making it brittle and more prone to tears. Sand particles also get trapped in fabric fibers, creating an uncomfortable, grainy texture.
To keep your swimwear in top shape, you need to use the right washing techniques and laundry cleaning methods.
How Do You Wash Clothes After Swimming? Step-by-Step Guide
The moment you step out of the pool or ocean, your swimwear starts absorbing chemicals, salt, and bacteria. The longer these elements sit in the fabric, the harder they are to remove.
The first thing to do is rinse your swimwear immediately. If possible, rinse it in cold, fresh water to remove excess chlorine, salt, and sunscreen before they settle into the fibers.
Avoid throwing your swimsuit into a regular washing machine right away. Instead, hand-wash your swimwear using mild detergent. Harsh chemicals found in regular laundry detergent can break down delicate fibers. Instead, opt for a mild, pH-balanced detergent designed for delicate fabrics.
One common mistake is wringing out swimwear after washing. Twisting or squeezing the fabric too hard can damage elasticity, leading to stretched-out and worn-out suits. Instead, gently press the water out using a clean towel and lay it flat to dry.
For swim trunks and rash guards made from polyester, using a laundry pickup and delivery service can be a great way to ensure deep cleaning while maintaining fabric integrity.
Can You Use a Washing Machine for Swimwear?
While hand-washing is the best method, some people prefer to use a washing machine. If you must machine-wash your swimwear, use a mesh laundry bag and set the machine to a gentle cycle with cold water.
Hot water is a major enemy of swimwear fabric, as it can cause fibers to break down and lose elasticity faster. Always use a gentle detergent and avoid fabric softeners, which leave a residue that traps chlorine and bacteria.
How to Remove Chlorine and Salt Odors from Swimwear
Even after washing, swimwear can sometimes retain a chlorine or salty odor. If you’re struggling with persistent smells, try soaking your swimwear in a mixture of water and white vinegar for 30 minutes. Vinegar helps neutralize chlorine while deodorizing fabric naturally.
For swim trunks and other heavier swim apparel, consider dry cleaning services for a professional odor-removal treatment.
A study by the found that vinegar removes chlorine residue up to 80% more effectively than regular washing alone, making it an excellent solution for swimwear maintenance.
How to Prevent Fading and Stretching in Swimwear
Faded, stretched-out swimwear is a common frustration, especially for those who swim regularly. To keep your swimsuits looking and fitting like new, follow these preventative care tips.
Avoid drying swimwear under direct sunlight. While sunbathing in a swimsuit is fine, laying wet swimwear out in the sun can cause fabric to lose color quickly. Instead, air-dry it indoors or in a shaded area.
For better results, lay swimwear flat to dry instead of hanging it. Hanging swimwear while wet can stretch out straps and fabric, leading to an ill-fitting suit over time.
Always rotate between multiple swimsuits if you swim often. Using the same suit daily doesn’t give the fabric enough time to recover, leading to premature wear and tear.
Can Professional Laundry Services Clean Swimwear?
If your swimwear has developed persistent stains or odors that won’t go away, a professional laundry service can help restore it.
High-end laundry and dry cleaning services use advanced fabric-safe cleaning techniques to remove deep-seated chemicals and odors while maintaining the elasticity of swimwear materials.
For high-performance swimsuits, such as competitive swimwear or triathlon suits, expert cleaning can extend durability and improve fabric performance over time.
Find out how professional laundry cleaning can benefit delicate fabrics
How to Wash Other Clothes Worn While Swimming
Swimwear isn’t the only thing that needs special care after swimming. If you wore cover-ups, rash guards, or towels, they also need proper washing.
Towels, in particular, can harbor bacteria and mildew if left damp for too long. Always air-dry towels completely before tossing them in the laundry hamper.
For chlorine-exposed clothing, using an enzyme-based detergent helps break down chemical buildup and restore freshness. If the smell lingers, a professional dry cleaning service can help eliminate deep-seated chlorine residue.
Final Thoughts
So, how do you wash clothes after swimming? The secret lies in quick rinsing, proper detergent choices, and gentle drying techniques.
By following these care tips, you can extend the life of your swimwear, keep colors vibrant, and eliminate chlorine and salt damage. And if your swimwear ever needs extra help, a professional laundry service is the best way to ensure deep cleaning without harming delicate materials.
For expert swimwear cleaning and professional laundry services, visit For the Love of Laundry today and enjoy fresh, long-lasting swimwear!
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