Swimwear Care
From chlorine to salt water to sand, we have the best tips to help keep your swimwear in prime condition!
Summer is here, and it's time to hit the beach! But before you do, let's make sure your swimwear is ready for some fun in the sun!
Proper care for your swimwear will not only extend its lifespan, but also keep it looking fabulous for all your beach adventures.
How to Wash Your Swimmers:
-Fill your sink with cool tap water
-Add a gentle detergent, shampoo, or a specially formulated cleanser designed to launder swimsuits and avoid fabric softeners and bleach.
-Add a splash of vinegar to help reduce the chlorinated smell.
-Saturate your suit in the soapy water and gently massage the mixture into your swimmers.
-Leave the suit to soak for 30 minutes max.
-Empty the sink and rinse your suit in fresh tap water.
-Lay flat to air dry in the shade.
Chlorine Water
Chlorine is used in most public and private swimming pools to rid the water of germs and bacteria. While it is a helpful chemical used to protect us, it can also damage the fibres in the fabric of swimwear.
Below are some helpful tips to remove chlorine and help retain the vibrancy of your swimmers.
How to Remove Chlorine from Your Swimwear:
First, you can add extra protection to your swimsuit by taking a shower in it before hitting the pool. Pre-soaking your suit in freshwater helps stop your swimmer from absorbing chlorinated water helping to minimise any damage the chemical can do. Be sure to soak it all the way through and while your there, soak your hair too! It has the same effect!
Our top tip for preserving swimwear is to always rinse it straight after pool wear. As an active family of 7, we get it... it's not always an easy ask while juggling toddlers, belongings and snacks.
Don't worry... a quick freshwater rinse will help protect your suit from any lingering chlorine or dirt. Simply hold the suit under cold running tap water to allow the chlorine to leave the suit and go down the drain.
Sand in your Swimwear?
After a day of fun in the sun, you may find that your swimsuit is covered in fine sand. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Below are some tips we compiled to help you remove fine sand from your swimsuits so you can enjoy your summer to the fullest.
How to Remove Sand from Your Swimwear
-Rinse with Cold Water: As soon as you’re done at the beach, rinse your swimsuit with cold water. This will help remove any loose sand and prevent it from settling into the fibres of the fabric.
-Use a Soft Brush: This is our favourite method. You can view a video of how we do it here. Once your suit is completely dry, pull the suit fabric taut and gently brush the sand off your swimsuit using a soft brush, like a toothbrush (we used a cat brush). This will help loosen any stubborn sand particles and make it easier to remove.
-Soak in Vinegar: If you have sand that just won't budge, soak your swimsuit in a mixture of cold water and white vinegar for about 15 minutes. The vinegar will help break down any sand buildup and make it easier to remove.
-Wash with Detergent: After soaking, wash your swimsuit with a mild detergent and cold water. Avoid using hot water, as it can cause the fabric to shrink or stretch.
-Hang Dry: Once your swimsuit is clean, hang it to dry in a well-ventilated area. Avoid using a dryer, as the heat can damage the fabric.
-Give them a Shake: Once your swimmers are completely dry shake the suit vigorously to remove any left over sand.
-Try your Blow-Dryer: If you still have little sand crystals, grab your hair dryer, and turning it on a cool setting (no heat) and blow the sand away.
More Tips to Prolong the Life of your Swimmers:
-Avoid putting your suit in the washing machine if you can as this can cause almost as much damage as chlorine. Washing machines can be quite rough on the fibres that make your suit fit well - this goes for all swimwear on the market. If you are pressed for time and have no other options, we recommend putting your swimmers inside of a garment wash bag, add in some dirty beach towels to act as cushioning, and set your machine at the gentlest cycle on cold with a mild detergent.
-Avoid using a dryer. Exposure to direct and often times, intense heat, can breakdown the integrity of Lycra and Spandex, which in turn will ruin your swimmers intended shape and fit.
-Always rinse and wash your suit as described above after swimming in the ocean, as saltwater can also have a corrosive effect on your swimmer fabric as well.
In conclusion, it's essential to take care of your swimsuits, especially after a day at the beach or after swim lessons in a highly chlorinated swimming pool.
Regular rinsing, soaking, and washing can keep your swimsuits looking like new and ready for your next beach adventure.
By following the tips listed above, you can keep your swimsuits in great condition all summer long.
Happy swimming!