How to wash swimsuits and bikinis: follow these steps

Want to know how to wash your swimsuits so they stay "like new" all season long?

With summer just around the corner, it's time to take swimsuits and bikinis out of the closet, two of the garments we like the most because they can be very flattering (if we know which model will best highlight our figure) and because they are a staple for vacations and seasonal plans, such as going to the beach or the pool.

At Leonisa, we offer a wide variety of swimsuits made with quality materials that, in addition to preventing skin irritation and ensuring a perfect fit, guarantee maximum durability, comfort, and resistance to wear from the sun, chlorine, and sea salt.

Why is it important to know how to wash swimsuits and bikinis?

To preserve its elasticity

Washing your swimsuits properly will help maintain their original fit and shape, providing greater comfort and a flawless look.

To maintain your intimate hygiene

Wet clothes are more prone to bacteria buildup, which can lead to skin infections and irritations.

Maintaining rigorous hygiene with your underwear, including swimwear, will also give you confidence and well-being when sunbathing or during all your water activities.

In addition, washing your swimsuit properly prevents unpleasant odors that could become embedded in the fabric if not cleaned properly.

To remove stains and residue from chemicals or sand

Another goal of washing swimwear carefully is to remove traces of chemicals, such as chlorine or sunscreen, so that the materials don't suffer damage or premature wear.

Proper washing also removes sand and other particles that can damage the fabric's fibers, preventing its colors and textures from losing their shine, softness, or hardening.

You may be interested —> Which bikini suits me best according to my body type

How to wash your everyday swimsuits: three essential tips

Frequent and prolonged use and contact with chlorine, salt, sand, or sunlight can cause swimwear to wear out quickly, so it's important to know how to wash your swimsuits and bikinis after a day at the pool or beach.

General washing tips are:

By hand, much better

Swimsuits are delicate garments, and they can be damaged if we put them directly into the washing machine.

Therefore, our recommendation is that, whenever possible, you wash them by hand.

To do this, fill a container with cold water (hot water can affect its elasticity), add a mild detergent, soak for a few minutes, and gently scrub the dirty areas.

Afterwards, rinse well (also with cold water) and make sure to remove all traces of foam or detergent.

Do not twist clothes to wring them out.

When washing clothes by hand, it's common to wring them out to drain them in the water. However, in the case of bikinis and swimsuits, doing this is a mistake because the fibers can become deformed and the garment will lose its shape.

Instead, we recommend placing the garment between your hands and pressing to remove excess water.

You can also place your swimsuit on a dry towel, roll it up, and press lightly so the towel absorbs any excess water.

Rinse swimsuits and bikinis after each use

One of the best tips for keeping your bikinis and swimsuits in good condition is to rinse them with cold water immediately after use. That is, right after you take them off.

Why is it important? Because it's the most practical way to remove chlorine and salt residue.

Rinse the garment with clean water (e.g., bottled water or a shower) nd wash it as soon as possible when you get home.

And if they only need a rinse to remove basic residue, don't use detergent.

Tips for an impeccable wash

At Leonisa, we also offer some expert tips for more effective washing of swimsuits and bikinis.

How to remove chlorine stains from swimsuits?

If your swimsuit has chlorine stains, soak it in cold water with white vinegar for 30 minutes. The vinegar will neutralize the chlorine and help keep the colors vibrant without damaging the fabric.

How to wash swimsuits in the washing machine?

Although it's recommended to hand-wash swimsuits, if you must put them in the washing machine, choose a delicate cycle and cold water, and place them in a mesh or protective bag. Use a mild detergent and don't add fabric softener.

How to remove sand from your swimsuits after a day at the beach?

Removing sand from swimsuits isn't always easy. So, when you take off your swimsuit, shake it gently to remove any loose sand. Then, soak the swimsuit in cold water for about 15 minutes. If the sand doesn't come off, you can use a soft brush, rinse, and repeat this process as many times as you like.

Other tips to keep your swimsuits soft and beautiful for longer

In addition to washing properly and removing traces of chlorine or sand, to keep your swimwear in top condition we recommend:

Air drying

The general recommendation is to dry swimwear outdoors, preferably in a shaded area, as direct exposure to the sun can accelerate wear of the fabric.

An indoor clothesline or a shady corner of the garden are ideal options, although you can also place them on a flat surface, such as a towel on a table or on the grass.

If you avoid holding them with clothing, all the better.

It is also important that the garments are properly hung to ensure even drying without compromising their original shape.

It is not recommended to dry bikinis or swimsuits over radiators or direct heat sources, nor to put them in the dryer. If bad weather prevents them from drying outdoors, you can use fans or dehumidifiers to remove the moisture.

Fold and store swimsuits properly

Knowing how to wash swimsuits is key to keeping them in good condition for longer, but it's not much use if we don't store them properly afterwards.

Don't store your bikinis and swimsuits wrinkled or "squeezed," as doing so can cause marks that are difficult to remove.

Also, when you put them in the closet or drawer, they should be completely dry to prevent mold or bad odors from forming.

Be careful with chemicals and rough surfaces

Bikinis and swimsuits are made of delicate materials that can be easily damaged if they come into contact with chemicals or rough surfaces.

Sunscreens and oils, while necessary for skin care, can stain fabrics, so apply them carefully and let them absorb before putting on the garment.

Additionally, we recommend avoiding sitting on rough surfaces such as rocks, pool edges, or coarse sand, as the fabric may tear.

Looking for quality swimwear? Discover Leonisa's women's swimwear collection!

We make stretchy, soft, durable, and wash-resistant swimwear.

Plus, our eco-friendly swimsuits use recycled materials in their construction, and some include padding, cups, underwires, or push-ups, depending on the effect you want to achieve. Find the perfect swimsuit for you at Leonisa!