How to Wash Your Swimsuits Properly
Whether you prefer chilling by the pool or splashing around in the sea, your swimwear is bound to see plenty of action during the summer. But how do you keep your favorite bathing suit or bikini in perfect condition all summer long? Read on to learn how to wash your swimsuits properly with Persil®.
The best way to wash swimsuits
Step 01: If there are any stains or discoloration, such as from sunscreen or deodorant, pre-treat them first. Apply a little Persil® ProClean® detergent directly on the stains, work it into the fabric with your fingers, and then let it soak in for 5-10 minutes.
Step 02: Choose a suitable detergent and hand wash the swimsuit.
Step 03: Air dry the swimsuit, either flat on a drying rack or hanging on a clothesline.
Pro tip: Rinse swimwear with clean water as soon as possible after swimming in salt or chlorine water, to prevent residues setting into the fabric before washing. And never tumble dry your swimsuit – the heat can damage the fabric and reduce its elasticity!
How to wash your swimsuit by hand
Learning how to wash swimsuits by hand may sound like a lot of effort, but it’s actually really easy! Start by filling a tub or your sink with cool water – enough to submerge your bathing suit completely. Add a small amount of Persil® ProClean® liquid detergent to the bath and let your swimsuit soak in it for a while. Then, swish the garment around in the water while avoiding rubbing or twisting the fabric too much. Finally, rinse the swimsuit with cool water and leave it to air dry.
Choosing a detergent
It’s important to choose an appropriate detergent for your swimwear. Since the best way to wash swimsuits is by hand, choose a liquid detergent such as Original Scent rather than Discs, which are intended for machine washing. If you or your family have sensitive skin, you may also want to consider the dye and fragrance-free Persil® ProClean® Sensitive Skin.
Can you wash swimsuits in the washing machine?
Generally, hand washing bathing suits and bikinis individually is the best method as it helps to protect both their fabric and color. Some washing machine cycles may not be gentle enough on the material and therefore affect its longevity. However, this does depend on the specific fabrics your swimsuit is made from, so it’s worth checking the care label of your garment. If the care instructions allow machine washing, it’s recommended to wash your swimsuit on the delicates setting to be on the safe side.
How often should you wash swimsuits?
It’s not always strictly necessary to wash your swimsuit after every single use, but it’s recommended to at least rinse it with fresh water. This is especially important if you’ve been swimming in chlorine treated water. Washing swimsuits to get chlorine out will really help to keep them in good condition. Other substances such as sweat and sunscreen can also affect the elastic fibers in bathing suits, so it’s worth washing them regularly after use.