It's Time To Learn How To Wash Your Bathing Suits

As embarrassing as it is to admit, swimsuits are one of those things that you just don't really ever think about washing. You don't wear them all that regularly, and when you do, you're usually in the water, so I mean, it's not like you totally see dirt on them or anything. But if you want them to last as long as possible, it's definitely a good idea to learn how to wash your swimsuits. It's not actually as simple as just throwing them in the washer with all your other clothes.

I can be guilty of following two different methods when it comes to laundry: colors and darks. But when you're dealing with swimsuits, you have to put a little more thought into it than just separating them out based on color. If you want your swimsuits to last as long as possible, then you need to make sure you're cleaning them properly — and that doesn't include tossing them in the washer.

If you don't know the right way to clean your swimsuits, no worries, there's no time like the present to learn. Follow these tips to make sure you get your suits clean without ruining them.

1. Rinse Right Away

If you've been in the ocean or pool, as soon as you take off your suit, rinse it. The longer the fabric sits with the salt water or chlorine in it, the more likely it will stink. Yuck.

2. Hand Wash

Your best bet is to hand wash your swimsuits. Even if you set your machine to the gentle cycle, it can still damage the delicate fabric. Plus, the dyes in swimsuits are more likely to ruin your other clothes if you wash them together — and that would not be a pleasant occurrence.

3. Use Hand Soap

Dr. Bronner's Organic Liquid Soap, $16, Amazon

When hand washing, make sure to steer clear of laundry detergent. It's too harsh for swimsuits, and can strip the dyes, causing the color to fade. Instead, use mild hand soap.

4. Lay Them Out To Dry

Whatever you do — do not put swimsuits in the dryer or wring them out to dry, as these can cause your swimsuit to lose shape and stretch out. Instead, lay them flat on a towel to dry indoors or in the shade.

5. Use Baking Soda On Stains

Arm & Hammer, $6, Amazon

If you get a stain on your swimsuit, avoid spot treatments and instead sprinkle baking soda onto the stain, let it sit for an hour or two, and then hand wash.

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