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How Often Should You Wash Swimwear?

Swimwear need washing every wear. Here is why, what to look for, and what to do between washes instead of running another cycle.

Laundry1 min readPublished Priya Nair

In short

  • Swimwear generally need washing every wear.
  • Chlorine, salt and sunscreen all attack elastane, and they keep working until they are rinsed out.
  • Between washes: Rinse in cold fresh water immediately, before it dries.

Chlorine, salt and sunscreen all attack elastane, and they keep working until they are rinsed out.

The short answer

every wear

How often to wash swimwearChlorine, salt and sunscreen all attack elastane, and they keep working until they are rinsed out.

When to wash sooner

Wash it now if

  • it has been in water
  • it has been worn in the sun

What to do between washes

Rinse in cold fresh water immediately, before it dries. That single step doubles the life of most swimwear.

How to wash them

Hand wash cold, no wringing, dry flat in shade. Never tumble dry and never leave it rolled in a wet towel.

Frequently asked questions

How often should you wash swimwear?

Every wear. Chlorine, salt and sunscreen all attack elastane, and they keep working until they are rinsed out.

What should I do between washes?

Rinse in cold fresh water immediately, before it dries. That single step doubles the life of most swimwear.

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