Sand, salt, sunscreen, chlorine… oh my! Summer is all about splashing, lounging, and soaking up the sun — but your favorite beachwear goes through a lot to keep up. Go-to swimsuits, breezy coverups, and fab poolside looks all deserve some TLC after every sun-soaked outing if you want them to stay dazzling (and fitting) all summer long.
From getting rid of chlorine to saving delicate fabrics from fading or stretching, we’re breaking down how to clean and preserve your beach and pool gear the right way. So before you toss that suit in the washer or leave it drying in the sun, read this first.
How to Clean Swimsuits Without Wrecking Them
Spoiler alert: The washing machine isn’t your swimsuit’s BFF.
Swimsuits are made from stretchy fabrics like spandex and Lycra that can lose shape or break down over time — especially with rough washing or heat. To make your swimwear last:
- Rinse immediately after wearing. Salt water, pool chemicals, and sunscreen can linger and cause fading or breakdown. A quick rinse in cool water helps minimize damage.
- Hand wash with a gentle detergent. Use a mild soap and cool water, gently swirling the suit around. Avoid wringing or twisting.
- Avoid bleach, strong detergents, or fabric softeners. These can ruin elasticity and break down fabric fibers.
- Lay flat to dry. Never use a dryer or hang your swimsuit in direct sunlight, which can fade colors and weaken material. Dry it flat on a clean towel instead.
Is your washed swimsuit still carrying around a smell? We’ve got tips to beat the odor.
How to Remove Chlorine from Swimsuits
Chlorine can cling to fabric long after pool day is over. To neutralize chlorine’s effects and extend the life of your swimsuit:
- Rinse thoroughly as soon as you’re done swimming.
- Soak the suit in cool water with a splash of white vinegar (1 tbsp per quart of water) to help remove chlorine residue.
- Follow with a gentle hand wash, then rinse and air dry as outlined in detail below.
Got a suit that’s looking worse for wear, no matter what you do? A professional cleaning can help gently restore it, especially when it’s a complex or specialty piece.
How to Get Sunscreen Out of Swimsuits
That unfortunate white streak on your suit? Yep, it’s sunscreen — and it doesn’t always rinse out easily.
To remove sunscreen stains:
- Act fast. The sooner you treat it, the better.
- Blot the stain gently with a clean cloth — don’t rub.
- Apply a small amount of gentle dish soap or a specialty stain remover made for delicates. Let it sit for 15–30 minutes.
- Hand wash in cool water and rinse thoroughly.
Still seeing that stubborn SPF smear? Dependable Cleaners can safely treat delicate fabrics and remove stains with professional-grade solutions that won’t damage elasticity or color.
How to Wash a Swimsuit Coverup (and Other Poolside Fabrics)
From gauzy wraps to terry cloth tunics, beach coverups need love too.
Care depends on the fabric:
- Cotton or linen: Usually safe to machine wash on gentle with cold water. Air dry to prevent shrinking.
- Rayon or silk: Hand wash only, or take it to a dry cleaner for professional care. These fabrics can warp or shrink easily.
- Lace or embellished items: Skip the washer completely. Hand wash or dry clean to protect stitching and texture.
While not all beachwear is made the same, knowing how to wash a swimsuit coverup properly can keep lightweight fabrics lasting longer. When in doubt, check the care tag — and if it says “dry clean only,” we’ve got you covered.
How to Dry a Swimsuit (the Right Way)
Air drying is the solution —but how you do it matters, too.
- Always air dry. Heat breaks down elastic. No dryers allowed.
- Lay flat. Hanging can cause suits to stretch out of shape.
- Dry indoors or in shade. Sunlight fades color and weakens fibers.
Never wring or twist your swimsuit. It might feel like the fastest way to dry, but it can easily ruin the fabric’s elasticity or form.
Bring the Heat, Not the Damage
Summer wear is delicate. If you’re dealing with tough stains, faded colors, or fragile fabrics, it’s time to call in the experts.
Dependable Cleaners specializes in caring for swimsuits, coverups, and all your seasonal staples. From removing tough sunscreen stains to preserving delicate fabrics, we know how to keep your beachwear looking brand new. Plus, with eco-friendly methods and a 7-point quality inspection, you can trust that we’ve got your swimwear’s best interests in mind.
Call us today at 303-777-2673, or visit one of our convenient Denver area locations so you can get back to lounging in the sun!
