We often spend considerable time and money when selecting the perfect swimsuit. Once we’ve found it we want to make sure to take good care of it.
One of the most important steps in keeping your swimsuit in mint condition is to wash it properly. There are different ways one can wash a swimsuit. The most common way is to wash it in the machine.
In this post, we’ll answer the question of how to machine wash a swimsuit the right way as well as dive deeper into all of the questions you might have regarding machine washing your swimsuit.
Select options
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Can a swimsuit be machine washed?
Let’s start from the beginning. Can swimsuits be machine washed at all?
Yes, you can machine wash swimsuits. There is nothing inherent that prevents swimsuits from being machine washed.
However, this doesn’t mean that all swimsuits can be machine washed. It only means that there is nothing special with swimsuits or their material that makes you unable to wash them in the washing machine when they are dirty.
While many swimsuits can be machine washed, many can’t.
What determines if a swimsuit can be washed in the machine or not is the wash label and the manufacturers washing instructions. You should always study the wash label of your swimsuit before throwing it in the washing machine.
The wash label will tell you what is and isn’t possible regarding washing your swimsuit in the machine.
There are three main types of wash labels:
– Machine wash
– Hand wash only
– Dry clean only
If the wash label on your swimsuit says “machine wash” it means it’s totally fine to wash your swimsuit in the washing machine. In fact, if it says “machine wash” you can wash it however you want in the washing machine.
If the wash label says hand wash or dry clean, you should not machine wash your swimsuit. These two types of wash labels are usually found on more expensive or delicate swimsuits that can’t handle being machine washed.
So, if you want to wash your swimsuit in the washing machine, make sure that the wash label says “machine wash”. If it doesn’t, don’t wash it in the washing machine as it might damage your swimsuit.
Select options
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
What settings should I use when machine washing my swimsuit?
The setting that you should use when washing your swimsuit in the washing machine is determined by the wash label of your swimsuit.
Locate your wash label and find the wash symbols. The wash symbols will tell you what settings to use on your washing machine.
The most common wash symbols are:
– Hand wash only
– Machine wash cold
– Warm machine wash
– Machine wash hot
Read our full post on how to read the wash label of your swimsuit.
The symbol on the wash tag doesn’t necessarily tell you the best program for your swimsuit but rather the maximum that your swimsuit can handle.
If the wash label of your swimsuit says “machine wash cold”, it’s OK to use any program on your washing machine that washes with cold water. This can be a delicate program, wool program, or hand wash program.
Do swimsuits shrink in the washing machine?
We often get this question since people are afraid that their favorite swimsuit will shrink if machine washed. There is a fairly easy answer to this question.
Yes, swimsuits can most definitely shrink in the washing machine if washed too hot or on the wrong program. But if washed correctly according to the wash label of your swimsuit it will not shrink.
If you are really keen to keep your swimsuit in mint and almost new condition we recommend not washing it in the machine but rather hand washing it.
Even with the right settings, it’s always going to be harder on your swimsuit to go in the washing machine than being washed by hand.
Select options
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Can you use detergent on swimsuits?
The easy answer is yes, you can use detergent on swimsuits. However, you should not be using regular laundry detergent.
Regular laundry detergents are hard on the delicate spandex material that most swimsuits are made of. It will quickly ruin the material and your swimsuit will lose its elasticity. Even if you only use a little.
Instead of regular laundry detergent, you should use a mild detergent made for swimwear. This will help clean out the things you don’t want, like sunscreen, chlorine, salt, etc, while still being mild on the material.
You should also avoid using any detergents that contain bleach as this can damage the fabric of your swimsuit.
If you are unsure if the detergent you have will damage your swimsuit, we recommend simply washing it without any detergent.
Best swimsuit detergent
If you are looking for the best detergent for a swimsuit there are a few options. You want to look for a swimsuit detergent that is:
– Mild
– Not containing bleach
– Not containing fabric softener
There are our 3 favorite detergents for swimsuits:
Mild detergent for swimsuits
Mild hand soap
Vinegar
Mild detergent for swimsuits
This is a detergent that’s specially made for swimsuits. It’s made especially for removing chemicals such as chlorine and sunscreen but is still soft on the material and will preserve your spandex swimsuit.
Mild hand soap
If you don’t have a swimsuit-specific detergent you can use a mild hand soap that doesn’t contain any bleach or fabric softener. You will still be able to wash away any sunscreen, salt, or chlorine build but it might not work as well as a swimsuit-specific detergent.
Vinegar
You can also use vinegar to wash your swimsuit. This is a very effective way of washing away any salt, sunscreen or chlorine build up but it can be harsh on the fabric of your swimsuit if used too often.
If you feel that your swimsuit needs a little extra help getting clean, try adding 1/4 cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle. The vinegar will act as a natural fabric softener and will also help remove any detergent buildup on your swimsuit.
Select options
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Can you use fabric softener on swimsuits?
After having used your favorite swimsuit for some time, one might wonder if it’s possible to use fabric softener on swimsuits.
We do not recommend that you use fabric softener on your swimsuit as it will damage the spandex material that most swimsuits are made of. This can lead to your swimsuit losing its elasticity and shape.
The fabric softener can also increase the most that your swimsuit absorbs, making it dry slower and can even start to build up mold.
A fabric softener works by depositing a thin film of lubricating chemicals on the surface of the fabric. These chemicals can make the fabric more absorbent, which means it will take longer for your swimsuit to dry.
Can swimsuits be washed with normal clothes?
So it’s time to wash your swimsuit in the washing machine, and now you wonder if you can wash it with other clothing or if it should be washed alone? Or maybe just with other swimwear?
In fact, it’s perfectly fine to wash your swimsuit with regular clothes. There is nothing special with how you wash your swimsuit compared to other clothing in the washing machine.
However, there are always a few things to keep in mind when washing your swimsuit together with regular clothes.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that it’s the most fragile item in the washer that decided the washing cycle and program. If washed with regular clothes, the most delicate item is often your swimsuit.
So make sure to carefully read the wash label on your swimsuit and wash accordingly. If your swimsuit should be washed in a cold cycle then all other clothes have to either be washed at that program or be washed separately. You can not wash your swimsuit on a warmer program just because the other clothing needs it.
If you are washing your swimsuit with other clothing items that have sharp parts or hard edges, or if you are just careful when washing your swimsuit you might want to put it in a separate mesh washing bag.
This bag will give an extra layer of protection to your swimsuit when washed with other clothing. It will also make it easier to take out of the wash when it’s time as you can just take the whole bag out.
Select options
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Conclusion
Swimsuits can be machine washed, but there are a few things you should keep in mind. First and foremost, always consult your swimsuit’s care label to make sure you’re using the correct washing temperature. You don’t want to shrink your suit by accidentally washing it on hot! Second, avoid using regular laundry detergent when washing your swimsuit. It’s formulated to get clothes clean at much higher temperatures than what is necessary for a swimsuit. Finally, remember that you can wash swimsuits with other clothes – just use cold water and the delicate cycle if available. Have you tried machine washing your swimsuit? How did it turn out?
FAQ about machine washing a swimsuit
Can a swimsuit be machine washed?
Yes, you can machine wash swimsuits. There is nothing inherent that prevents swimsuits from being machine washed. However, as you can read in this post, there are many things to consider!
How hot can you wash a swimsuit?
Your wash label will say the hottest temperature that you can use to wash your swimsuit. A lower temperature is always fine.
Do swimsuits shrink in the washing machine?
Yes, swimsuits can most definitely shrink in the washing machine if washed too hot or on the wrong program. But if washed correctly according to the wash label of your swimsuit it will not shrink.
Can you use detergent on swimsuits?
Yes but instead of regular laundry detergent, you should use a mild detergent made for swimwear.
Can you use fabric softener on swimsuits?
We do not recommend that you use fabric softener on your swimsuit as it will damage the spandex material that most swimsuits are made of.
Can swimsuits be washed with normal clothes?
It’s perfectly fine to wash your swimsuit with regular clothes. There is nothing special with how you wash your swimsuit compared to other clothing in the washing machine.
While there’s no rulebook for swimwear shopping, we know one thing for sure: learning how to shop for your body type is the key to finding a swimsuit you love, and that will make you feel confident this swimwear season. So, if you’ve found yourself asking, How do I choose a swimsuit for my body type? We have the …
Hey girl! So, I know finding the perfect swimsuit can be a challenge for anyone, but for us petite girls it can be even harder. We need a swimsuit that doesn’t make us look like we’re drowning in fabric, but also doesn’t make us look like we’re wearing something meant for a child. In this …
It happens. You find a Swimsuit and it miraculously ticks all of your “perfect swimsuit” boxes. It’s form-fitting, flexible, stylish, and just feels right. So why doesn’t it pop? The answer usually lies in your suit’s color. Before you know it, you’re adding “does it clash or complement my dark skin tone?” to your list. This new …
Sometimes, love handles are a fact of life. That doesn’t mean we all haven’t asked “how do I hide my love handles in a swimsuit?” once swimwear season rolls around again. Love handles are those little lumps around the abdomen-hip area that have a habit of peeping out of swimsuits or creating a ‘sagging’ look. You can …
How to machine wash a swimsuit?
We often spend considerable time and money when selecting the perfect swimsuit. Once we’ve found it we want to make sure to take good care of it.
One of the most important steps in keeping your swimsuit in mint condition is to wash it properly. There are different ways one can wash a swimsuit. The most common way is to wash it in the machine.
In this post, we’ll answer the question of how to machine wash a swimsuit the right way as well as dive deeper into all of the questions you might have regarding machine washing your swimsuit.
Maldives
£49Pearl
£49Santorini
£49Turtle Swimsuit
£40Can a swimsuit be machine washed?
Let’s start from the beginning. Can swimsuits be machine washed at all?
Yes, you can machine wash swimsuits. There is nothing inherent that prevents swimsuits from being machine washed.
However, this doesn’t mean that all swimsuits can be machine washed. It only means that there is nothing special with swimsuits or their material that makes you unable to wash them in the washing machine when they are dirty.
While many swimsuits can be machine washed, many can’t.
What determines if a swimsuit can be washed in the machine or not is the wash label and the manufacturers washing instructions. You should always study the wash label of your swimsuit before throwing it in the washing machine.
The wash label will tell you what is and isn’t possible regarding washing your swimsuit in the machine.
There are three main types of wash labels:
– Machine wash
– Hand wash only
– Dry clean only
If the wash label on your swimsuit says “machine wash” it means it’s totally fine to wash your swimsuit in the washing machine. In fact, if it says “machine wash” you can wash it however you want in the washing machine.
If the wash label says hand wash or dry clean, you should not machine wash your swimsuit. These two types of wash labels are usually found on more expensive or delicate swimsuits that can’t handle being machine washed.
So, if you want to wash your swimsuit in the washing machine, make sure that the wash label says “machine wash”. If it doesn’t, don’t wash it in the washing machine as it might damage your swimsuit.
Dots Swim Shorts
Sprinkles Swim Shorts
£49Pink Striped Swim Shorts
£49Tropical 2-Pack Swim Shorts
What settings should I use when machine washing my swimsuit?
The setting that you should use when washing your swimsuit in the washing machine is determined by the wash label of your swimsuit.
Locate your wash label and find the wash symbols. The wash symbols will tell you what settings to use on your washing machine.
The most common wash symbols are:
– Hand wash only
– Machine wash cold
– Warm machine wash
– Machine wash hot
Read our full post on how to read the wash label of your swimsuit.
The symbol on the wash tag doesn’t necessarily tell you the best program for your swimsuit but rather the maximum that your swimsuit can handle.
If the wash label of your swimsuit says “machine wash cold”, it’s OK to use any program on your washing machine that washes with cold water. This can be a delicate program, wool program, or hand wash program.
Do swimsuits shrink in the washing machine?
We often get this question since people are afraid that their favorite swimsuit will shrink if machine washed. There is a fairly easy answer to this question.
Yes, swimsuits can most definitely shrink in the washing machine if washed too hot or on the wrong program. But if washed correctly according to the wash label of your swimsuit it will not shrink.
If you are really keen to keep your swimsuit in mint and almost new condition we recommend not washing it in the machine but rather hand washing it.
Even with the right settings, it’s always going to be harder on your swimsuit to go in the washing machine than being washed by hand.
Pineapple Palm – Father and Son
£57Pineapple Swimsuit
£53Lounge Pack
£99Blue Striped Swim Shorts
£49Can you use detergent on swimsuits?
The easy answer is yes, you can use detergent on swimsuits. However, you should not be using regular laundry detergent.
Regular laundry detergents are hard on the delicate spandex material that most swimsuits are made of. It will quickly ruin the material and your swimsuit will lose its elasticity. Even if you only use a little.
Instead of regular laundry detergent, you should use a mild detergent made for swimwear. This will help clean out the things you don’t want, like sunscreen, chlorine, salt, etc, while still being mild on the material.
You should also avoid using any detergents that contain bleach as this can damage the fabric of your swimsuit.
If you are unsure if the detergent you have will damage your swimsuit, we recommend simply washing it without any detergent.
Best swimsuit detergent
If you are looking for the best detergent for a swimsuit there are a few options. You want to look for a swimsuit detergent that is:
– Mild
– Not containing bleach
– Not containing fabric softener
There are our 3 favorite detergents for swimsuits:
Mild detergent for swimsuits
This is a detergent that’s specially made for swimsuits. It’s made especially for removing chemicals such as chlorine and sunscreen but is still soft on the material and will preserve your spandex swimsuit.
Mild hand soap
If you don’t have a swimsuit-specific detergent you can use a mild hand soap that doesn’t contain any bleach or fabric softener. You will still be able to wash away any sunscreen, salt, or chlorine build but it might not work as well as a swimsuit-specific detergent.
Vinegar
You can also use vinegar to wash your swimsuit. This is a very effective way of washing away any salt, sunscreen or chlorine build up but it can be harsh on the fabric of your swimsuit if used too often.
If you feel that your swimsuit needs a little extra help getting clean, try adding 1/4 cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle. The vinegar will act as a natural fabric softener and will also help remove any detergent buildup on your swimsuit.
Pearl
£49Emerald
£49Party Pack
£99Pineapple Watermelon – Father and Son
£57Can you use fabric softener on swimsuits?
After having used your favorite swimsuit for some time, one might wonder if it’s possible to use fabric softener on swimsuits.
We do not recommend that you use fabric softener on your swimsuit as it will damage the spandex material that most swimsuits are made of. This can lead to your swimsuit losing its elasticity and shape.
The fabric softener can also increase the most that your swimsuit absorbs, making it dry slower and can even start to build up mold.
A fabric softener works by depositing a thin film of lubricating chemicals on the surface of the fabric. These chemicals can make the fabric more absorbent, which means it will take longer for your swimsuit to dry.
Can swimsuits be washed with normal clothes?
So it’s time to wash your swimsuit in the washing machine, and now you wonder if you can wash it with other clothing or if it should be washed alone? Or maybe just with other swimwear?
In fact, it’s perfectly fine to wash your swimsuit with regular clothes. There is nothing special with how you wash your swimsuit compared to other clothing in the washing machine.
However, there are always a few things to keep in mind when washing your swimsuit together with regular clothes.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that it’s the most fragile item in the washer that decided the washing cycle and program. If washed with regular clothes, the most delicate item is often your swimsuit.
So make sure to carefully read the wash label on your swimsuit and wash accordingly. If your swimsuit should be washed in a cold cycle then all other clothes have to either be washed at that program or be washed separately. You can not wash your swimsuit on a warmer program just because the other clothing needs it.
If you are washing your swimsuit with other clothing items that have sharp parts or hard edges, or if you are just careful when washing your swimsuit you might want to put it in a separate mesh washing bag.
This bag will give an extra layer of protection to your swimsuit when washed with other clothing. It will also make it easier to take out of the wash when it’s time as you can just take the whole bag out.
Atlantic
£49Cherry Swim Shorts
£49£29
Stripes 4-pack
£99Emerald
£49Conclusion
Swimsuits can be machine washed, but there are a few things you should keep in mind. First and foremost, always consult your swimsuit’s care label to make sure you’re using the correct washing temperature. You don’t want to shrink your suit by accidentally washing it on hot! Second, avoid using regular laundry detergent when washing your swimsuit. It’s formulated to get clothes clean at much higher temperatures than what is necessary for a swimsuit. Finally, remember that you can wash swimsuits with other clothes – just use cold water and the delicate cycle if available. Have you tried machine washing your swimsuit? How did it turn out?
FAQ about machine washing a swimsuit
Yes, you can machine wash swimsuits. There is nothing inherent that prevents swimsuits from being machine washed. However, as you can read in this post, there are many things to consider!
Your wash label will say the hottest temperature that you can use to wash your swimsuit. A lower temperature is always fine.
Yes, swimsuits can most definitely shrink in the washing machine if washed too hot or on the wrong program. But if washed correctly according to the wash label of your swimsuit it will not shrink.
Yes but instead of regular laundry detergent, you should use a mild detergent made for swimwear.
We do not recommend that you use fabric softener on your swimsuit as it will damage the spandex material that most swimsuits are made of.
It’s perfectly fine to wash your swimsuit with regular clothes. There is nothing special with how you wash your swimsuit compared to other clothing in the washing machine.
Bestsellers
Pineapple Watermelon Swim Shorts
Kvalitetsaktiepodden x Decisive Beachwear
£53Flamingo swim shorts
Tropical 2-Pack Swim Shorts
Turtle Swimsuit
£40Ducks Swim Shorts
£52Striped Turtle Swim Shorts
£52£31
Tropical 2-Pack Swim Shorts
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I’ll write about anything and everything related to swimwear!
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