Washing machine tips for bathing suits aren’t just about keeping your swimwear looking good—they’re about making sure your washer stays in great shape too. Bathing suits carry sand, sunscreen, and salt that can wear down both fabrics and machine parts over time.
In this guide, our trusted washing machine repair professionals share the most effective washer tips for bathing suits to help you protect delicate materials, maintain your washer, and extend the life of both. A few smart habits can make all the difference, season after season.
Washing Machine Tips for Bathing Suits: How to Clean Swimwear Without Damaging Your Washer
Washing your bathing suits the wrong way can lead to faded colors, stretched-out fabric, and worn-out elastic. But beyond that, sand, sunscreen, and saltwater residue can build up inside your washing machine and cause long-term wear. The good news? A few intentional steps can protect both your swimwear and your washer.
Follow this step-by-step routine to keep your suits looking their best—while keeping your washing machine clean and running efficiently:
1. Rinse Your Bathing Suits Before Washing
Always rinse swimwear in cool water as soon as possible after wearing. This helps remove chlorine, salt, sand, sunscreen, and body oils—residues that can damage fabric and accumulate inside your washer’s drum and filter.
Tip: Even a quick rinse in the sink makes a big difference before tossing suits in the laundry.
2. Use a Mesh Laundry Bag
Place each suit inside a mesh garment bag to prevent tangling and reduce friction during the wash cycle. It also helps keep strings and delicate fabric from wrapping around the agitator or catching on the drum, which protects both your suit and the machine.
Bonus: Mesh bags are great for other delicates too—like lingerie and baby clothes.
3. Wash in a Lightweight Load
Avoid mixing swimwear with heavy or bulky items like towels, jeans, or sweatshirts. These can throw off your washer’s balance, leading to rough cycles and unnecessary strain on the motor. Washing bathing suits with other lightweight garments ensures gentler agitation and better protection for the fabric.
4. Choose a Gentle Cycle with Cold Water
Set your washer to the delicate or hand-wash cycle and use cold water only. High temperatures and aggressive spin speeds can break down elastic fibers and fade colors quickly.
Why cold water? It’s gentler on synthetic materials and prevents stretching and shrinkage.
5. Use a Mild Detergent—Skip the Extras
Stick to a gentle, fragrance-free detergent. Avoid bleach, fabric softeners, or detergent pods with added stain-fighters, as these can break down the fabric and leave residue inside your machine. If you live in a hard water area, consider a detergent formulated to reduce mineral buildup.
6. Clean Your Washing Machine Afterward
Swimwear often brings in fine sand, lotion, and detergent buildup. To keep your washer fresh and functioning properly:
- Run an empty rinse or cleaning cycle with hot water and 1 cup of white vinegar
- Wipe down the door seal and detergent tray
- Leave the door open to air dry the drum
This quick maintenance step helps remove any lingering residue and protects your washer from long-term wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use standard detergent to wash my swimsuit?
Use a milder option for delicate fabrics.
Regular detergents are too strong for the materials used in most swimsuits. Stick to a detergent designed for delicate fabrics or use a gentle baby shampoo.
Should I put a bathing suit in the dryer?
It’s best to skip the dryer altogether.
The high heat of a dryer can weaken elastic fibers and fade bright colors. Always lay your swimsuit flat to dry in a shaded, well-ventilated spot.
How often should I wash my bathing suit?
Rinse after every use; wash after 3–4 wears.
A quick rinse helps remove chlorine or salt right away. Full washes can be done after several uses or when the suit starts to smell.
Is it safe to wash a swimsuit with other clothes?
It’s safest to wash it on its own.
Avoid mixing swimwear with heavy items like jeans or towels, which can cause friction and damage. If needed, only wash with similar delicates.
Bonus Advice for Swimwear Longevity
For an extra boost of care, try adding half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. It naturally neutralizes chlorine, breaks down residue, and keeps your bathing suit smelling fresh. Combined with the washing machine tips for bathing suits above, this simple step can significantly improve fabric condition over time.
And when your washer isn’t performing at its best, our professional washer repair services are here to get things running smoothly again—quickly and reliably.
