The 5 biggest mistakes you're making washing your swimwear – and how to avoid them

The Sun

11-07-2025

WITH the weather hotting up at home and thousands of Scots sizzling abroad, cooling down in a pool is essential.
But the experts say we have been washing our swimwear all wrong - and it's getting tatty before it needs to.
If you feel like your bikini seems to wear out after just one or two holidays, you're not alone.
New research from Pour Moi found that one in three UK adults only get one holiday or summer out of their swimwear before it starts to lose quality.
It might be tempting to blame the synthetic fabrics swimwear is made from, but Rosie Webbon, Swimwear Buyer at Pour Moi, warns that the nation's laundry habits might be what's doing the most damage.
To help your swimwear stay in shape beyond just one summer, she has highlighted five of the most common swimwear care mistakes - and how to avoid them.
Skipping the pre-swim rinse
The idea of showering before jumping into a large pool of water might seem redundant, but it's essential for protecting your swimwear, says Rosie.
She added: "Swimsuits are designed for resilience to getting wet, but over time, water containing salts, minerals, and chemicals like chlorine will eventually break down the elasticity of your swimwear.
"Rinsing first isn't just a recommended hygiene practice; it also helps to fill the materials of your swimwear with fresh water, meaning your suit absorbs less of the salted or chlorinated water."
Using harsh detergents
Many of us wash our swimwear with soap in the hotel bathroom while on holiday, and Rosie Webbon says this is far more effective than throwing it in the machine with the rest of our holiday clothes when we get home.
Essential Travel Tips: Avoid Getting Banned Over the 'Return Ticket' Rule and Top Budget Destinations
She added: "Unlike some of our other clothes, your swimwear doesn't need a tough detergent. Instead, use a mild one that won't ruin the fabric or your skin.
"For stubborn stains like suncream, a small amount of baking soda can help, but be sure to test the mixture on a small area first.
"It's also important not to use fabric conditioner, as it can soften elastic and cause it to stretch, resulting in your swimwear losing its original shape."
Washing in the machine
The expert recommends washing all your swimwear by hand to keep the original fit and support for much longer.
It's particularly important to hand-wash any swimwear that contains a wire.
Rosie says: "Not only will you reduce the lifespan of the item if you don't, but you could even damage your washing machine if it comes out.
"For the best results, hand wash your swimwear inside out with a mild detergent. Simply fill your sink with cool water, add a small amount of detergent, and use a microfibre cloth to massage the product into the fabric gently."
However, if you do opt for the washing machine, ensure you put it on a delicate cycle and place your swimwear within a mesh laundry bag to help it maintain its shape and prevent any straps or drawstrings from tangling.
Leaving it rolled in a towel after a swim
After spending the day at the beach or pool, avoid leaving your wet swimwear rolled up in a towel at the bottom of your bag.
Stuffing it in the bottom of your swim bag puts extra stress on the fabric and allows chlorine or salt to sit longer, which can lead to mildew growth and lingering odours.
Rosie said: "As such, it's vital to rinse and hand wash your swimsuit as quickly as possible after use to help remove any chemical, minerals, or salt deposits within the material."
Not laying it flat to dry
Wringing excess water out of swimwear might feel satisfying, but it's one of the easiest ways to stretch and misshape the fabric.
Hanging your swimsuit outside might seem like a good idea when it's nice and sunny, but hanging it can stretch it out, and direct sunlight can cause the colours to fade. Your swimsuit should never be tumble-dried under any circumstances, either.
Instead, Rosie recommends gently pressing out any excess water with your hands and laying your swimsuit flat on a clean, dry towel in a shaded, well-ventilated place to preserve its shape.