Finding that perfect swimsuit is a feeling like no other. When your bathing suit fits like a glove, matches your personality and makes you feel confident, lounging by the poolside and swimming at the beach become even more satisfying.

If you’ve found that swimsuit that brings you pure joy, taking proper care of it can ensure it lasts as long as possible before you have to start searching for a replacement. Hot tubs, chlorinated water and other water works can have a major impact on the integrity of your swimsuit.

But what are the rules of cleaning a bathing suit? Can you wash swimsuits with clothes? Should you wash your swimsuit before wearing it? Should you hand wash a swimsuit?

These are all valid questions to ask if you want to elongate the life of your favorite one piece or tankini.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to washing your bathing suit, which you should do every three to five wears:

How to Hand Wash Your Swimsuit

Washing a bathing suit by hand is the easiest way to prevent stretching that often occurs during a wash cycle. Here’s how:

1. Fill your sink with lukewarm water. Add a teaspoon of laundry detergent per bathing suit.
2. Turn your swimsuit inside and place in the cleaning solution. Using a bristle brush, such as a toothbrush, scrub the seams and other spots or stains.
3. Let your bathing suit soak in the water for a few minutes. Squeeze out the excess water and set aside.
4. Drain the sudsy water and refill with cold water to rinse.
5. Place the bathing suit in the cold water and swish around until fully rinsed. Squeeze out excess water.
6. Lay your bathing suit flat to dry outside or in a space with good air circulation. Air drying removes excess water without shrinking your suit - this is something that can occur when you throw it in the dryer.

Remember: It’s best to avoid putting your bathing suit in direct sunlight to dry, as it can lead to fading colors.

How to Machine Wash Your Swimsuit

If you’re wondering if you can machine wash swimsuits, the answer is yes, as long as you do so on a gentle cycle. Here’s how:

1. Gather other clothing items in synthetic fabrics to wash with your swimsuit so you can run a full cycle.
2. Turn your swimsuit inside out. Treat stains with a spot remover, then place the swimsuit in a mesh laundry bag. This will prevent the stretching that often occurs when you place a bathing suit in the washing machine.
3. Set your cycle to gentle and use cold water - high temperatures are prone to making clothing shrink.
4. When your clothes are finished washing, hang dry or lay your suit flat in a well circulated area.

What’s the Best Option for Cleaning?

Washing your bathing suit in a sink with your hands can seem like an annoying task, but this is the easiest way to preserve the colors and ensure longevity of your swimwear.

You can still wash your bathing suit in the washing machine, just be sure to check the label for specific instructions. Some bathing suits are even made to be washing-machine friendly!

In this case, there isn’t technically a best cleaning option - it all depends on your personal preference.

Find Your Favorite Swimsuit at Anthony’s Florida

Searching for that perfect bathing suit? Want to add another high quality option to your collection? Anthony’s Florida has a variety of cute and comfortable swimsuit options. From tankinis and skirtinis to swim dresses, maillots, bandeaus and more, you can find exactly what you’re looking for based on your comfort level and style preference.

Prepping for an upcoming vacation? Need a new suit for lounging on your back patio? Anthony’s Florida can help. Browse our collection of women’s swimwear today so you can lounge by the beach or pool in style.