Your Swimsuit Works Overtime. Give it Some TLC

Summer is in full swing, and by now, you and your favorite swimsuit have likely spent some serious time together. Whether it's O'Neill boardshorts, Johnnie-O swim trunks, a performance tank from Jantzen, or a fun, flirty bikini from Princess Polly, your swimsuit is likely getting plenty of use. And sun, sweat, salt, chlorine, and even pristine lakewater can all take a toll on the fabric.

With regular washing and proper care, you can get the most out of your bathing suit in terms of looks and performance. The Heritage Park Laundry Essentials clean team is here with some easy-to-follow care instructions for washing your swimwear to keep it looking great all summer and for seasons to come:

Smart Strategies to Keep Your Bathing Suit In Top Shape

Most swimwear is made from performance such as spandex, nylon, or Lycra, along with polyester, elastane, and even cotton or cotton blends; these are delicate fabrics that are sensitive to heat. One of the biggest issues with swimsuit longevity is elastic breakdown, also known as "dry rot," wherein the swimwear fabric loses its elasticity and ability to stretch (particularly at the waistband). This type of disintegration occurs from exposure to chlorine and other chemicals; sunscreen; saltwater; heat; and sunlight.

Following a few best swimsuit care practices can minimize this type of damage.

• Launder your swimsuit with detergent after every second or third wear to clean and prevent bacteria and mold from growing. In between washes, rinse your suit well and air dry thoroughly before storing or re-wearing.
• Rinse your bathing suit thoroughly after each wearing in cool or cold water after the pool, ocean, or hot tub. This helps remove chlorine and pool chemicals; salt water, sand, and sweat; and sunscreen residue that can cause discoloration, odor, and loss of elasticity. (In a pinch, you can do this in the shower with lukewarm water). Avoid hot water, which can fade colors and damage elastic. Don't wring or twist your suit; roll it in a clean towel to press out excess water and dry it flat on that towel in the shade.
• Rotate your bathing suits as much as possible. Switching among several swimsuits will allow each garment to dry thoroughly This helps the elastic fibers to recover and the swimsuit to hold its shape.
• Avoid sitting on or allowing your suit to come in contact with any rough surfaces. Be especially mindful of pool edges, wood/wicker furniture, etc. Wear a cover up or use a towel.
• Store your swimsuits in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Make sure your suit is completely dry before storing; a damp suit will absolutely grow mold or mildew.

Choose the Best Detergent to Wash Your Swimsuit

We recommend washing bathing suits with our flagship product: Heritage Park Sensitive Skin All-Purpose Detergent. This gentle, pH-neutral detergent is made with natural, plant-based ingredients that won’t irritate skin or damage fabric. Instead of harsh chemicals, Heritage Park Sensitive Skin cleans with a powerful blend of laundry enzymes that break down and remove dirt, stains, and odors.

"Swimwear fabric takes a real beating between chlorine, salt water, and sun exposure," says Tom Ceconi, President of Heritage Park Laundry Essentials. "The biggest mistake people make is reaching for a regular laundry detergent with harsh chemicals or fabric softener, thinking it'll get their suit cleaner. In reality, a mild, gentle detergent is what actually protects the fibers and elasticity over time.”

Heritage Park is just as protective of your family’s sensitive skin. Our Sensitive Skin All-Purpose Detergents are EWG Verified, EPA Safer Choice designated; lab-certified hypoallergenic with zero skin reactions; and pediatrician- and dermatologist-tested as non-irritating to even the most sensitive skin (perfect for adult, children, and even infant swimwear). You can choose from Fragrance-Free or lightly scented Shore Breeze, Lavender Mist, or Spring Magnolia varieties.

What Do You Need to Wash Your Swimsuit?

To wash your bathing suit, gather the following supplies:

1. Heritage Park Sensitive Skin All-Purpose Detergent 
2. A sink or utility tub for hand washing (preferred) 
3. A drying rack or lint-free towel 
4. A washing machine with a gentle cycle 
5. Fine mesh laundry bags

Steps to Wash Your Bathing Suit (Handwashing is Best)

Handwashing is the preferred method for laundering swimsuits because there is less risk of stretching, pulling, or other types of damage. Follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Rinse your suit with fresh, clean water after each use to remove salt water, sand, sweat, and help remove chlorine before it sets in.

Hang your suit to dry between wearings; never toss a wet swimsuit in a hamper or ball it up, which can weaken fabric and cause mold growth.

Step 2: Fill a tub or sink basin with cool to lukewarm water.

Add a capful of Heritage Park Sensitive Skin All-Purpose Detergent and swish with your hand to mix. Submerge your suit. Turning the suit inside out first can help clean soiled areas more gently. Gently massage your suit to remove dirt and stains, paying attention to any soiled areas. Don't rub.

Step 3: Thoroughly wash and rinse your bathing suit in cool to lukewarm water until all detergent is removed, which can also help remove odors.

Do not wring or twist; gently squeeze to remove excess water to protect the elastic fibers and press out excess moisture with a clean towel.

Step 4: Air dry only.

Lay the swimsuit flat in the shade in a well ventilated area so it can air dry without heat or direct sun. If you must use a dryer, an air fluff or no-heat setting is the least risky option.

Step 5: When your suit is completely dry.

Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve its quality and UPF properties.

How to Machine Wash Your Bathing Suit

While it's generally recommended to hand wash bathing suits to preserve their quality, some swimsuits may be labeled as machine washable. Even in these cases, we say that hand washing swimwear is the safer method for delicate fabrics. However, you may also choose to wash suits that get very sandy or dirty, particularly children's swimsuits.

If you choose to machine wash your bathing suit, follow these guidelines:

• Wash bathing suits alone or in a dedicated swimsuit load.
• Use cool water and the most gentle or delicate cycle on your machine; avoid hot water, which can fade colors and weaken elasticity. 
• Place the swimsuit in a mesh laundry bag to protect delicate fabric from damage inside the machine. 
• Use a small amount of Heritage Park Sensitive Skin All-Purpose Detergent. 
• Never use fabric softener or chlorine bleach, which will damage swimsuit fabric and cause it to fade. 
• When the load is finished, carefully remove your swimsuit from the mesh bag. If it is still wet, press it dry with a clean towel. Do not wring.
• Lay the suit flat to dry on a clean lint-free towel or a drying rack, away from direct sun or heat. As noted above, never put your bathing suit in the dryer.

NOTE: If your bathing suit is particularly delicate or has intricate details, stick with hand washing to ensure its longevity and quality no matter what the care label says.

A Word About Removing Stains and Odors from Bathing Suits

Swimsuits are typically made from synthetic fabrics and should release stains and odors with gentle washing. However, some stubborn stains may need extra attention before washing. Always follow the care label and call the manufacturer before using any dedicated stain removal products. To refresh your suit and remove odors, soak your suit in a mild solution of white vinegar and warm water or a solution of baking soda and warm water for 30 minutes (pro tip: white vinegar can also help remove chlorine buildup).

Heritage Park: Gentle Care for Bathing Suits (and All Your Laundry!)

At Heritage Park, we are dedicated to caring for fine fabrics — and for sensitive skin. Recognizing that many commercially available "gentle detergents" damage delicate textiles and irritate skin or fail to clean and remove stains, we created a better solution. Our Sensitive Skin All-Purpose detergent strikes a perfect balance of powerful ingredients that remove tough, set-in stains while remaining gentle on fabric and skin. Use it for clothing, bedding, towels, and regular household laundry made of cotton, linen, bamboo, synthetics, and blends. For delicate fabrics, choose our Silk and Wool formula. All of our detergents are made in the USA in small batches for the ultimate quality control.