June 30, 2026, 6:05 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Summer is vacation time, and ideally, we don’t want to take off our bikini during a beach holiday. However, swimwear should also be washed thoroughly from time to time. To enjoy your bikini, swimsuit, and similar items for a long time, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Swimwear goes through a lot: saltwater, chlorinated water, and sunlight–plus regular and thorough cleaning. The washing machine isn’t always the solution in these cases; delicate fabrics require special care.
6 Tips for Washing a Bikini Properly
1. Rinse the Bikini Immediately
After a day at the beach or pool, you should rinse the bikini immediately. Salt and chlorinated water can attack the fabric fibers and cause the material to fade. It’s best to rinse the bikini thoroughly with cold water right after wearing it to remove sand, salt, and chlorine. This prevents harmful substances from settling and damaging the material.
2. Gentle Hand Wash Instead of Machine Wash
While it may be tempting to toss the bikini in the machine with the rest of the laundry, you should definitely avoid this. Machine washing can damage the bikini’s elastic fibers and affect its fit. Instead, wash the bikini by hand in lukewarm water using a mild detergent. If machine washing is unavoidable, wash the bikini cold or at a maximum of 86 degrees Fahrenheit–avoid fabric softener, as it can stretch the elastane.
3. Avoid Aggressive Cleaning Agents
Avoid using aggressive cleaning agents, bleach, or fabric softeners. These products can damage the bikini material and cause colors to fade. A mild detergent is sufficient to remove dirt and residues. Be sure to gently knead the bikini during washing instead of rubbing or wringing it out.
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4. Avoid Direct Sunlight
After washing, let the bikini air dry. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause colors to fade. It’s best to hang the bikini in a shady spot or lay it on a towel. Do not wring out the bikini, as this can stretch and damage the elastic fibers.
5. Gentle Handling for Longer Lifespan
In addition to proper cleaning, there are a few things to consider when wearing it. Avoid contact with rough surfaces, such as stones or rough pool edges, as these can roughen the material. If you bathe in a hot tub, make sure the water isn’t too hot, as this can affect the elasticity of your bikini.
6. Additional Tip: Pay Attention to the Bikini Material
Different materials require different care. A polyester bikini is more resistant to chlorine and saltwater than an elastane bikini. Before purchasing, inform yourself about the material’s properties and choose a model that suits your needs. The same tips naturally apply to swimsuits and tankinis.
Washing Bikinis with Embellishments
Some bikinis and swimsuits are elaborately decorated with embellishments like beads, rhinestones, or sequins. The manufacturers “Sunflair” and “Hunkemöller” recommend washing particularly delicate swimwear by hand with a fine detergent. The lingerie label “Lascana” advises against machine washing for models with embroidered beads and sequins, as well as underwire bras.