There will be one swimsuit that we love dearly, don't we? Especially those that make you feel slim, sexy and confident in,or the one that you have spent a bomb on. Loving it means taking the additonal step to care for your swimsuit. I have done some reading up on this area and so I hope this section may prove useful to you.
While we are having a whale of a good time at the pool or beach, unknowingly to us, our swimsuits are inflicted with the harsh effects from all the chlorine, sun and sunblock. Swimsuits are made from materials that allow stretch and snug fit to our body, while undergoing constant soaking and drying. It is important that we should always practice good wearing and washing habits for our swimsuits. Special care is necessary to help retain the swimsuit’s color, shape and lifespan.
Good Wearing Habits
Care should always be observed when wearing our swimsuits. Whether we are in or out of the pool or beach, it is advisable to follow these simple steps:
- Always shower yourself first with clean and clear water before dipping into the pool or beach. This action helps to 'coat' the fabric of the swimwear with water to make it less pervious to chlorine and salts which can damaging to the fabric of your swimwear. Repeat this action when getting out from the water, but this time, to rinse off excess chlorine and salts from the swimwear.
- If you need to sun-bathe, reduce the sun-bathing hours as direct heat from the sun can cause color-fading. Try to stay in the shade at most times if outside waters.
- Do not wrap your swimwear in the towel which you used to towel dry yourself because you will returning the harsh chemicals you have tried rinsing off onto to your swimwear again.
- Look at where you are going to sit as debris and rough surface can damage the fabric of your swimwear. It is wise to place a soft towel over the surface where you are going to rest on.
- When changing out of your swimwear and with no immediate plan to wash your swimwear, always rinse off the chlorine and salt from the swimwear. If possible, air-dry your swimwear in the shade first before keeping in your bag. Wrapping your damp swimwear in a towel inside your bag will cause moisture that can lead to malodor development - total swimwear failure.
Recommended Washing Instructions
Following these simple washing tips will help to keep your bathing suit looking good and lasting a long time:
- Always read and note the care instructions on the swimwear’s tag.
- For new swimwear, it is recommended to give it a thorough but gentle wash first before wearing it. This can help wash off excess dye from the swimwear.
- Always rinse swimwear in fresh, cool water immediately after each wear.
- Never use washing machine for your swimwear as it may cause your swimwear to lose shape. Instead, use ‘hand-wash’ technique on swimwear is always highly recommended.
- Fill up a basin of water and add some swimwear detergent (please read the bottle for recommended amount). If you do not have a swimwear detergent, you may use your laundry detergent but use it sparingly (deem as you see fit) as chemicals from some laundry detergent may be too harsh for your swimwear.
- Gently massage the swimwear with your hands.
- DO NOT rub or twist your swimwear vigorously. Washing your swimwear is the same as washing your delicate lingerie.
- Rinse the swimwear in clean water making sure all soap residue are fully rinsed off.
- Gently squeeze excess water from the swimwear.
- DO NOT wring and twist your swimwear. This will damage the swimwear and cause the swimwear to lose shape.
- Always air-dry swimwear under shade by laying it flat. However if you need to hang your swimwear, always use the peg-the-label trick to avoid direct pegging on your swimwear.
- DO NOT dry your swimwear in direct sun as this may cause fading or discoloration.
- DO NOT user dryer as heat may cause the swimwear to lose elasticity and shrinkage.
This information may not be fully exhaustive but I believe this may help you to protect and extend the life span of your favorite swimsuit.