Swimwear and towels are exposed to many stressful elements such as sun, chlorine, salt or sweat. To be able to wear your bikini, swimsuit or swimming trunks for longer than one season, it is recommended that you wash and care for your swimwear properly. The following tips will help you!
Before you wear newly bought swimwear for the first time, you should wash it first. Detergents with fibre protection such as Dylon Colour Detergent are particularly suitable for washing your favourite colourful bikini. The wash cycle is not only for hygienic reasons, as many manufacturers also use chemicals in the production of textiles where direct skin contact is not recommended. Materials used in swimwear, such as polyester, elastane or nylon, for example, are often treated with mould control agents. Dyes, fixatives or softeners are also frequently used, which can lead to inflammation and itching.
Suncream and tanning oils can cause stains on swimwear. In addition, sand, salt and chlorine will damage your swimwear over time. Therefore, you should rinse your bikini or swimsuit with clean water immediately after swimming. You can also wash your bikini or swimsuit by hand using mild shampoo. After wearing your swimwear three to four times, you should then wash it properly in your washing machine so that dirt is removed thoroughly.
Do not strain the sensitive swimwear textiles too much: You shouldn't wash your bikini at 60 degrees. It is best to choose 30 degrees and the gentle wash cycle. You should also avoid the spin cycle and use a mild detergent such as Dylon Colour Detergent which cleans gently. For colourful swimwear you should use a mild or coloured detergent. Avoid fabric softeners as it may cause the swimwear to wear out over time. To protect your swimwear from mechanical effects in the washing machine, you can wash it in a laundry net just like underwear to protect the hangers and metal ends from bending or scratching the washing drum.
You should never hang wet swimwear out to dry in the sun. Direct sunlight causes the colours to fade. The best thing to do is to carefully squeeze out your swimsuit or swimming trunks in a towel and then place them on a clotheshorse in the shade to dry. If you hang your bikini or swimsuit up wet, the elastic fibres will quickly wear out. This, along with intense heat from the dryer or a heater, can change the fit. Towels and bath towels can be sorted by colour and washed in the washing machine at 60 degrees. They are best dried in a draught to prevent the fibres from stiffening in the dryer.
A glance at the care label will help you to wash your bikini properly. Most swimwear is made of polyester and includes elastane or polyamide. Neoprene is also another material being used for surfing clothes, diving suits and other swimwear. Neoprene is harder to clean as it makes you sweat more, and the parts can only be washed with cold water by hand. If they are very dirty, it is helpful to soak them with a little detergent for a while.
Bikinis made of crocheted cotton are also popular and the best way to wash them is by using a delicate programme at 30 degrees with a little fabric softener. Under no circumstances should they be put in the dryer or wrung out. The crochet bikini should also be laid out flat on a towel or clotheshorse in a shady spot. Then you can enjoy your favourite pieces for longer!