People tend to underestimate how much abuse the average swimsuit goes through; chlorine, sun, sand, heat, lotions and oils.
Taking care of your swimsuit will not only prolong the life of your suit but help it keep its shape and fitting like new.
Here are some tips to ensure you're looking great for many summers to come.
1.
Rinsing your suit with clean water will not keep chlorine from damaging your suit.
Even after you've rinsed off with clean water, chlorine, salt water and other elements can still be eating away at it.
Make sure you wash your suit with a mild soap after every use.
Some specialized swimsuit cleaners are available.
2.
Always hand wash your suit, never throw it in the washer or dryer.
The heat in washers and especially dryers can quickly break down the spandex fibers in your swimsuit, causing it to stretch out and eventually come apart.
3.
"Wait a second? If my suit can't withstand hot water what about wearing it in the hot tub?" Sorry gals...
hot tub water does have the same effect on your suit.
The heat will break down the spandex fibers.
If you must wear your suit in a hot tub try not to stay in too long and wash immediately when you get out.
Or you can have a cheapo swimsuit on hand for your heat therapy.
4.
Do not bleach or iron your suit.
As mentioned above, heat and chemicals reduce the life of your suit.
Avoid them if possible.
5.
Rinse out before you swim.
Saturating your suit with clean water reduces the damage done by chlorine and other elements.
Make sure you're wearing it before doing this so you're not trying to wrestle into a wet swimsuit.
6.
Air dry your suit out of the sun.
We have all seen what kind of damage the sun can do to our skin and even the paint jobs of our cars.
Air out your swimsuit in a shaded ventilated place.
7.
Allow 24 hours to dry before wearing again to ensure your suit keeps its shape.
If you're living at the pool you might consider a second suit to alternate with.