Finally, it's that time again: it's time to pull your bikini, one-piece swimsuit, or trunks out of the closet and head into the cool water. To keep your swimwear looking nice for a long time, it's worth checking out a few simple care tips—bikinis and one-piece swimsuits are more delicate than you might think.
Wash new swimwear before first wear
As soon as you find your new bikini or swimsuit, you’ll of course want to put it on right away. But be careful, don’t rush: before heading to the pool or beach, it’s best to wash the item first, either by hand or in the washing machine at 30°C. This removes production residues and prevents unpleasant skin irritations.
âś” Right from the very first wash cycle: bluu Laundry Detergent Sheets
Even the very first wash of your new swimwear works well with bluu Laundry Detergent Sheets,They are gentle on spandex and Lycra, while reliably removing production residues.
Before and after swimming: shower and rinse out
Two short rituals around swimming make a big difference to the lifespan of your swimwear.
Before swimming: shower
Especially in swimming pools, it’s important for hygiene reasons to shower thoroughly beforehand. This removes residues of sunscreen, sweat, and other impurities that would otherwise end up in the water.
After swimming: rinse out immediately
Right after swimming, you should thoroughly rinse your swimwear with water to remove saltwater or chlorine residues. You can do this directly in the shower—some shower gel or shampoo won’t hurt. The longer chlorine soaks into the fabric, the harder it will be to get rid of the smell later, so rinsing immediately isn’t an optional step—it’s the most important thing to do.
Wash bikini, one-piece swimsuit & Co correctly: machine or hand wash
After wearing it three to four times, a proper wash is needed to remove dirt and bacteria. Yes, this works in the washing machine too: wash your swimwear at low temperatures up to a maximum of 30°C, in a laundry bag and with no high spin speed. Alternatively, Hand washingworks just as well and is extra gentle on the fabric.
How to do hand washing
- Fill a bucket or sink with lukewarm water.
- Add half a Laundry Detergent Sheet and wait until it has fully dissolved.
- Put your swimwear in and gently press it out—never wring it.
❤ Suitable for both machine and hand washing: bluu Laundry Detergent Sheets
The bluu Laundry Detergent Sheets are pre-dosed exactly; half a strip is enough for hand washing, one full strip for the machine. This keeps the delicate spandex protected.
Fabric softener for swimwear: better not to use
Bikinis and one-piece swimsuits are mostly made of spandex or Lycra, which gives the clothing its fit and elasticity. Fabric softener coats the fibers like a film and can reduce this elasticity over time. It can also damage the water-repellent coating of some swimwear. So it’s better to skip fabric softener entirely and instead wash with a mild delicate detergent like the bluu Laundry Detergent Sheets.
Remove chlorine smell from swimwear
If you missed rinsing immediately once, and the typical chlorine smell has set in, there’s no need to panic.
How to get rid of chlorine smell
- Soak swimwear in cold to lukewarm water for 30 minutes—hot water actually makes the smell worse.
- Add half a bluu Laundry Detergent Sheet and knead briefly by hand.
- Rinse thoroughly with clear water and let it dry in the shade.
- If the smell persists, repeat the process instead of increasing the temperature.
Dry in the shade
Don’t leave your swimwear in direct sun to dry—it can fade the colors. Instead, spread your swimwear out in the shade on a drying rack or flat surface, so it keeps its color and shape. Never wring out swimwear—it strains and distorts the fabric unnecessarily.
Treat Stains
For Stains like sunscreen, deodorant marks, or other residues, the bluu stain soap. Dampen the affected area, rub in the stain remover, let it sit briefly, and rinse with water. Test it first on an inconspicuous spot to avoid damaging the fabric.
After that, it’s best to wash the swimwear right away with the bluu Laundry Detergent Sheets, so the last trace of the stain will reliably disappear.
Storage after the season
After swimming season, it’s best to prepare your swimwear for storage in a dark closet. Wash it thoroughly with the bluu Laundry Detergent Sheetsbefore storing, and let it dry completely. Store it in a dark, dry place—this prevents discoloration and mold growth.
Conclusion: How to keep bikinis and one-piece swimsuits looking nice for a long time
Anyone who thoroughly rinses swimwear after swimming, dries it in the shade, and stores it carefully at the end of the season will significantly extend its lifespan. It is best to avoid fabric softener entirely for this care routine. For chlorine odour and Stains, the bluu Laundry Detergent Sheets and stain soap offer a reliable solution.
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FAQ: Common questions about washing bikinis & one-piece swimsuits
01 At what temperature do you wash bikinis and one-piece swimsuits?
Wash bikinis, one-piece swimsuits, and swimwear at a maximum of 30°C, either by hand or on the delicate cycle of the machine. Higher temperatures damage the spandex and cause the fit to wear out faster.
02 Can you wash bikinis in the washing machine?
Yes, as long as you choose a gentle program at a maximum of 30°C, put the swimwear in a laundry bag, and avoid high spin speeds. For very delicate pieces, hand washing is still gentler.
03 Should you wash swimwear with fabric softener?
No. Fabric softener can reduce the elasticity of elastane and lycra and damage water-repellent coatings. A gentle delicate laundry detergent like bluu Laundry Detergent Sheets is completely sufficient.
04 How do I get chlorine smell out of my swimwear?
Soak swimwear for 30 minutes in cold to lukewarm water with a small amount of Laundry Detergent Sheets, then rinse thoroughly. Avoid hot water, as it will only cause odors to set in more firmly.
