How to wash swimsuits in your Samsung washer

People enjoying in swimming pool

If you’re going on vacation soon, you’re probably going to pack your swimsuit (or two or three). But, you shouldn’t let your sunscreen-streaked suit lay around in your closet when you get home. Depending on the fabric that your suit is made from, it can either be hand washed or placed in your washing machine. Most women’s swimsuits should be hand washed so they retain their beautiful form and fit. However, men's swim trunks can normally be added to a gentle cycle on your washing machine. Use our tips and instructions so your swimsuits will be ready for your next trip!

Tips for washing your swimsuits

Whether you decide to hand wash or machine wash your suit, you can use our tips and tricks below so they always come out clean.

  • Wash your swimsuit after a few wears, when possible. Even if you weren’t wearing it for too long at the beach or pool, it’s important to remove oils, sunscreen, chlorine, salt water, and sand from it.

  • Chlorine in particular can be damaging to a swimsuit (more so than salt water). This is especially true if your swimsuit has been exposed to chlorine for long periods of time. Make sure to wash your suit to remove the chlorine!

Girl drying her swimsuit on a drying rack
  • Do not use bleach on your swimsuit, even if it’s white. Bleach may damage the fabric and ruin your suit.

  • You can remove sunscreen stains by spot cleaning them. Baking soda and white vinegar are great stain removers; just dab a small amount onto the stain and allow your swimsuit to sit for a few hours. Then, it’ll be ready for washing.

  • Always check the care instructions on your swimsuit to make sure you are washing it properly. Most swimsuits, particularly women's suits, should be hand washed. Furthermore, do not put your swimsuit in a dryer.

Hand wash your swimsuit

Most swimsuits should be washed by hand because they are made from delicate, synthetic fabrics like spandex. This is especially true for women's swimsuits. If you aren't completely sure, just check the care instructions on your suit before washing it! Then, you can follow the instructions below to hand wash your swimsuit:

  1. Rinse your swimsuit in cool water after wearing it. You can allow it to soak for about 30 minutes as well, which will help remove trapped sand and dirt.

  2. Fill a sink with cool water and a small amount (about 1 tablespoon) of gentle laundry detergent. You can also use unscented hand soap. Move your hands around in the water until the detergent becomes bubbly.

  3. Fully submerge the suit into the water and allow it to sit for about 15 minutes. If it’s especially stained and dirty, you can let it sit for about an hour.

    Note: If your swimsuit has embellishments or decorations, you should turn it inside-out before placing it in the water and detergent.

    Swimsuits being soaked in detergent water
  4. You can swish the suit around if needed to make sure the detergent reaches all areas.

  5. Once the detergent has dissolved, remove the suit and very gently squeeze it out. Do not wring or twist the fabric. If there is still soap residue on it, rinse it with cool water.

  6. It’s best to let the swimsuit air dry in a cool place, preferably on a towel that can soak up the excess water. To avoid damaging the fabric, do not expose your wet swimsuit to direct sunlight or hang it up to dry.

  7. Store your swimsuit in a garment bag or drawer once it’s fully dried.

Machine wash your swimsuit

Men's swim trunks and certain women's swimsuits can be machine washed after a long day at the beach or pool. If you aren't completely sure, just check the care instructions on your suit before washing it! If there's any doubt, hand washing is your best bet. Even a gentle cycle on a machine may be too harsh for women's suits.

Otherwise, you can follow the instructions below to machine wash your swimsuit:

  1. Use only a Delicate or Hand wash cycle, and a gentle detergent made specifically for swimwear or activewear. We also recommend placing the swimsuit in a mesh laundry bag.

    Delicate cycle selected on Samsung Washer
  2. Place your swimsuit in your washing machine, and make sure you are using the coldest temperature available.

  3. Begin the cycle and allow it to finish. When washing women’s suits, it’s best to wash them separately from other laundry. However, men’s swim trunks can be combined with other delicate laundry, such as the rest of your sandy beach outfits.

  4. When the cycle is done, remove the suit. Let it air dry in a cool place, preferably on a towel that can soak up the excess water. To avoid damaging the fabric, do not expose your wet swimsuit to direct sunlight or hang it up to dry.

    Swimsuit being dried on top of towel
  5. Store your swimsuit in a garment bag or drawer once it’s fully dried.

You can find the latest Samsung washing machines on our website.

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