You've bought a new bathing suit, but you need to wash it before wearing it for the first time. Washing a bathing suit is not just a matter of tossing it in the washing machine. While it is not difficult to do, to prolong the suit's shape and colors, there are certain things you need to do.
Things You'll Need
Mild hand-washing liquid fabric detergent
Large towel or mesh drying screen
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Step 1
Check the care label of your bathing suit before laundering. Make sure to find out what type of material the bathing suit is made of; spandex and lycra hold their shape longer, polyester can last under heat a little longer and chlorine-resistant fabrics are safer the only ones which can tolerate pool water better. Also check to see if your bathing suit has any special care instructions. Certain bathing suits have attached decorations that need to be removed before laundering.
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Step 2
Hand-wash your bathing suit. Fill the sink with cold water and add a small amount of mild liquid fabric detergent. Never use any other liquid soap on your bathing suit--the chemicals can adversely affect the content or dyes of the fabric. Swish the water with your hand to mix in the detergent.
Step 3
Turn the bathing suit inside out. Submerse it in the soapy water allow it to sit for several minutes. Squeeze the material to make sure all of the bathing suit gets soapy water; don't rub the material together. Rinse thoroughly with cool water and gently squeeze to remove excess water. Do not place the bathing suit in a towel to wring out excess water.
Step 4
Dry the bathing suit flat unless the care label indicates it can be drip-dried. Lay it on a large towel or on a mesh drying screen. Replace the towel if it becomes wet. This will prevent mildew. Keep the bathing suit out of sunlight, as that will cause the bathing suit to fade. Allow it to dry for 24 hours in order for the suit to completely regain its shape.
Step 5
Fold and put your bathing suit away only when it is completely dry. Don't wear your bathing suit when it's still wet; wearing even a damp bathing suit can cause the material to loose its shape.