Removing Sand From a Bathing Suit

Getting sand out of your bathing suit is a dilemma that most beach lovers face frequently. Most sunbathers would like to quickly toss their swimsuit into the washing machine to remove sand embedded in their swimwear. Unfortunately, after attempts of machine washing to remove the sand, damage to your suit is the ultimate result. If you’ve tried to remove sand from your bathing suit and failed, follow these steps to keep the beach out of your suit and turn your sand-removing frown upside down.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Small tub or basin
• Towel
• Flat drying surface
• Mild detergent
• Lukewarm water

1. Rinse your suit in cold water. Fill a tub with cold water. Place your bathing suit in the basin and let it soak for 10 minutes. Gently remove the water from your swim wear. Rinsing the suit will remove any extra debris before you attempt the next step.

2. Lay the suit flat to dry on a towel. Drying the suit allows the sand to be removed easily. Find a cool dry place for the suit to dry. Do not place the bathing suit in direct sunlight to dry. The sun could cause your swim wear to fade.

3. Shake the sand off the dry swimsuit. After the suit is completely dry attempt to shake the suit vigorously to remove the sand. Use a dry towel to rub the sand off the suit to remove any leftover sand on the garment. Do not use a brush or harsh surface to get rid of the sand. Bathing suit material has a tendency to stretch and pull easily if it is scrubbed too hard.

4. Wash the suit in lukewarm soapy water. To remove any odors and dirt from your bathing suit, hand-washing is required. Fill the basin with water and a mild detergent. Add 1 tsp. of detergent per gallon of water. Wash and rinse the swimsuit until it is clean. Repeat Step 2 and lay the garment down on a flat surface to dry.

5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 until no sand remains in the bathing suit. Sand removal may require you to repeat the first four steps at least twice. But it is better to take meticulous care to remove the sand by hand, than risk stretching or discoloring your suit by throwing your swimsuit into the washer and dryer for a fast cleaning.

Tips & Warnings

• Turn your suit inside out when washing to see the sand particles clearly.
• Do not dry your swimsuit on a clothes hanger. Your suit fabric might stretch out of shape on a hanger.