How to Remove Odors From a Bathing Suit

Remove odors from bathing suits with white vinegar.

The unpleasant odor wafting from your bathing suit may result from too much chlorine in pool water or mildew forming on a wet suit. Mildew develops in moist, warm environments, making wet bathing suits a prime area for it to grow, while public swimming pools may use excessive amounts of chlorine to fight bacteria in pool water. Eliminate bathing suit odors with the right products to fight each type of smell.

Things You'll Need

• White vinegar
• Chlorine remover
• Towel

Instructions

White Vinegar

1. Fill a sink half way with cool water. Add 3/4 cup white vinegar to the water.

2. Place the bathing suit into the sink. Swish the suit in the water, then allow it to remain for 15 minutes.

3. Drain the sink and replace with fresh, cool water. Rinse the bathing suit thoroughly in the water and empty the sink.

4. Squeeze excess water from the bathing suit, but avoid wringing it as you could stretch the fabric. Wash the suit according to the care label instructions.

5. Hang the bathing suit in the sun to dry.

Chlorine Remover Cleaner

1. Fill a sink with cold water. Add 2 tbsp. chlorine remover cleaner to the water.

2. Place the bathing suit into the sink and swish it through the water. Allow it to remain in the sink for five minutes.

3. Drain the water from the sink and run cold water. Rinse the bathing suit completely with the flowing water. Gently squeeze water from the suit.

4. Lay a towel on a hard surface. Place the bathing suit at one end of the towel and roll it up inside. After two minutes, remove the suit and hang outside on a clothesline or over a chair to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not dry swimsuits inside the dryer.

• Look for the chlorine remover in the detergent aisle of your grocery or at pool supply stores.

References

• Mold Blogger: How to Remove Mold and the Smell From Clothing
• "Good Housekeeping"; Removing Chlorine From Swimwear; Heloise