How to Wash Bathing Suits in Washer | Machine Care That Lasts

Swimwear takes a beating from chlorine, salt, sand, and sun, so cleaning it properly makes the difference between a suit that lasts one season and one that lasts several. Many swimsuit tags say hand wash only, but if your label allows machine washing, a few simple rules keep the elastic tight and the colors bright. Here is the exact procedure that works without ruining the fit.

When You Can Machine Wash a Bathing Suit

The care label is the only reliable guide. If it says “Machine Wash” or “Delicate Cycle,” you are clear to proceed. If it says “Hand Wash Only” or “Do Not Wash,” do not put it in the washer. Most synthetic blends — nylon, spandex, polyester — tolerate machine washing on a gentle cycle, but delicate fabrics like crochet, lace, or suits with heavy embellishments belong in the sink.

The Step-by-Step Machine Wash Process

1. Rinse and Pretreat

Rinse the suit under cold tap water immediately after wearing to flush out loose dirt, sand, chlorine, or salt. For visible stains, dab the area with a small amount of mild detergent and let it sit for 5–10 minutes before washing.

2. Flip Inside Out and Bag It

Turn the suit inside out so the inner lining and most-abraded areas face the bag. Place it in a mesh laundry bag — this one step prevents snags, pulls, and the stretching that happens when fabric rubs against the drum. Secure any hook-and-loop closures so they do not catch on other garments.

3. Select the Right Cycle and Detergent

Set your washer to the Delicate, Gentle, or Hand Wash cycle. Confirm the water temperature is cold — hot or warm water fades dyes and breaks down spandex. Use a mild liquid detergent designed for delicates or activewear (about half the amount you would use for a normal load). Never use chlorine bleach, stain pretreaters with bleach, or fabric softener; all three degrade stretch fibers.

4. Wash and Dry Without the Dryer

Run the short cycle. When it finishes, never wring or twist the suit — that stretches the elastic permanently. Gently squeeze out excess water, then roll the suit in a clean dry towel to absorb the rest. Lay it flat on a drying rack or a clean towel in the shade. Avoid direct sunlight and radiators, which accelerate fading. Do not use a clothes dryer; even low heat damages spandex fibers.

Common Mistakes That Ruin Swimwear

The fastest way to wreck a bathing suit is to skip the mesh bag or use hot water. Without the bag, the drum pulls and snags the fabric. Hot water makes colors bleed and causes nylon and spandex to lose stretch. Fabric softener coats the fibers, reducing water repellency and breathability. And tumble drying — even on low — is nearly always a death sentence for elastic. If you are shopping for new swimwear that will hold up to machine washing, check our roundup of bathing suit coverups that pair well with machine-friendly suits.

Can You Wash Bathing Suits Without a Mesh Bag?

Technically yes, but the risk goes up. Without a bag, the suit’s fabric rubs directly against the washer drum and other items, which causes pilling, snags, and uneven stretching. A mesh laundry bag costs a few dollars and adds years to the suit’s life — it is worth the small investment. If you absolutely cannot use one, wash the suit alone on the Delicate cycle and keep the load size very small to minimize friction.