Wash bikinis and bathing suits properly? It's that easy
Swimwear is part of every summer holiday. It does not matter if it takes you to Ibiza to the beach or to Bavaria on the Tegernsee - one or two bikinis or bathing suits in different fabrics and cuts should always be packed. But different substances also mean different care challenges. Neoprene, polyamide and crocheted fabrics have to be cared for differently. So that the one- or two-parter does not flake or fade and must be replaced after a season, here are the best tips for a long life of bikini and Co.
The right swimwear care:
Before and during the beach visit:
Before the bikini is used for the first time, it should be washed by hand at least once. This way, infections can be prevented and fewer dyes get to the skin. Before you jump in the pool or in the sea water, take a shower. Thus, traces of sunscreens, creams and perfume articles on the swimwear do not react with chlorine or salt water. After the bath, the bikini should be washed off briefly with fresh water. In addition, it is recommended not to dry the wet swimsuit in the sun. As a result, the color fades quickly.
After the beach visit:
The holiday is over and the suitcase full of dirty laundry? Bikinis and swimsuits should definitely be washed once - either by hand or in the washing machine. Before you reach for the scissors, read through the small white label with the material composition. What does the manufacturer recommend and which material is best maintained?
If the label is already off, here are the best care tips for the three most common materials for swimwear:
Polyester in combination with spandex or polyamide:
As with all bikini and bathing suits applies: the best is the hand wash. With this composition, a light-duty or mild-duty wash program at 30 degrees and low revolutions (around 600) makes it nice and clean without the bikini losing its shape. First turn everything to the left so that the fabric does not lose color. So that the stirrups or metal ends do not bend or scratch the washing drum, it is best to pack the swimsuit in a laundry bag.
neoprene:
Neoprene is no longer just the stuff of surfers. More and more fashion labels have discovered the robust material for their swimwear. The fabric looks super cool, but unfortunately it is also harder to clean, as you sweat in the fabric more intense and neoprene can only be washed by hand with cold water. If the bikini is very dirty, soak in cold water about 15 minutes before washing with some washing powder. Otherwise, you can also give it in the professional cleaning. Be sure not to bend or roll the fabric, but to lay flat in a bag and protect from sunlight.
Häkelbaumwolle:
This year they celebrate a big revival: crochet bikinis that beam us back to the 70s. Look stylish, but how do we clean the good pieces? If they are made of polyester, then they can be machine washed at 40 degrees. If it is higher quality bikinis made of 100% cotton, then choose only a fine wash program with a little fabric softener at 30 degrees and never, never really stuck in the dryer or wring. Gentler for the bikini or swimsuit is to lay it flat on a towel and let it dry in a shady spot.
