Did you know that 35 million Americans traveled for Memorial day? And there’s no better way to welcome summer than with a dip in the water. But if you have a swimsuit collection, you want it to last all summer long — and beyond.
That’s why you need the best roadmap to care for your poolside attire. Keep reading to learn how to store swimsuits!
Table of Contents
Always Wash Your Swimsuits First
Before storing swimsuits, it’s critical to wash them first. That’s because chemicals like chlorine can do damage to the materials of your suit. Even a polyester swimsuit, which tends to be higher-quality, can take a beating.
While salt water can impact your suit, too, it tends to be less corrosive. In any case, you’ll want to hand wash your swimsuit after each time you’ve worn it. You don’t need to soak it if you plan on hitting the water again soon, but some clean water will help remove chemicals from the swimsuit.
When you plan on putting away your swimwear for the season, then you should add some gentle detergent or swimsuit cleanser to the mix. Fill your sink with water and detergent, and soak and massage the suit.
And whatever you do, don’t use your washing machine! The movement within your machine is too rough for a delicate swimsuit.
Air Dry Your Swimwear
Yes, stuffing your damp suits in the dryer would be convenient after you’ve been out for a swim. But it’s the wrong choice when you need to dry your suits!
Putting your swimsuit in the dryer will speed up the need for a new swimsuit. That’s because the dryer can ruin the elasticity of the suit. And since your suit needs to be form-fitting and well-shaped to stay on in the water, that’s a recipe for disaster.
The dryer can fade the colors of your swimsuit, too. And the high heat of your dryer can shrink the suit. The better option is to let your suit air dry.
Avoid bunching up your suit to squeeze the excess water out of it, however. Doing this also can compromise the fibers of your fabric. And if you forget to lay it out flat after squeezing, you might end up with mildew in the creases.
Instead, just hang your suit outside or over a towel rack and ensure that it’s completely dry. Try to keep the suit flat so it retains its shape, too.
Avoid Plastic Bags for Swimsuits Storage
Where should you put your swimsuits once they are fully dry? Resist the temptation to stuff them into plastic bags and bury them in your closet. Similarly, don’t put them in sealed plastic bins under your bed, especially if you might use them periodically.
You want to ensure that your swimwear has some breathing room. Plastic bags can invite moisture — and mildew. For a better solution, reach for a garment bag, which is designed for clothing and is more breathable.
You might even be able to vacuum seal some garment bags. This locks out the moisture most effectively.
As another option, store your swimwear in mesh bags that you keep in a drawer in your closet. And add some baking soda or dryer sheets to the drawer to keep odors at bay. When you open the drawer during swimming season, your suits will be ready to go!
While it might cost a little upfront to gather the right materials for storing swimsuits, you’ll be better off in the long run. After all, you want to keep your collection of baby boy swimsuits in good shape for your next child!
Pay Attention to Temperature
No swimsuits storage guide is complete without mentioning the importance of temperature. Ideally, you’ll store your suits in a breathable garment bag or mesh sack or drawer. But even after doing that, you still need to be aware of where you store your swimwear.
The best place is a climate-controlled environment that won’t subject your swimsuits to extremes. In other words, a garage or shed is not a good idea since the temperatures usually are unregulated in those environments. Likewise, an attic will probably reach temperature extremes, and therefore isn’t the best option.
Try to designate a shelf or portion of your closet for swimwear. Another good spot would be in your laundry room if you have one. Even if you’re tight on space, you’ll be able to extend the life of your swimwear by keeping it in regulated spaces.
Take Time to Organize Your Swimwear
While you’re at it, use the process of storing swimsuits to get organized. In other words, if you’ve purchased new swimsuits for the season, have you weeded out the old ones?
Shapeless swimsuits and faded swimsuits won’t help you look your best. And they might not give you the support you need. Since swimsuits typically last up to a year, consider categorizing your swimwear according to its age.
If you’re an avid swimmer, the chlorine in the pool will take a toll. Consider organizing mesh bags for pool-only swimsuits and vacation suits. Alternatively, you could place swimsuits that you’ve used for two summers in one storage bag, and newer ones in another.
Learn How to Store Swimsuits
When you know how to store swimsuits, you can keep your collection in good shape — and avoid mold and mildew. Be sure to wash your swimwear and air dry before storing. And then use a breathable, climate-controlled environment to ensure that your favorite suits stay fresh for next year.
Need more tips to keep your wardrobe organized? Check back soon for new and informative articles!
