According to research, the U.S.'s fourth most popular recreational sport is swimming. As a result, plenty of people wear bikinis, from serious athletes to casual swimmers who want to spend time in the sun. Recent trends show a rise in white bikinis, especially for bridal parties.
Of course, there's one downside to wearing white: It shows dirt more easily than other colors. Fortunately, knowing how to clean white bikini tops and bottoms can help your swimsuit look new for longer.
Washing
If you hit the beach, you'll have to deal with sand, salt and other sea debris making a mess of your bathing suit. Even if you stick to the pool, there's chlorine and sweat to consider. With all that in mind, washing your bikini after every use makes sense.
However, the more you wash, the more stress you put on the fabric and elastic. Washing too much can actually cause your swimsuit to degrade more quickly.
Instead, wait for three to five wears before washing. Vinegar is the preferred detergent, as it's gentle enough to use on delicates. It also deodorizes, ensuring your bikini stays fresh.
You may wonder if bleach would work when first learning how to clean white bikini tops. After all, doesn't bleach make things whiter?
Unfortunately, bleach is too harsh for spandex. You should also steer clear of the washing machine unless the tag explicitly says the bathing suit is washing machine-safe. In all other cases, you should wash your bikini by hand.
Experts also encourage rinsing your suit with plain water after every use. White tends to yellow with chlorine exposure, and rinsing away lingering chemicals can slow this process.
Drying
You should always dry your swimwear between uses. Otherwise, it may mildew, which can cause the following:
- Bad odor
- Itchy or irritated skin
- Coughing, stuffy nose and itchy eyes
Many people hang their swimsuits on a towel rod, but this method has downsides. According to experts on how to clean white bikini pieces, you should lay them flat on a towel or a suspended mesh rack. If you use the former method, make sure to replace the towels if they become damp.
Laying the pieces flat ensures the elastic doesn't inadvertently deform. Hanging items become heavier toward the bottom as gravity pulls water down, stretching the fabric incrementally over time.
It's also essential to keep your swimwear out of the sun as much as possible. While these items are designed to withstand outdoor use, unnecessary exposure to ultraviolet radiation can cause the fabric to degrade more quickly. It's better to dry your suit indoors in a well-ventilated, dry place.
You should also avoid throwing your swimsuit in the dryer or using a blower dryer on it. The heat can make the spandex brittle, shortening the life of your swimwear.
Now that you know how to clean white bikini pieces, it's time to find the newest addition to your closet. PQ Swim has a wide selection of swimwear, including bridal bathing suits. You can also find loungewear, cover-ups and other beach accessories for your perfect beach look. Start your search on the PQ Swim website.
Sources:
- https://www.livestrong.com/article/13730813-swimming-statistics/
- https://www.today.com/style/how-wash-your-swimsuits-right-way-t158270
