Quck answer
To get your bathing suit whiter, follow these simple steps:
1. Pre-treat any stains on the suit by dabbing them with a mixture of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off.
2. Fill a basin or sink with cold water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Swirl the water to create suds.
3. Place the bathing suit in the soapy water and gently agitate it for a few minutes. Avoid rubbing too vigorously as it can damage the fabric.
4. Rinse the suit thoroughly with cold water to remove all the soap.
5. Fill the sink with clean cold water and add a cup of white vinegar. Let the bathing suit soak in this solution for 30 minutes to help brighten the fabric.
6. Rinse the suit again with cold water to remove the vinegar smell.
7. Gently squeeze out the excess water from the suit and lay it flat on a towel to air dry. Avoid wringing or twisting the suit as it can stretch the fabric.
By following these steps, you can effectively whiten your bathing suit and keep it looking fresh and clean for your next swim.
A swimsuit with a bright white or tropical print can make you stand out at the beach, pool party, or while doing water aerobics. However, over time, chlorine and regular use can cause a yellowish tint on your swimwear, leading you to look for ways to remove stains from your swimsuit. Unlike natural materials like cotton, chlorine bleach doesn’t effectively whiten synthetic materials such as spandex.
Bleaching a White Swimsuit
Although chlorine bleach isn’t recommended for most swimsuit fabrics, some high-end bathing suits and coverups are made of 100% cotton and cotton blends. Check the label carefully to ensure that your bathing suit doesn’t contain spandex. If it does, avoid using chlorine bleach.
To soak your swimsuit in chlorine bleach, add 1/4 cup of bleach for every gallon of water in a sink or washing machine. Use the appropriate water temperature as per the label instructions. Submerge the bathing suit in the solution, soak for five minutes, and then wash it with other whites in the hottest water allowed. Add the correct amount of laundry soap depending on the load size and bleach as needed, up to a maximum of 3/4 cup bleach.
Whitening with Baking Soda
Synthetic and spandex fabrics can be whitened by soaking them in a solution of 1/2 cup of baking soda and 2 gallons of cold water. Submerge the swimsuit and weigh it down with a plate or sealable bag filled with water. Allow it to soak for two to six hours.
Removing Stains with Vinegar
To remove stains from your swimsuit, add 1 cup of white vinegar for every 3 cups of cold or lukewarm water. Add your swimsuit to the solution and soak it for one to two hours. Alternatively, apply white vinegar directly to sunscreen or other stains on the fabric and let it work for 15 to 30 minutes.
Using a Bleach-Free Product
Bleach-free products are generally safe for use with swimsuits. Apply a liquid product, such as Clorox 2 for Colors 3-in-1, directly to the stain. Allow it to soak for five to 10 minutes. Alternatively, mix the liquid with water and soak the entire bathing suit for one to two hours.
Soaking in Oxygen Bleach
Oxygen bleach products are also effective in whitening and removing stains on fabrics that can’t be bleached with chlorine bleach. Mix the oxygen bleach or OxiClean at a rate of one capful for a liquid product or one scoop of a powdered product to each gallon of warm water. Soak for six hours before laundering.
Hand Washing Your Swimsuit
After rinsing your soaked swimsuit in clean water, place it in a sink or tub for hand washing. Add mild laundry soap and water. Soak for 15 to 30 minutes and then gently work the solution through the swimsuit.
Drain the detergent solution and then rinse the swimsuit with fresh water. Repeat until the rinse water is clear. Avoid wringing the water out of the swimsuit, as twisting can damage the fabric. Roll it in a towel and press down firmly on the towel to remove excess water from the swimsuit.
How to Clean a Swimsuit
If you’re wondering how to wash a swimsuit, it’s important to follow the proper steps to ensure it stays in good condition. To machine wash a swimsuit, use the delicate cycle and warmest temperature recommended on the label. Add laundry detergent and wash the swimsuit.
Drying Your Swimsuit
Avoid using a dryer or hanging your swimsuit to drip dry. Instead, place it on a flat, water-resistant surface with a dry towel underneath or use a mesh drying rack. Flip the swimsuit over periodically to ensure even drying. For faster drying, place a fan nearby to circulate air around the swimsuit.
FAQ
1. How can I remove yellow stains from my bathing suit?
To remove yellow stains from your bathing suit, you can try soaking it in a mixture of warm water and baking soda for about 30 minutes. Then, gently scrub the stained area with a soft brush or cloth. Rinse the bathing suit thoroughly and let it air dry. If the stains persist, you can also try applying a small amount of hydrogen peroxide directly onto the stained area and allowing it to sit for a few minutes before rinsing.
2. What can I do to prevent my white bathing suit from turning yellow?
To prevent your white bathing suit from turning yellow, it is important to rinse it well after each use to remove chlorine, saltwater, and any other chemicals. Avoid leaving it in a wet or damp state for too long, as this can promote the growth of bacteria and cause yellowing. Additionally, you can try using a laundry detergent specifically designed for whites and following the care instructions on the bathing suit’s label.
3. Can I use bleach to whiten my bathing suit?
No, it is not recommended to use bleach to whiten your bathing suit. Bleach can damage the fabric and cause it to become weak and brittle. Instead, opt for gentler methods like using baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, or a laundry detergent designed for whites. These alternatives can effectively whiten your bathing suit without causing any harm.
4. How often should I wash my white bathing suit?
It is generally recommended to wash your white bathing suit after each use. This helps to remove chlorine, saltwater, and other chemicals that can cause discoloration or damage to the fabric. By washing it regularly, you can keep your white bathing suit looking brighter and prevent any potential yellowing or stains from setting in.
5. Can I use stain removers on my white bathing suit?
While stain removers can be effective in removing stains from various fabrics, it is important to check the label or instructions before using them on your white bathing suit. Some stain removers may contain ingredients that could be harsh or damaging to certain fabrics. It is best to opt for milder and gentler methods, like soaking it in a baking soda solution or using a laundry detergent specifically designed for whites.