How to Care for Kids' Swimwear So It Lasts All Season
By Cool Kids Clothes | NUNUNU | Published: 2026-10-13
Category: Tips & Care
Learn how to wash kids swimwear, prevent chlorine damage, and dry swimsuits properly to make them last longer. Simple steps for rashguards, bikinis, and swim shorts.
Quick answer
Rinse swimwear in cool water immediately after every swim, wash with a mild detergent on a gentle cycle, and air-dry flat away from direct sun. This simple routine prevents chlorine damage, keeps colors bright, and helps swimsuits and rashguards last all season.
Why swimwear needs different care than everyday clothes
Chlorine, salt, sunscreen, and body oils break down the stretch fibers in swimwear faster than normal wear. Even if a swimsuit looks clean, residue left in the fabric weakens elasticity and fades prints. Rinsing and washing after each use is the single most effective way to make swimsuits last longer. Always check the care label first, because materials like Carvico (used in some rashguards) may have specific recommendations.
Choosing the right detergent and products
Use a mild, liquid detergent free of bleach, fabric softener, and enzymes. Harsh chemicals strip away UV protection and break down spandex. For hand-washing, a capful of gentle detergent in a sink of cool water is enough. If you machine wash, place items in a mesh laundry bag to prevent snags. Never use chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach on swimwear, as it damages the fibers and any UPF finish.
How to handle sunscreen and oil stains
Sunscreen and oil can leave stubborn marks and weaken fabric. Before washing, pretreat stains by gently rubbing a drop of mild detergent into the area with your fingers. Let it sit for five minutes, then rinse. Avoid scrubbing with a brush, which can pill the fabric. For rashguards labeled sun cream and oil resistant, like the ombre rashguard, a quick rinse is often enough, but a full wash after heavy use is still best.
Step-by-step swimwear care routine
- Rinse immediately after every swim: As soon as you leave the pool or beach, rinse each piece in cool, fresh water. This removes chlorine, salt, and sunscreen before they set into the fibers. If you can't rinse right away, at least soak the items in a sink or bucket of cool water for a few minutes. Checkpoint: no lingering chlorine smell or slippery feel.
- Pre-treat stains and heavy residue: Apply a small amount of mild liquid detergent directly to stains or areas with heavy sunscreen. Gently rub the fabric against itself, then let it sit for 5 minutes. Do not use bleach or harsh stain removers. Mistake to avoid: scrubbing with a brush, which can damage the fabric and stretch it out.
- Wash gently by hand or machine: Hand wash in cool water with a capful of mild detergent, or use a machine on a delicate cycle with a mesh bag. Wash similar colors together. Never wash swimwear with towels or items that have zippers or hooks. Checkpoint: water should be clear after rinsing, with no soap bubbles.
- Remove excess water without wringing: Lift the swimwear from the water and gently squeeze it against the side of the sink or tub. Do not twist or wring, as this can break down elasticity and distort the shape. Mistake to avoid: wringing out like a towel; it stretches the fabric.
- Air-dry flat away from direct sun and heat: Lay the items flat on a clean towel or drying rack in a shaded, well-ventilated area. If hanging, use a plastic clip hanger and hang by the waistband or straps to avoid stretching. Never put swimwear in a dryer or on a radiator. Checkpoint: completely dry before storing to prevent mildew.
Product care notes
- ombre rashguard: Carvico quality with UV protection (UPF 50+), ultrachlorine resistant, and sun cream and oil resistant. These features mean the rashguard can handle frequent pool and beach use, but rinsing after each swim still helps maintain the UPF and chlorine resistance.
- splash bikini: Features a boy-cut short for added comfort and an artsy all-over splash print. The print and short cut may be more prone to fading or snagging, so washing inside-out and air-drying flat helps preserve the pattern and shape.
- eye baggy pants: Roomy and slouchy baggy pants with dot-pixel eye patches. While not swimwear, these pants show the brand's playful style; they require similar gentle care to avoid fading the pink color and print.
