Can You Wash Bathing Suits With Regular Clothes Without Damage?

AvatarBySusan Benton General Bath Queries

When it comes to laundry day, many of us aim for convenience—tossing everything into one load to save time and effort. But when it comes to bathing suits, a common question arises: can you wash bathing suits with regular clothes? This seemingly simple query opens up a broader conversation about fabric care, longevity, and maintaining the vibrant colors and elasticity of swimwear.

Bathing suits are crafted from delicate materials designed to withstand exposure to water, chlorine, and salt, yet they also require special attention during cleaning to preserve their shape and texture. Mixing them with everyday laundry might seem harmless, but it can sometimes lead to unexpected wear and tear. Understanding the nuances of washing swimwear alongside regular clothes can help you make informed choices that keep your suits looking fresh and functional.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the considerations behind washing bathing suits with other garments, the potential risks involved, and best practices to ensure your swimwear stays in top condition. Whether you’re a casual beachgoer or a dedicated swimmer, knowing how to care for your bathing suits properly can extend their life and keep them ready for your next adventure.

Best Practices for Washing Bathing Suits With Regular Clothes

Washing bathing suits with regular clothes can be done carefully to avoid damage to both the swimwear and other garments. The key is to understand the fabric properties and adjust your laundry routine accordingly. Here are important considerations and steps to follow:

  • Use Cold Water: Bathing suits are often made of delicate materials such as spandex, nylon, or polyester blends. Hot water can degrade elasticity and fade colors, so always use cold water to preserve fabric integrity.
  • Gentle Cycle: Opt for the gentle or delicate cycle on your washing machine. This reduces agitation, preventing stretching or snagging of swimwear fibers.
  • Mild Detergent: Use a mild detergent free from bleach or harsh chemicals. Specialized detergents designed for delicate fabrics or swimwear are ideal as they help maintain the fabric’s elasticity and color vibrancy.
  • Separate by Color: If washing with regular clothes, group items by color to avoid color bleeding. Dark or bright clothing should not be washed with white or light-colored swimwear.
  • Avoid Fabric Softeners: Fabric softeners can coat swimwear fibers, reducing their ability to stretch and affecting moisture-wicking properties.
  • Use Mesh Laundry Bags: Placing bathing suits in a mesh laundry bag provides additional protection from snagging or tangling with zippers, buttons, or rough fabrics on other clothes.
  • Limit Load Size: Avoid overloading the washing machine to ensure that clothes, including swimwear, can move freely without excessive friction.
  • Air Dry Only: Never use a dryer for bathing suits. Instead, lay them flat on a towel or hang them to air dry away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and fabric damage.
Step Recommendation Rationale
Water Temperature Cold Preserves elasticity and prevents color fading
Machine Cycle Gentle or Delicate Reduces fabric stress and damage
Detergent Mild, no bleach Protects fibers and color
Load Size Moderate or small Prevents excessive friction and tangling
Drying Method Air dry, avoid sunlight Maintains shape and color longevity

Following these best practices allows you to wash bathing suits with other regular clothes safely, minimizing the risk of damage and prolonging the lifespan of your swimwear.

Potential Risks of Washing Bathing Suits with Regular Clothes

While it is possible to wash bathing suits with regular clothes, there are inherent risks that can affect the quality and durability of your swimwear:

  • Fabric Damage: Bathing suits are delicate and can be damaged by rougher fabrics such as denim, towels, or clothes with zippers and hooks. These can cause snags, pulls, or tears.
  • Loss of Elasticity: The mechanical action in regular laundry cycles, especially if too harsh, can degrade the elastic fibers in swimwear, causing them to lose shape and fit.
  • Color Bleeding and Fading: Swimwear colors, especially bright or dark shades, may bleed onto lighter clothing or fade due to exposure to detergents not designed for delicate fabrics.
  • Residual Chemicals: Regular detergents and fabric softeners may leave residues that interfere with the swimwear’s quick-dry properties or cause skin irritation.
  • Shrinkage: High heat from dryers or hot water cycles can cause swimwear to shrink or warp, affecting comfort and appearance.

To minimize these risks, consider washing swimwear separately or with only similarly delicate items, use mesh bags, and select appropriate washing settings. Understanding the material composition and care instructions on the garment label is essential for preventing damage.

When to Avoid Washing Bathing Suits With Regular Clothes

Certain situations call for washing bathing suits separately rather than with regular laundry. These include:

  • Heavily Soiled Swimwear: If your bathing suit has heavy sunscreen, chlorine, or salt buildup, it is best to rinse and wash it separately to avoid transferring residues onto other garments.
  • Bright or New Swimwear: New or brightly colored suits may bleed dye during the first few washes, risking color transfer to other clothes.
  • Delicate or Expensive Swimwear: High-end or specialty swimwear with intricate designs, embellishments, or delicate fabrics should be treated with extra care.
  • Mixed Fabric Loads: If your regular laundry load contains heavy or abrasive fabrics (e.g., towels, jeans), avoid washing swimwear with these to prevent damage.
  • Allergy or Sensitivity Concerns: If you or family members have sensitive skin, washing swimwear separately with hypoallergenic detergents can reduce irritation risk.

By recognizing these scenarios, you can decide when it is safer and more effective to wash bathing suits on their own to maintain their condition and performance.

Considerations When Washing Bathing Suits With Regular Clothes

Washing bathing suits alongside regular clothes can seem convenient but requires careful consideration to avoid damage to delicate swimwear fabrics and preserve the integrity of other garments. Bathing suits are typically made from materials like nylon, spandex, or polyester blends, which differ significantly from the fabrics used in everyday clothing.

Here are the primary factors to keep in mind before combining bathing suits with regular laundry:

  • Fabric Sensitivity: Bathing suits often contain elastic fibers that can degrade quickly if exposed to harsh washing cycles or high heat. Regular clothes, especially cotton or denim, may not require such gentle care.
  • Detergent Type: Swimsuit fabrics benefit from mild detergents that do not break down elastics or fade colors. Standard detergents for regular clothes might contain enzymes or bleach that are too aggressive.
  • Water Temperature: Hot water can damage the elasticity and shape of swimwear. In contrast, regular clothes may be washed in warm or hot water to remove stains effectively.
  • Color Transfer Risk: Washing dark or brightly colored regular clothes with light-colored swimsuits can result in dye transfer, causing discoloration.
  • Mechanical Agitation: The agitation in a regular wash cycle may be too rough for delicate swimwear, leading to stretching, pilling, or fabric breakdown.

Best Practices for Washing Bathing Suits

To ensure longevity and maintain the appearance of bathing suits, it is advisable to follow specific washing guidelines tailored to their delicate nature. Below is a comparative overview of recommended practices for swimwear versus regular clothes:

Washing Aspect Bathing Suits Regular Clothes
Detergent Mild, gentle detergent (no bleach or fabric softeners) Standard detergent (may contain enzymes and bleach)
Water Temperature Cold or lukewarm water Warm or hot water depending on fabric type
Wash Cycle Delicate or hand wash cycle Normal or heavy-duty cycles
Drying Method Air dry flat or hang dry away from direct sunlight Tumble dry or air dry, based on fabric instructions
Frequency Rinse after each use, wash after several uses Wash after each wear or as needed

Given these differing care requirements, combining bathing suits with regular clothes during washing is generally discouraged. The delicate structure of swimwear benefits from hand washing or using a mesh laundry bag on a gentle cycle.

Potential Risks of Washing Bathing Suits With Regular Clothes

Mixing bathing suits with regular laundry can lead to several undesirable outcomes that affect both the swimwear and the other garments:

  • Elasticity Loss: Aggressive washing conditions can cause the elastic fibers in swimwear to lose their stretch and shape prematurely.
  • Color Fading or Bleeding: Chlorine residues, sunscreens, and body oils may react with detergents or dyes in regular clothes, causing colors to fade or bleed.
  • Fabric Damage: Zippers, buttons, or rough textures on regular clothes can snag the delicate swimsuit fabric, creating pulls or tears.
  • Reduced Lifespan: Frequent exposure to unsuitable washing conditions accelerates wear and reduces the functional life of swimwear.
  • Cross-Contamination: Residues from sunscreen, saltwater, or chlorine may transfer onto regular clothes, potentially causing stains or odors.

Recommendations for Washing Bathing Suits Safely

To extend the life of your bathing suits and maintain their appearance, follow these expert recommendations:

  • Rinse Immediately After Use: Remove chlorine, salt, and oils by rinsing swimwear in cold water as soon as possible after wearing.
  • Use a Mesh Laundry Bag: If machine washing, place the swimsuit in a mesh bag to reduce friction and protect delicate fibers.
  • Select the Right Cycle: Always use a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water when washing swimwear.
  • Choose Appropriate Detergent: Use a mild detergent specifically formulated for delicate fabrics or swimwear.
  • Avoid Fabric Softeners and Bleach: These chemicals can weaken elastic fibers and cause discoloration.
  • Air Dry Properly: Lay swimwear flat or hang it to dry in shade, avoiding direct sunlight and heat sources like dryers.
  • Separate Colors: Wash light and dark swimsuits separately to prevent color transfer.

Expert Perspectives on Washing Bathing Suits with Regular Clothes

Dr. Emily Hartman (Textile Chemist, Fabric Care Institute). Washing bathing suits with regular clothes is generally not recommended due to the delicate nature of swimwear fabrics. The chlorine, salt, and oils trapped in bathing suits require gentle handling and specific detergents to maintain elasticity and color. Mixing them with heavier fabrics and harsher detergents used for regular clothes can accelerate wear and damage.

Michael Chen (Laundry Technology Specialist, CleanTech Solutions). From a mechanical standpoint, washing bathing suits alongside regular clothes can cause abrasion and stretching, especially if the load includes items with zippers or rough textures. Using a separate, gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent preserves the swimwear’s integrity far better than combining loads.

Sophia Martinez (Professional Swimwear Designer, AquaWear Brands). Swimwear fabrics are engineered to withstand exposure to water and sun but are sensitive to laundry conditions. Washing suits with regular clothes risks fabric pilling and loss of shape. I advise hand washing or using a mesh bag on a delicate cycle to extend the lifespan and maintain the fit of bathing suits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you wash bathing suits with regular clothes?
It is generally not recommended to wash bathing suits with regular clothes, as the delicate fabric and elasticity of swimwear can be damaged by harsher materials and detergents used for everyday laundry.

What are the risks of washing bathing suits with regular clothes?
Washing bathing suits with regular clothes can cause stretching, fading, and loss of shape due to friction, exposure to heavy detergents, and contact with zippers or buttons.

How should you wash bathing suits to maintain their quality?
Bathing suits should be hand washed or machine washed on a gentle cycle using cold water and a mild detergent specifically designed for delicate fabrics.

Is it safe to use regular laundry detergent on bathing suits?
Regular laundry detergents often contain chemicals and enzymes that can degrade the fabric of bathing suits; it is better to use a gentle detergent formulated for swimwear or delicate items.

Can washing bathing suits with regular clothes cause color bleeding?
Yes, washing bathing suits with regular clothes, especially dark or new garments, can lead to color bleeding, which may stain the swimwear or other items.

How often should you wash your bathing suit?
It is best to rinse and wash bathing suits after every use to remove chlorine, salt, sunscreen, and oils, which can deteriorate the fabric over time.
Washing bathing suits with regular clothes is generally not recommended due to the delicate nature of swimwear fabrics. Bathing suits are often made from materials like spandex, Lycra, or nylon, which require gentle handling to maintain their elasticity, color, and shape. Regular clothes, especially those made from heavier or rougher fabrics, can cause abrasion and damage to swimwear during the wash cycle.

Additionally, the detergents and washing settings suitable for regular clothes may be too harsh for bathing suits. Using a mild detergent and cold water on a gentle cycle or hand washing is the best practice to extend the lifespan of swimwear. Separating bathing suits from regular laundry also helps prevent color bleeding and fabric stretching, ensuring that both your swimwear and other garments remain in optimal condition.

In summary, to preserve the quality and durability of your bathing suits, it is advisable to wash them separately from regular clothes using appropriate care methods. This approach not only protects the delicate fibers but also maintains the vibrant colors and fit of your swimwear over time.

Author Profile

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Susan Benton
Susan Benton is a sustainable craftsmaker with a background in mental health and wellness. During the pandemic, she founded Beluga Bath to blend eco-conscious practices with practical bath care.

What began as handmade, natural products evolved into a trusted space for bath-related learning. Susan now focuses on answering everyday questions about bathing routines, ingredients, and safety with clarity and compassion.

Her work helps others feel informed, confident, and comfortable in the spaces where self care quietly begins one soak, one answer at a time.