Exposure to chlorine in swimming pools, sunscreen products and natural oils from the body all contribute toward the discolouration of a white swimsuit. Yellow discolouration and other stains cause the swimsuit to look dirty, even when it's been cleaned. Although chlorine bleach is often used to whiten and brighten white fabrics, the synthetic fabric typically used in swimsuits can become weakened and stretched out as a result of using chlorine bleach.

  • Exposure to chlorine in swimming pools, sunscreen products and natural oils from the body all contribute toward the discolouration of a white swimsuit.
  • Although chlorine bleach is often used to whiten and brighten white fabrics, the synthetic fabric typically used in swimsuits can become weakened and stretched out as a result of using chlorine bleach.

Rinse your white swimming costume under cool water immediately after taking it off. This helps to rinse out chlorine that can yellow and dry out the fabric.

Sweating and suntan lotion are two common culprits for swimsuit discolouration.

Apply prewash stain remover to any areas that have yellowed or have discolouration from sweat, natural body oils or suntan lotion. Allow the prewash stain remover to soak into the dampened fabric for an hour.

Soaking the swimming costume gently removes stains.

Mix one tablespoon of washing powder for fine washables in one gallon cool water in a bucket or sink. Soak the swimming costume in the detergent solution for 10 to 15 minutes to loosen stains. Dunk the swimming costume up and down in the water, to agitate.

Empty the detergent solution out of the bucket then fill it with cool water. Dunk the swimsuit in and out of the cool water to rinse the detergent out of the fabric. Fill the bucket with clean rinse water and continue to rinse the swimsuit, until the rinse water remains clear.

Wring out the swimming costume gently. Lay the wet suit on a clean towel. Roll the towel up, with the swimsuit inside, and press on the towel to absorb moisture out of the swimsuit. Place the swimsuit on a clean towel and allow it to air dry. A white swimsuit can be placed in direct sunlight to allow the sun to further bleach any remaining discolouration. Turn the swimsuit over halfway through the drying process, so the backside can be sun-bleached, as well.

  • Mix one tablespoon of washing powder for fine washables in one gallon cool water in a bucket or sink.
  • Place the swimsuit on a clean towel and allow it to air dry.

TIP

Use an old swimsuit for sunbathing to avoid staining your white swimming costume with suntan lotion and sweat. Water-based suntan lotions are less likely to stain a white swimming costume than their oil-based counterparts.

WARNING

Do not dry your swimsuit in the dryer as this will set stains, stretch out the fabric and cause it to lose elasticity.