Wondering how long your period swimwear will actually last? With proper care, you can get an impressive 200 to 250 washes while maintaining its quality and absorbency. That's potentially years of reliable protection!
The good news is that learning how to wash period swimwear doesn't have to be complicated. In my experience, the key lies in following a few simple techniques that preserve the fabric's special properties, ensuring your investment pays off for years to come.
Key Takeaways
- Rinse Immediately in Cold Water: Hot water permanently sets blood stains and damages absorbent layers, while cold water effectively breaks them down. This is the most crucial step.
- Choose Gentle Washing Methods: Hand wash when possible or use a mesh laundry bag on a delicate cycle. This protects the technical fibers from damage.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Never use bleach or fabric softeners, as they destroy the waterproof and absorbent layers, rendering the swimwear useless over time.
- Air Dry Completely: Heat from dryers is the enemy. It weakens the waterproof barrier and elastic. Patiently air drying is essential to getting 200-250 washes from your suit.
Myth vs. Reality
Myth: "You need special, harsh chemicals or hot water to properly sanitize period swimwear."
Reality: This is a common and costly misconception. From my textile engineering background, I can tell you that heat and harsh chemicals are the fastest way to destroy high-performance fabrics. Blood is a protein, and heat 'cooks' it into the fibers, causing permanent stains. Furthermore, bleach and softeners degrade the very technology—the absorbent layers and waterproof membrane—that makes the swimwear functional. The truth is, a thorough cold water rinse followed by a gentle wash with a mild, pH-balanced detergent is not only sufficient for sanitization but is the only way to preserve the swimwear's integrity for long-term use.
But here's the thing—one common mistake can dramatically shorten your swimwear's lifespan: using hot water. You'll want to rinse them in cold water because hot or warm water causes blood to bond with the fabric, creating stubborn stains that are nearly impossible to remove. Some specialized swimwear washes with antimicrobials can also help fight bacteria build-up and prevent mold.
Whether you're at home with a full laundry setup or traveling without a washing machine, proper cleaning techniques ensure your period swimwear continues providing reliable protection. On moderate and light days—which typically make up at least three days of your cycle—well-maintained period swimwear can be worn solo without any additional period products.
Ready to keep your period swimwear fresh, clean, and performing at its best? Let's dive into the steps that will help you get hundreds of washes out of your investment.
Step 1: Rinse Immediately After Use
The moment you take off your period swimwear matters more than you might think. Rinsing immediately after use isn't just good practice—it's essential for preserving those special absorbent layers and preventing stains from setting in.
Why Cold Water is Your Best Friend
Cold water is absolutely necessary when rinsing period swimwear. Unlike regular swimwear, period apparel contains specialized absorbent layers that need meticulous care. Cold water effectively breaks down blood and prevents it from bonding with the fabric. If you use warm or hot water, you risk setting blood stains permanently—creating stubborn marks that become nearly impossible to remove.
What's more, cold water helps preserve the layered fabrics and their absorption capabilities. The specialized materials in period swimwear are designed to trap menstrual fluid while keeping you dry and comfortable, and their effectiveness diminishes significantly when exposed to heat.
A cold rinse also helps remove other substances that can damage your swimwear, including:
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Chlorine from pool water
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Salt from ocean swimming
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Body oils and sweat
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Sunscreen residue
How to Rinse in the Shower or Sink
There are two effective methods for rinsing period swimwear:
Sink Method:
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Fill your bathroom sink with cold water.
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Submerge your period swimwear completely.
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Gently squeeze the fabric—avoid aggressive wringing or twisting.
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Continue this until the water runs clear.
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Drain the sink and do a final rinse under running cold water.
Shower Method: This is my personal go-to for convenience. Simply hold your period swimwear under the cold shower stream and gently squeeze until all blood is removed and the water runs completely clear.
You should aim to rinse your period swimwear within an hour of removing it rather than leaving it in a laundry basket. Even if you didn't get your swimwear wet, sunscreen and body oils can leave residue that damages the fibers over time. When in doubt, rinse it out!
What to Avoid During Rinsing
These common mistakes can significantly reduce the lifespan of your period swimwear:
- Never use hot water - It sets blood stains and damages the absorbent layers.
- Avoid excessive scrubbing - Harsh scrubbing weakens the fibers in the gusset.
- Don't use fabric softener or bleach - These chemicals destroy the specialized absorbent layers. For more details, health experts confirm these additives clog the fabric's pores.
- Avoid aggressive wringing - Twisting can damage elastic fibers and ruin the fit.
- Don't delay rinsing - Letting blood dry makes it much harder to remove.
Step 2: Choose the Right Washing Method
Once you've rinsed your period swimwear properly, you'll need to decide on the best way to wash it. Both hand washing and machine washing are effective, but each method requires specific techniques to keep your swimwear functioning at its best.
| Action | Reason |
|---|---|
| DO: Use Cold Water (Max 30°C/86°F) | Prevents blood stains from setting and protects technical fibers. |
| DON'T: Use Hot Water | Permanently sets stains and damages the fabric's absorbent layers. |
| DO: Air Dry | Maintains elasticity and the integrity of the waterproof barrier. |
| DON'T: Use a Machine Dryer | High heat will destroy the leakproof technology and shorten lifespan. |
| DO: Use Mild Detergent | Cleans effectively without clogging or degrading the specialized fabric. |
| DON'T: Use Bleach or Fabric Softener | These harsh chemicals break down the fibers and ruin absorbency. |
How to Hand Wash Period Swimwear
Hand washing is the gentlest and most recommended option for your period swimwear. This approach helps preserve the fabric's elasticity and significantly increases the overall longevity of your garments. Looking for more tips? Check out our guide on choosing the right period swimwear for your needs.
Here's how to hand wash effectively:
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Fill a basin with cold or lukewarm water—never hot.
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Add a small amount of mild detergent or specialized swimwear soap.
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Completely submerge your swimwear and let it soak for 10-15 minutes.
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Gently rub the fabric between your hands, focusing on any soiled areas.
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Rinse thoroughly with clean, cold water until all soap residue is gone.
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Gently press out excess water without wringing.
Hand washing reduces the friction that can damage the specialized absorbent layers in your period swimwear. For particularly stubborn stains, you can gently rub the fabric together or use a soft brush on the affected areas.
How to Wash Period Swimwear Without a Washing Machine
Traveling or don't have access to a washing machine? No problem. You can effectively clean your period swimwear almost anywhere with just a little bit of soap and water.
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In a hotel sink: Use the hand-washing method described above with a travel-sized detergent.
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At the beach: Rinse thoroughly with fresh water as soon as possible after swimming to remove salt and chlorine.
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While camping: Use a biodegradable soap and clean water, making sure to dispose of soapy water away from natural water sources as per Leave No Trace principles recommended by agencies like the National Park Service.
Using a Laundry Bag for Machine Washing
If you prefer the convenience of machine washing, a mesh laundry bag is your non-negotiable best friend. These bags protect your swimwear from snagging, stretching, and tangling with other garments, preserving its shape and integrity.
When machine washing, always select:
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Cold water wash (30°C / 86°F maximum)
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A delicate or gentle cycle
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A low spin setting to prevent damage.
Machine washing is perfectly acceptable for most period swimwear, and you don't need to run a separate cycle. Just pop it in the mesh bag with your regular cold-water load.
Step 3: Use the Right Detergent and Avoid Harsh Additives
Choosing the right detergent makes all the difference in maintaining your period swimwear's absorbent properties. The specialized materials need gentle cleaning solutions that won't compromise their functionality.
What Type of Soap is Safe?
For period swimwear, mild, pH-balanced detergents are your best bet. If possible, use products specifically designed for delicates or period apparel. These are formulated to release blood and odor effectively while being gentle on the high-tech fabrics.
Your regular laundry detergent can work in a pinch, as long as it's free of bleach and fabric softeners. However, specialty options often contain enzyme-powered formulations that clean more efficiently without damaging the absorbent layers.
Why to Avoid Bleach and Fabric Softeners
This is critical: you should never use fabric softeners or bleach (including "color-safe" bleach) on your period swimwear.
Fabric softeners create a waxy coating that clogs the microscopic pores in the absorbent layers, drastically reducing your swimwear's ability to trap fluid. Bleach, on the other hand, breaks down the delicate fibers that create the leakproof barrier. This damage isn't always immediately visible but builds up with each wash, eventually leading to catastrophic leaks.
Are Scented Detergents Okay?
It's best to be cautious. Unscented detergents are generally recommended to prevent potential irritation, since the swimwear is in direct contact with sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin, look for detergents labeled as hypoallergenic and free from dyes and synthetic fragrances.
Step 4: Drying Your Period Swimwear Properly
After washing, how you dry your period swimwear is the final and equally critical step for ensuring its longevity and effectiveness. Luckily, the best method is also the simplest.
Why Air Drying is Best
Air drying is the only way to go for period swimwear. Every brand, including ours, insists on it. This gentle approach preserves the integrity of the seams, the gusset, and most importantly, the leakproof barrier that provides your protection.
For best results, hang your swimwear on a clothesline or drying rack in a well-ventilated area. If drying outdoors, choose a shaded spot to prevent color fading and material breakdown from direct, intense sunlight. During colder months, you can place them near (but not directly on) a heating vent to speed things up.
How Long Does It Take to Dry?
Typically, period swimwear takes anywhere from 6 to 48 hours to dry completely, depending on humidity, temperature, and airflow. To speed things up, you can gently roll the swimwear in a clean, dry towel to press out excess moisture before hanging.
What Happens if You Use a Dryer?
Tempted to toss it in the dryer for a quick turnaround? Please don't. The intense heat from a dryer will weaken the waterproof layer, destroy the elastic fibers, and compromise the absorbent materials. While a single accidental trip through the dryer might not ruin it instantly, repeated exposure will absolutely destroy its performance and dramatically shorten its lifespan. Stick with air drying to get the most out of your investment.
Step 5: Storing and Maintaining Your Swimwear for Longevity
With consistent period swimwear care, your collection becomes a smart, sustainable, and long-term investment, offering reliable protection cycle after cycle.
How Long Does Period Swimwear Last?
Quality period swimwear typically lasts 2-3 years with regular use. The best part? Well-maintained pieces can withstand an incredible 200 to 250 washes without losing absorbency or quality. You'll know it's time for a replacement when you notice stretching, pilling, reduced absorbency, or any persistent odors after washing.
How to Store It Properly
Proper storage is simple but effective. Always ensure your swimwear is 100% dry before putting it away to prevent mold and odors. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, like a drawer or a breathable fabric bag.
Pro Tip: Wash Before First Use
Here's something many people miss: washing new period swimwear before its first use actually "activates" the absorbency in the fabric fibers. This initial wash removes any manufacturing residues and prepares the layers to function at their best, ensuring maximum protection right from day one. It's a simple step that makes a huge difference.
Your Confidence, Secured by Care
The best part is that caring for your Beautikini period swimwear doesn't require special skills. By following these five simple steps, you have everything you need to keep your swimwear performing at its absolute best—from that crucial cold-water rinse to patient air drying.
Remember, cold water is your swimwear's best friend, and harsh chemicals like bleach and fabric softeners are its worst enemies. Patience during air drying pays off with swimwear that maintains its protective qualities for years, not just months.
When you invest in a quality piece from Beautikini, you're investing in freedom and confidence. Proper care ensures that promise holds true, adventure after adventure. Now that you know exactly how to wash period swimwear, you can hit the water without a second thought.
Ready to swim with unparalleled confidence? Explore the Beautikini collection and find the perfect style that lets you live without limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How often should I wash my period swimwear?
For optimal period swimwear care, you should rinse your suit in cold water immediately after each use and wash it thoroughly after every wear. This crucial step prevents stains from setting and maintains hygiene and absorbency for its next use.
Q2: Can I use regular laundry detergent on my period swimwear?
While a mild regular detergent can work in a pinch, it's best to use a specialized detergent formulated for delicates or period apparel. These soaps are designed to effectively remove blood and bacteria without degrading the high-tech absorbent and waterproof layers of the fabric.
Q3: Is it safe to put period swimwear in the dryer?
No, you should never put period swimwear in a machine dryer. The high heat can permanently damage the waterproof barrier and elastic fibers, leading to leaks and a poor fit. Air drying is the only recommended method to preserve your swimwear's longevity and function.
Q4: How long does period swimwear typically last?
With proper care as outlined in this guide, high-quality period swimwear from a brand like Beautikini can last for 2-3 years. This typically equates to between 200 and 250 washes without a significant loss in absorbency or quality, making it a sustainable investment.
Q5: Should I wash new period swimwear before wearing it for the first time?
Absolutely. Washing new period swimwear before its first use is essential. This initial wash 'activates' the absorbency of the fabric's fibers by removing any manufacturing residues, ensuring you get maximum leakproof protection from the very first wear.
Q6: What’s the single biggest mistake to avoid when washing period swimwear?
The single most damaging mistake is using hot water for rinsing or washing. Hot water causes blood proteins to bond with the fabric, creating permanent stains and degrading the specialized layers. Always use cold water (30°C/86°F max) to ensure your swimwear stays in top condition.
