How to Care for Swimwear After Chlorine: Rinse and Dry Steps

Quick answer

Rinse your swimwear in cool, fresh water immediately after leaving the pool—before it dries—to remove chlorine and salt. Then gently squeeze out excess water, lay it flat to dry in the shade, and never wring, machine wash, or tumble dry. This simple chlorine swimsuit care routine takes two minutes and helps prevent fading, stretching, and fiber damage.

Why chlorine needs immediate attention

Chlorine is designed to sanitize pool water, but it keeps working on your swimsuit after you get out. It attacks elastane (the stretch fiber) and can dull color, weaken fabric, and cause that lingering pool smell. The longer chlorine sits in the fibers, the more damage it does. A quick rinse within 30 minutes of swimming is the single most effective way to extend swimsuit life. If you can't rinse right away, at least soak the suit in a sink or a sealed bag of fresh water until you get home.

What you need (and what to avoid)

You don't need special products. Cool tap water is enough for most rinses. If you want a deeper clean, use a drop of mild hand soap or swimsuit-specific cleaner—never regular laundry detergent, bleach, or fabric softener. Those can break down stretch fibers or leave residue that traps chlorine. Avoid hot water, which can set stains and degrade elasticity. If you're traveling, a clean sink or a large bowl works fine.

How to dry swimwear without damage

After rinsing, gently squeeze the suit—don't wring or twist it. Lay it flat on a clean towel, roll the towel to press out more water, then unroll and let the suit air dry in a shaded, well-ventilated spot. Direct sunlight can fade colors and weaken fibers over time. Never put swimwear in a dryer; heat destroys elastane. If you must hang it, use a plastic clip hanger and avoid stretching the straps. Drying swimwear properly is just as important as rinsing—damp suits left in a bag grow mildew and odor.

What about the rest of your pool kit?

Chlorine doesn't just affect swimsuits. The same rinse-and-dry logic applies to towels, goggles, and caps. For everyday underwear that sits against your skin after a swim, choose breathable fabrics that tolerate frequent washing. NICO's Basics Mid Rise Brief is made with Lenzing TENCEL Modal, a sustainably sourced fiber that stays soft and breathable through repeated gentle washes. That makes it a comfortable option for post-swim changing, though it's not a swimsuit itself. If you're packing a pool bag, a spare pair of soft briefs can make the ride home more comfortable.

Your 5-step chlorine rinse routine

1. Rinse immediately after the pool: As soon as you leave the water, rinse your swimsuit in cool, fresh water. Hold it under a tap or swish it in a sink for 30 seconds. This removes most surface chlorine before it bonds to the fibers. Checkpoint: If you can still smell chlorine, rinse again.
2. Wash gently (if needed): For a deeper clean, add a drop of mild soap to cool water and gently knead the suit. Don't scrub or use hot water. Rinse thoroughly until no suds remain. Mistake to avoid: Never use regular laundry detergent or fabric softener—they can damage stretch fibers.
3. Squeeze, don't wring: Cup the suit in your hands and press out excess water. Never twist or wring it, as that can stretch the fabric and break down elastane. Checkpoint: The suit should be damp, not dripping.
4. Roll in a towel: Lay the suit flat on a clean, dry towel. Roll the towel up with the suit inside and press gently to absorb more water. Unroll and remove the suit. This speeds drying without heat or distortion.
5. Air dry in the shade: Lay the suit flat on a drying rack or hang it in a shaded, ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight and never use a dryer. Make sure it's completely dry before storing. Mistake to avoid: Storing a damp suit encourages mildew and odor.

Product facts

• The Basics Mid Rise Brief - White: Made with Lenzing TENCEL Modal - sustainably sourced, responsibly produced, and luxuriously soft. TENCEL Modal is gentle on skin and holds up well to frequent, gentle washing, making this brief a practical choice for everyday wear and post-swim changes.