Last Updated: September 18, 2026
Knowing how to clean plus size swimwear chlorine helps protect stretch, color, lining, and fit after every pool day. Chlorinated water can leave behind a sharp chemical odor, stiff-feeling fabric, fading, and weakened elastic. Sunscreen, body oils, sweat, and minerals can make the residue worse. If a suit is left damp in a gym bag or washed with hot water, the fibers may break down faster, seams can lose shape, and a supportive plus size suit may start to sag or pinch.
The good news is that most swimsuits can be cleaned at home with cool water, mild detergent, and gentle handling. The routine below works for one-piece athletic styles, including affordable suits in roughly the $15.99-$25.99 range, as well as more expensive garments. Always check the care label first, since fabric blends and finishes vary. This 2026 guide focuses on removing chlorine without overstretching the suit.
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Quick answer: Our top pick in 2026 is the Cool tap water — our #1 rated choice. See the full ranked comparison, alternatives and buying advice below.
What You Need
| Item | Why | Optional? |
|---|---|---|
| Cool tap water | Flushes out chlorine, salt, sunscreen, and pool residue without heat stress. | No |
| Clean sink, basin, or 2-gallon bucket | Provides enough room to soak the suit without cramming or twisting it. | No |
| Mild liquid laundry detergent | Breaks up oils and sunscreen. Use about 1 teaspoon per gallon of water. | No |
| Swimwear wash | A specialized alternative to regular detergent for delicate synthetic fibers. | Yes |
| White cotton cloth or soft microfiber cloth | Helps spot-clean sunscreen or makeup without abrading the fabric. | Yes |
| Dry towel and wide drying rack | Removes excess water and supports the suit while it air-dries. | No |
| Mesh laundry bag | Limits friction if the care label allows machine washing. | Yes |
Step-by-Step
Rinse immediately after swimming — 1 to 2 minutes
As soon as practical, remove the suit and rinse it under cool running water. Turn the garment inside out so water reaches the lining, bust area, leg openings, and underarm panels. Gently press the fabric between your hands while rinsing, but do not scrub. Continue until the water runs clear and the strong pool smell is reduced.
If you cannot wash the suit right away, rinse it at the pool, press out excess water, and place it in a ventilated waterproof tote. Do not seal a dripping suit in a plastic bag for several hours. Trapped moisture and chlorine odor can encourage mildew and make the fibers feel brittle.
Inspect for sunscreen and stains — 2 minutes
Lay the suit flat and check the neckline, straps, side panels, crotch, and waistband. Look for white sunscreen marks, makeup, grass, food, and any area that feels oily or stiff. Apply a drop of mild detergent to a damp cloth and lightly dab the spot. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, but do not allow the detergent to dry.
Avoid bleach, stain sticks intended for heavy cotton, hydrogen peroxide, and chlorine-neutralizing pool chemicals. These products may discolor swimwear or attack elastane. Do not use fabric softener, which can coat fibers and reduce their ability to stretch and recover.
Prepare a cool detergent bath — 2 minutes
Fill a clean sink or basin with enough cool water to fully cover the swimsuit, usually 1 to 2 gallons. Add approximately 1 teaspoon of mild liquid detergent per gallon. Swish the water with your hand until the detergent is dispersed.
Water should feel cool or barely lukewarm, never hot. Temperatures above about 86°F can speed up elastic damage, especially when combined with aggressive agitation. If the label specifically calls for hand washing, follow that direction even if the suit appears sturdy.
Soak and gently wash — 5 to 10 minutes
Place the swimsuit in the bath and push it below the surface. Gently squeeze and release the fabric several times so the solution passes through the lining. Concentrate on high-residue areas, but use your fingertips rather than fingernails.
Let the suit soak for 5 to 10 minutes. A longer soak usually is not better: prolonged detergent exposure can fade some dyes and may loosen decorative bonding. Never twist, wring, brush, or stretch the suit to force water through it. For underwire or molded-cup styles, support the cups with your hands instead of folding them sharply.
Rinse until water runs clear — 2 to 4 minutes
Drain the wash water and rinse the suit under cool running water or in two changes of clean water. Gently press from the shoulders toward the leg openings to release detergent. Continue until there are no suds and the fabric no longer feels slippery.
Pay special attention to seams, removable pads, compression panels, and the area beneath a shelf bra. Leftover detergent can irritate skin and may attract more dirt. Do not pour concentrated detergent directly onto the suit during rinsing.
Remove water without wringing — 1 minute
Place the suit on a clean, dry towel. Roll the towel and swimsuit together, then press gently along the roll. Unroll and repeat with a second dry section if the towel becomes saturated. This removes excess water without pulling the shoulder straps or leg elastic.
Do not use a high-speed spin cycle unless the care label specifically permits it. The force can stretch openings and distort cups. If machine washing is allowed, put the suit in a mesh bag, select the delicate cycle with cold water, and use the lowest available spin speed.
Air-dry in the correct position — 4 to 24 hours
Reshape the suit while it is damp, smoothing seams and aligning straps. Lay it flat on a drying rack or clean towel in a shaded, well-ventilated room. A rack around 24 by 18 inches gives a one-piece suit room to spread without folding it repeatedly.
Keep the suit away from direct sunlight, radiators, heated bathroom floors, and clothes dryers. UV exposure and high heat can fade fabric and weaken elastane. If you must hang it, drape it over the center of a wide rack rather than hanging it from thin straps, which can stretch under the garment’s wet weight. Wait until it is completely dry before storing it.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Using hot water: Heat can shorten the life of elastic fibers and may warp molded cups.
- Washing with towels or denim: Rough fabrics create friction, lint, and snagging. Wash swimwear alone or with similarly delicate items.
- Scrubbing chlorine odor away: Odor is removed by rinsing and washing, not by abrasive treatment. Scrubbing can fuzz the surface.
- Using regular amounts of detergent: A full capful is often excessive for a small sink bath. Start with about 1 teaspoon per gallon.
- Leaving the suit in a hamper: Rinse it first, then hang it loosely or wash it promptly.
- Ironing or tumble-drying: Direct heat can permanently damage synthetic fibers and rubberized components.
- Ignoring the inside: Chlorine and body oils collect in lining, straps, and elastic edges even when the outside looks clean.
How Often
Rinse the suit after every pool session, even if you were in the water for only 20 minutes. Hand-wash it after every one to three uses, depending on how long you swam, how much sunscreen you wore, and whether the suit smells or feels stiff. A frequent swimmer may need two or three suits in rotation so each garment can dry completely for at least 24 hours.
For occasional use, wash the suit before storing it for more than a few days. Store it completely dry in a breathable drawer or fabric bag, away from direct sunlight. Never store it compressed under heavy clothing, especially if it contains molded cups.
When to Call a Pro or Replace
Professional cleaning is rarely necessary for ordinary chlorine residue. Consider a tailor or swimwear repair specialist if a strap has detached, an underwire has shifted, a seam has opened, or a zipper needs replacement. Ask for swimwear-specific repair methods before approving solvent-based cleaning.
Replace the suit when the fabric remains thin or see-through after washing, the elastic no longer returns to shape, the lining has persistent mildew, or chlorine damage causes repeated tearing. A stretched-out leg opening, permanently warped cup, or widespread pilling can affect coverage and support. Do not rely on a suit that no longer stays securely in place during swimming.
FAQ
Can I use vinegar to remove chlorine smell from plus size swimwear?
It is safer to start with cool water and a small amount of mild detergent. Vinegar is acidic and may affect dyes, elastic, coatings, or metal parts, especially when used repeatedly. If the care label approves it, a specialized swimwear wash is a more predictable option.
Can I put a plus size swimsuit in the washing machine?
Only if the care label allows machine washing. Use cold water, a delicate cycle, a mesh bag, and a small amount of mild detergent. Skip fabric softener and high-speed spinning. Hand washing remains the gentlest choice for suits with molded cups, bonded seams, underwire, or decorative details.
Why does my swimsuit still smell like chlorine after washing?
Residue may remain in the lining, straps, or thick seams. Rinse those areas separately, then repeat the short detergent wash and rinse thoroughly. Dry the suit fully in moving air. If a strong odor persists after several washes, the fibers may have absorbed or been damaged by chlorine, and replacement may be more practical.
How do I clean sunscreen from a swimsuit without fading it?
Blot fresh sunscreen with a clean cloth, then dab with diluted mild detergent. Wait about 5 minutes, gently press the spot, and rinse with cool water. Avoid bleach, hot water, vigorous brushing, and prolonged soaking. Test any specialty product on an inconspicuous inside seam first.
Ready to decide? Our #1 pick for 2026 is the Cool tap water.
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