As someone whose faded swimsuits have been the butt of many jokes, I can tell you that it’s not a fun experience. Do you know what’s even worse? Your favored swimsuit is already faded when you only swim once.
It seems like every summer, some of my friends are faced with the same problem: their bought-for-3-weeks swimsuits have faded and lost their beautiful color. And, of course, this always happens when we have the least amount of time to find a new one.
So what can you do if your beloved swimsuit has faded and you don’t think you can buy another one?
Don’t worry-I’ve got you covered. From my experience and tests, you can use simple methods like vinegar, salt, ammonia, and gentle detergent. Besides, you can pretreat your suit to keep it away from fading.
Sounds good? Read on to find out how to fix faded swimsuits and keep them looking fabulous all summer long!
Who Is the Criminal of Faded Swimsuits?
Before we get into how to fix faded swimsuits, let’s first take a look at who or what is responsible for their demise.
There are three main culprits:
1. Sun Exposure
One of the most common reasons why swimsuits fade is sun exposure. UV rays can damage the fabric and cause it to lose its color.
If you want to keep your swimsuit looking new, it’s important to take steps to protect it from the sun.
Try to store it in a cool, dark place when you’re not using it, and avoid leaving it in the sun for extended periods.
2. Chlorine
Chlorine is another enemy of swimsuits. Generally, Chlorine is added to the pool to keep it clean. But it can also damage the color of your swimsuit.
3. General Wear and Tear
Over time, any piece of clothing will start to show signs of wear and tear. This is especially true for swimsuits, which are often subjected to much movement and friction.
3 Easy Steps to Restore the Color of Faded Swimsuits
If your swimsuit has already started to fade, there are still some things you can do to try and restore its color.
Step #1. Rinse It With Cold Water
The first step is to rinse your swimsuit with cold water. Cold water will help to set the color and prevent it from bleeding.
Step #2. Add Two Tablespoons of Vinegar and Salt
Next, add two tablespoons of vinegar and salt to a bucket of cold water. Vinegar is a natural fabric brightener, while salt will help to lock in the color.
Soak your swimsuit in this solution for about 30 minutes.
Step #3. Wash It With a Clean Cold Water
After you’ve soaked and rinsed your swimsuit, you can wash it with a gentle detergent in cold water.
Make sure to use a detergent that is designed for delicate fabrics. You may also want to avoid using fabric softener, as this can cause the color to bleed.
Other Optional Methods
You can try a few other methods if the vinegar and salt method doesn’t work.
One is to handle the faded area with household ammonia (the cloudy version) and then wash it with bleach-free detergent.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. So it’s always a good idea to take steps to prevent your swimsuit from fading in the first place.
Here are some tips:
– Ensure your swimsuits totally dry out before storing them.
If your swimsuit is even a little damp, it’s more likely to develop mold or mildew. This can cause the color to fade. And remember to store them in an airy and dark place.
– Shower it before going into the pool.
Before you go into the pool, get a shower with your swimsuit. This will help to reduce the chlorine and salt your swimsuit absorbs.
– Rinse it right away after swimming.
When you’re done swimming, make sure to rinse your swimsuit with fresh water as soon as possible. This will help remove any chlorine, sweat, and body oils that can cause the color to fade.
Final Conclusion
Faded swimsuits are no fun. But with these tips, you can restore the color of your swimsuit and keep it looking fabulous all summer long!
And for the restoring methods, be careful when using ammonia as it might damage your skin. Do you have any other tips for how to fix faded swimsuits? Let us know!
By the way, don’t forget to check out our other guides about swimsuits and fashion!
