6 Effective Methods for Drying Wet Swimsuits That Prevent Damage & Mildew

Ever been stuck with a soggy swimsuit after a day at the beach or pool? There’s nothing worse than having to pack a wet swimsuit in your bag, potentially damaging other items or creating the perfect environment for mildew to grow. Properly drying your swimwear not only prevents unpleasant odors but also extends the life of your favorite beach attire.

You don’t need fancy equipment to effectively dry your swimsuits. With a few simple techniques, you can quickly remove excess moisture and have your swimwear ready for your next aquatic adventure. The following six methods will help you say goodbye to damp swimsuits and the problems they cause.

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1. The Roll And Press Method: Using Towels Effectively

How To Roll Your Swimsuit In A Towel

The roll and press method removes excess water quickly without damaging delicate swimwear fabrics. Lay a clean, dry bath towel flat on the floor and spread your wet swimsuit on top. Starting from one end, tightly roll the towel with the swimsuit inside like a jelly roll. Press firmly along the entire roll to transfer moisture from your swimsuit into the towel.

When To Replace The Towel For Maximum Absorption

Replace your towel when it becomes noticeably damp to continue the drying process efficiently. For extremely wet swimsuits, you’ll need to switch towels after the first pressing. Heavy materials like men’s board shorts typically require 2-3 towel changes, while lightweight bikinis may need just one change. Fresh towels dramatically speed up the drying time by maximizing water absorption.

2. Hang Drying: The Traditional Approach With A Twist

Hang drying remains one of the most effective ways to dry swimwear while maintaining fabric integrity. This classic method requires minimal equipment but benefits greatly from strategic placement and specialized tools.

Best Locations For Hang Drying

Hang your wet swimsuit in areas with maximum airflow such as shower rods, laundry rooms with ventilation, or outdoor covered patios. Avoid direct sunlight which can fade colors and degrade elastic. Bathroom doors work well in small spaces, while balconies provide excellent circulation if shaded from harsh UV rays.

Using Specialized Swimwear Hangers

Specialized swimwear hangers feature multiple clips that prevent stretch marks and fabric distortion. These hangers distribute weight evenly across the garment, preserving elastic integrity better than standard clothespins. Look for rust-resistant plastic varieties with soft-grip clips that won’t leave indentation marks on delicate swimwear fabrics.

3. Spin Cycle: Using Your Washing Machine Safely

Your washing machine’s spin cycle can be a time-saving solution for drying wet swimsuits when used correctly. This method extracts excess water quickly, significantly reducing overall drying time.

Proper Settings To Avoid Damage

Always use the gentlest spin cycle on your washing machine—typically labeled “delicate” or “hand wash.” Set the machine to a low spin speed (400-600 RPM) to prevent stretching elastic fibers. Never add heat or detergent during this process, as you’re only using the machine to extract water, not wash the swimsuit. Limit spin time to 30 seconds maximum to preserve fabric integrity.

Which Swimsuits Can Handle Spin Cycles

Polyester and nylon blends with minimal embellishments tolerate spin cycles best. Swimsuits with substantial lining, competitive swimwear, and men’s board shorts generally withstand spinning well. Avoid this method with swimsuits containing delicate details, underwire support, or high spandex content (over 20%). Vintage swimwear and expensive designer pieces should never be machine-spun due to their fragile construction.

4. Portable Swimsuit Dryers: Technology To The Rescue

For those who regularly swim or want the fastest drying option possible, portable swimsuit dryers offer a high-tech solution to the age-old problem of wet swimwear. These specialized devices are designed specifically to remove moisture from swimsuits quickly and efficiently.

Top Portable Dryers On The Market

The Swimsuit Dryer Pro uses centrifugal force to extract water in just 30 seconds, making it popular among competitive swimmers. The Dry-n-Go features a compact, foldable design ideal for travel with USB charging capabilities. Meanwhile, the AquaSpinner offers dual-speed settings for different fabric types and includes antimicrobial components to prevent mildew formation.

Cost Versus Convenience Analysis

Portable swimsuit dryers range from $30 for basic models to $150 for premium options with multiple features. While the upfront cost exceeds traditional drying methods, frequent swimmers save time and extend swimsuit life by 2-3 times. A family of four using a pool twice weekly can recoup their investment within one swimming season through reduced swimwear replacement costs.

5. Natural Sunlight: Harnessing UV Rays Efficiently

Positioning For Optimal Sun Exposure

Natural sunlight is the most energy-efficient method for drying your wet swimsuit. Position your swimwear on a flat, clean surface where it receives maximum sunlight exposure—ideally during mid-morning hours (10 AM-12 PM). Hang your swimsuit with the inside facing the sun first, then flip it midway through to ensure even drying. Avoid draping it over metal surfaces which can become excessively hot and potentially damage elastic fibers.

Preventing Color Fading While Sun Drying

To protect your swimsuit’s vibrant colors while sun drying, limit exposure to 1-2 hours maximum. Turn your swimwear inside-out before placing it in direct sunlight to shield the outer printed or dyed surface from UV degradation. For delicate or dark-colored suits, consider drying in partial shade or during early morning hours when UV rays are less intense. Adding a tablespoon of vinegar to your rinse water before sun drying can help lock in colors.

6. Air Compression Techniques: The Pro Traveler’s Solution

DIY Air Compression Methods

Air compression techniques offer a practical solution for drying swimsuits when you’re on the go. Place your wet swimsuit in a ziplock bag, seal it partially, then roll the bag tightly from the bottom up to squeeze out excess water. For better results, wrap the swimsuit in a microfiber towel before compressing to absorb more moisture. This method removes up to 70% of water weight in just minutes, making it perfect for travelers with limited space.

Commercial Products For Swimsuit Compression

Several travel-friendly compression products are specifically designed for wet swimwear. The SwimPack compression pouch ($15-25) features waterproof lining and built-in compression straps that efficiently remove moisture. AquaPress bags ($20-30) use a patented valve system allowing you to manually push air out, creating vacuum compression that extracts water effectively. These products are particularly valuable for cruise travelers or anyone needing to pack wet swimsuits between destinations.

Conclusion: Choosing The Right Drying Method For Your Swimwear

Now you’re equipped with multiple techniques to tackle wet swimsuits in any situation. Whether you’re at home with access to fans and dehumidifiers or traveling with limited resources your swimwear never needs to stay damp again.

For daily use the towel roll method or hang drying might be perfect while frequent swimmers might find portable dryers worth the investment. Travelers will appreciate compression techniques and mesh bags that make packing wet swimsuits stress-free.

Remember that proper drying not only prevents unpleasant odors but also extends the life of your favorite swimwear. By implementing these methods you’ll protect your investment and always have dry comfortable swimsuits ready for your next aquatic adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it important to dry swimsuits properly?

Properly drying swimsuits prevents mildew growth, eliminates unpleasant odors, and significantly extends the lifespan of your swimwear. Wet swimsuits can damage other items in your bag and deteriorate faster due to retained moisture and chemicals from pool water or saltwater. Taking a few minutes to dry your swimsuit correctly can save you money in the long run by preserving the fabric, elasticity, and color.

What is the quickest way to dry a swimsuit?

The salad spinner method is the fastest manual technique, removing up to 90% of moisture in seconds. For even quicker results, the gentle spin cycle of a washing machine works efficiently. Portable swimsuit dryers like the Swimsuit Dryer Pro offer the absolute fastest drying time for those who need immediate results. Fan-assisted drying also significantly reduces drying time by enhancing air circulation.

Can I put my swimsuit in the dryer?

No, you should never put swimsuits in a conventional clothes dryer. The high heat damages elastic fibers and can cause shrinking, warping, and premature deterioration of the fabric. Instead, use gentle methods like towel rolling, hang drying, or specialized swimsuit dryers that are designed to preserve the integrity of swimwear while removing moisture effectively.

How do I dry my swimsuit while traveling?

While traveling, mesh drying bags and air compression techniques are your best options. Ziplock bags can be used to squeeze out excess water in a pinch. Products like the SwimPack compression pouch or AquaPress bags are designed specifically for travelers. Alternatively, the roll and press method using a hotel towel works well, or hang the swimsuit in the hotel bathroom with good ventilation.

Is it safe to dry swimsuits in direct sunlight?

Limited sun exposure (1-2 hours) can effectively dry swimsuits, but prolonged direct sunlight can fade colors and damage elastic fibers. Position your swimsuit on a flat surface for optimal sun exposure, and turn it occasionally for even drying. For colored or dark swimwear, consider partial shade or indirect sunlight to prevent fading while still benefiting from the sun’s drying power.

Are portable swimsuit dryers worth the investment?

Portable swimsuit dryers (ranging from $30-$150) are worth the investment for frequent swimmers or travelers. They dry swimsuits significantly faster than natural methods, prevent mildew growth, and extend the life of your swimwear by properly removing moisture. For occasional swimmers, simpler methods like towel rolling or hang drying are sufficient, making specialized dryers unnecessary.

How can I prevent my swimsuit from smelling after use?

To prevent odors, rinse your swimsuit thoroughly in clean water immediately after swimming to remove chlorine, salt, or sand. Use the roll and press method to eliminate excess moisture, then ensure complete drying before storage. For stubborn odors, a gentle hand wash with mild soap designed for swimwear can help. Never store a damp swimsuit, as this is the primary cause of mildew smell.

What’s the best way to dry swimsuits without damaging elastic?

The roll and press method is gentlest on elastic fibers. Place your swimsuit flat on a clean towel, roll it up to absorb moisture, then press (don’t wring) to remove water. Hang drying in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight also preserves elasticity. Avoid high heat and harsh wringing or twisting motions that can stretch or break elastic fibers over time.