How to Remove Sand, Salt, and Sunscreen from Swimwear
By Form and Fold | Published: 2026-09-10
Category: Tips & Care
A practical, step-by-step routine to remove sand from swimwear, get sunscreen out of your swimsuit, and protect stretch fabrics from salt water and chlorine.
Quick answer
Rinse your swimwear in cool water within an hour of leaving the water, then hand wash with a gentle detergent. Never scrub the fabric or use hot water, because heat and friction set sunscreen stains and break down stretch fibers. If sand is stuck in the seams, shake it out before you rinse so you do not push grit deeper into the weave.
Sunscreen, salt, and sand do not just sit on the surface of swimwear. Sunscreen oils bond to synthetic fibers, salt crystals dry into the weave, and sand works its way under seams and linings. The longer they stay, the harder they are to remove without damaging the fabric.
The good news is that you do not need special products or a long soak. A short, consistent routine after every wear keeps swimwear looking and fitting better for longer, and it takes less time than fixing a set-in stain later.
Why sunscreen and salt damage swimwear
Most swimwear is made from stretch fabrics that rely on elastane for shape and recovery. Chlorine, salt, and the oils in sunscreen can degrade those fibers over time, which shows up as sagging, bagging, or a faded print. Sunscreen is also the main cause of stubborn yellow or brown stains, especially on lighter colors.
Sand is less about chemical damage and more about abrasion. Grit trapped in a lining or seam rubs against the fabric with every movement, which can pill the surface and weaken stitching. Rinsing before sand dries is the simplest way to avoid that wear.
- Rinse in cool water as soon as possible after swimming or sunbathing.
- Avoid leaving damp swimwear in a plastic bag or hot car, where mildew and heat damage start quickly.
What you need
You do not need a specialty swimwear cleaner. A mild liquid detergent, cool running water, and a clean towel cover almost every situation. Skip harsh stain removers, bleach, and fabric softener, which can break down stretch fibers or leave a residue that traps more oil.
If you are dealing with a sunscreen stain that has already set, a small amount of clear dish soap can help break down the oil. Test it on an inside seam first, especially on dark or printed fabrics.
- Mild liquid detergent or clear dish soap
- Cool water and a clean sink or basin
- A soft towel for blotting, not rubbing
Your step-by-step swimwear rinse routine
- Step 1: Shake sand out before it gets wet again: Hold the suit by the straps and shake it gently, then turn it inside out and shake again. If sand is packed into seams or a lining, run cool water through those areas only. Do not scrub yet, because dry grit acts like sandpaper on stretch fabric. Checkpoint: no visible grit left in the seams before you add any soap.
- Step 2: Rinse in cool water within the hour: Fill a sink or basin with cool water and submerge the swimwear for a minute or two. Squeeze the fabric gently with your hands so water moves through the fibers. Skip hot water, which sets sunscreen stains and weakens elastane. Checkpoint: the water should look cloudy from salt and sunscreen, not clear.
- Step 3: Hand wash with a small amount of mild detergent: Add a drop or two of mild liquid detergent to cool water and work it through the suit with your fingers. Pay attention to underbands, straps, and the crotch lining, where sunscreen and body oils collect. Never use bleach, fabric softener, or a washing machine on a normal cycle. Common mistake: using too much detergent, which leaves residue that attracts more oil.
- Step 4: Treat sunscreen stains before they set: For a visible sunscreen mark, dab a little clear dish soap onto the stain and let it sit for five minutes, then rinse. Do not rub the stain, because friction pushes the oil deeper into the fiber. If the stain remains after one attempt, repeat once rather than scrubbing harder. Checkpoint: the stain should look lighter after rinsing, not smeared wider.
- Step 5: Rinse until the water runs clear: Rinse the swimwear under cool running water until no soap bubbles remain. Leftover detergent can irritate skin and dull the fabric finish. Squeeze gently, but do not wring or twist, especially on styles with underwire or molded cups. Common mistake: stopping too early because the water looks mostly clear.
- Step 6: Dry flat in shade, never in direct sun: Lay the swimwear flat on a clean towel and reshape it to its original lines. Direct sun fades prints and weakens fibers, and a hot dryer will shrink or warp stretch fabric. If you must hang it, use a padded hanger and avoid clipping the straps. Checkpoint: the suit is dry to the touch before you fold it away.
Product facts that affect how you wash
- The Staple Black Bottom: Recycled sculpting fabric with a seamless flat finish and full second skin lining. The lining adds a layer where sand and sunscreen can hide, so rinse and shake this piece before any detergent touches it.
- The Crop Paint Top: Hidden inbuilt underwire bra with non-padded cups and a powermesh sling, fully lined with second skin lining. Underwire and powermesh need gentle handling. Never wring or twist this top, because the wire channel and sling can distort.
- The Wirefree Cactus Top: Wirefree underband support with adjustable straps and bagged out seams for a flat finish. The underband is the part most likely to hold salt and sunscreen, so focus your rinse along that band and the strap joins.
Removing sand, salt, and sunscreen from swimwear comes down to timing and temperature. Rinse cool, wash gently, and dry flat in shade, and your suits will keep their shape and color far longer than if you wait until the end of the season.
