Summer is finally here! Which means its barbeque and swimsuit season. I know some say you should never thrift a swimsuit. However, I definitely think you can thrift a swimsuit and do so sanitarily. I personally have thrifted many swimsuits over the years. I did all the research for you on how to clean and sanitize your thrifted swimwear.
First when you’re thrifting here are a few things to look for and to avoid.
Avoid:
- Heavy signs of wear on the bottom like pilling
- Wear and tear on the strings or ties
- Fading on the fabric
- Stretched out elastic
- Stains especially on the inside lining
Look for:
- New with tags
- Cool vintage styles
Now, let’s talk about cleaning and sanitizing your second-hand swimwear. The washing machine is your best tool for cleaning and sanitizing any thrift find. Wash your swimsuit in hot water with a gentle detergent, ideally one for delicates or spandex. Or if you want more sanitizing power, choose a laundry sanitizer like Lysol. For extra protection, you can put your swimsuit in a mesh bag while washing. Finish off by drying it on a high heat setting. This combo will kill off any bacteria or germs.
If you have a vintage suit or don’t want to risk throwing it in the washing machine, another option is to hand wash. Fill a sink with cold water with a cap full of the detergent mentioned earlier. Turn your suit inside out. Gently agitate the suit in the water and let it soak for about 30 mins. You can also soak your suit in a solution of Borax, washing soda and detergent. Rinse thoroughly with cold water and air dry.
Here are some other quick tips to help clean, sanitize, and deodorize your thrifted swimsuit.
- Add baking soda or white vinegar while washing.
- Dilute vodka with water and spray it on.
- Hydrogen peroxide and spray it in the same way
- Steam it.
- Fresh air
- Put your suit in the freezer for a few days to sanitize it.
Just make sure you avoid any harsh chemicals that might damage or discolor the fabric. I hope this helps you feel confident about thrifting and cleaning a swimsuit. Next post I’ll be sharing all of the season’s hottest swimwear trends and take you along to see if I can find these styles at Goodwill.
Happy thrifting friends,
~Taylor. S~