Stinky Swimsuit? You can dry and wash your swimsuit easier than you think on a cruise!
Spending your cruise days basking in the sun, diving into the ocean, or simply chilling by the pool means your swimsuit becomes your most trusted companion. From the salty embrace of the sea to the cozy warmth of the hot tub, your swimwear endures a lot. It battles against the elements – saltwater, sand, and chlorine, not to mention the layers of sunscreen and the inevitable sweat from those sun-soaked days. This cocktail of elements can quickly turn your vibrant swimwear dull and even lead to mold if not cared for properly. But here’s the good news: swimsuits are designed with hand washing in mind, making it a breeze to keep them fresh and clean.
Thankfully, keeping your swimsuit in tip-top shape doesn’t require a laundry list of supplies or a trip to the ship’s laundry service. The simplicity of hand washing your swimwear right in your stateroom sink means you can easily rinse away the day’s adventures, ensuring your swimsuit is as ready as you are for whatever tomorrow brings. This method isn’t just about convenience; it’s about preserving the life and color of your swimwear, ensuring that it continues to make a splash, from the first day of your cruise to the last.
What to bring to wash your swimsuit
One of the best parts about getting ready to wash your swimsuits on your cruise is the minimal preparation required. There’s no need to overpack or stress about forgetting essential laundry supplies. Here’s a simple checklist of what you’ll need to keep your swimwear sparkling clean:
- Your bathing suit(s): Obviously, the stars of the show. Whether you’re bringing just one favorite or a few to rotate, make sure they’re easily washable.
- Your regular body soap/shampoo: No special laundry detergents needed here. The soap you use for yourself is gentle enough for your swimwear too.
- A stain remover (optional): For those pesky spots that sunscreen or a day at the beach might leave behind.
Forgot your soap? No worries—your stateroom’s equipped with a shampoo/body wash dispenser that’ll do the job. While mild soaps are best for fabric care, any on-hand body wash or shampoo is fine in a pinch. For a tailored solution, a small bottle of swimsuit-specific detergent, like, Fashion Care’s Splash Swimwear Wash ($12, Amazon.com), effectively addresses swimwear’s unique needs without taking up much space. Concerned about sunscreen stains? A stain remover can be a handy addition, helping keep your swimwear vibrant and stain-free, ready for your next aquatic adventure.
How to wash your swimsuit
Washing your swimsuit on a cruise doesn’t have to feel like an added task on your vacation to-do list. In fact, with these straightforward steps, you can easily refresh your swimwear, ensuring it’s ready for another day of poolside lounging or ocean exploring. Let’s dive into the simple process:
- Clean: Start by rinsing your swimsuit under cold water to remove any loose sand, dirt, or other particles. This is crucial for preventing abrasion and maintaining the fabric’s integrity. If you spot any stubborn stains, a gentle stain remover can be your first line of defense.
- Soak: Next, fill your stateroom sink with cold water and add a modest amount of soap—about a quarter-size squirt should do. Cold water is key here to prevent any shrinkage or damage to the elastic fibers. If you’re working with a bar of soap, create a lather in your hands first, then apply it to the swimsuit, ensuring even coverage. Allow the suit to soak for around 15 minutes, giving the soap time to work its magic.
- Wash: After soaking, spend a minute or two massaging the swimsuit gently. This action helps the soap penetrate deeper into the fabric, lifting away oils and residues without stressing the material.
- Rinse: Thoroughly rinse the swimsuit under cold, running water until all soap suds have been washed away. A clean rinse ensures that no soap residue is left behind, which could attract more dirt or irritate your skin.
- Squeeze: The final step is to remove excess water without damaging the swimsuit. Instead of wringing, which can stretch or tear the fabric, gently squeeze the swimsuit into a ball. This method helps retain the shape and elasticity of your swimwear. If water still drips from the suit after squeezing, it’s a sign that more gentle pressure can be applied.
By following these steps, you can keep your swimsuit in pristine condition throughout your cruise, ready for whatever water-filled adventures come your way.
How to dry your swimsuit
Drying your swimsuit properly is just as important as washing it carefully to ensure it’s ready for your next day of fun in the sun. Here’s a hassle-free method to get your swimwear dry without compromising its shape or elasticity:
Start by laying your freshly rinsed swimsuit flat on a clean, dry towel. This initial step helps protect the fabric’s integrity. Next, roll the towel up with your swimsuit inside, similar to a sushi roll. This cozy wrap allows the towel to absorb the bulk of the moisture without harsh wringing or twisting that could stretch out your swimwear. Once you’ve gently squeezed the towel roll, unroll it and take out your swimsuit.
Now, it’s time to let air do the rest of the work. Air drying is the gentlest way to finish the process. If you choose to hang your swimsuit, avoid using clothespins or hanging it by the straps, as this can put unnecessary stress on the fabric, leading to stretched or saggy elastic over time. Many modern cruise staterooms are equipped with a handy feature for this very purpose: a retractable clothesline in the bathroom. It’s perfect for draping your swimsuit to dry without any fuss.
Given the time it can take for a swimsuit to dry completely—often up to 24 hours—it’s wise to follow seasoned cruisers’ advice and pack 2-3 swimsuits for a week-long journey. This strategy ensures you always have a dry, comfortable option ready for whatever water-related activities your cruise has in store, keeping you prepared and stress-free throughout your vacation.
Bonus tip: Some cruise lines offer guest laundry services you can take advantage of to wash your swimsuit. For example, on NCL, certain Lattitude members get one free bag of laundry on seven-day cruises, while on Princess you can take advantage of self-service laundry rooms to wash your swimsuits.
If you’re going minimalist (check out: How to Pack for a Cruise with Only a Carry On) and only packing one suit, you can use a hairdryer to finish the job.
