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How To Get A Discolored White Swimsuit White Again?

There’s nothing better than a bright white swimsuit, but keeping it that way is another story! To help ensure your swimsuit stays white all summer long, soak it in a baking soda and cold water solution to eliminate yellowing and revive freshness. For stubborn discoloration, you may need to try more aggressive whitening solutions that tackle the dirt and bacteria responsible for unsightly staining, restoring your swimsuit to its original stunning color.

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What Causes White Swimsuits To Discolor?

If you’ve ever worn a white swimsuit, you know the struggle to keep it looking white without yellowing or graying. Even those who take special care to wash their swimsuits immediately after wearing may notice an overall dinginess with time. There are multiple reasons why white swimsuits may discolor, and understanding the causes of this problem can help you avoid them in the future.

Chlorine

Bleach and swimsuits don’t mix since the potent chemicals can weaken the suit’s fibers. However, when you swim in a pool, the chlorine used for sanitization causes a subtle bleaching action to occur, causing dirt, sweat, and grease to penetrate and discolor the fibers.

Sunscreen And Suntan Lotion

Depending on the ingredients in your sunscreen, it may cause yellowing or graying to the parts of the suit it contacts. To help avoid unsightly discoloration, choose rub-on options instead of sprays and look for all-natural, water-based ingredients without harsh chemicals. Suntan lotion is designed to darken skin, and it comes as no surprise that it does the same to your suit. Oil-based brands that use dyes will turn your swimsuit gray or yellow in no time, so stick to dye-free options instead.

Bacteria

Bacteria is your swimsuit’s worst enemy as it causes it to smell, deteriorate, and of course, discolor. Whether you swim in a pool, lake, or the ocean, failing to wash your suit immediately can allow bacteria to multiply, creating a perfect storm or odor and hard to remove staining.

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What To Do If Your White Swimsuit Has Turned Yellow Or Gray?

If your swimsuit already shows signs of discoloration, don’t worry; you’re not alone! One of the most common questions from men and women alike is, “how do you whiten yellowed bathing suits?” The good news is there are multiple methods that will effectively remove the dinginess and staining and restore the bright white look you adore.

Note – If you’re unable to wash your swimsuit immediately after wearing, rinsing it under cold water for around five minutes will flush out any chemical buildup or grime acquired during wearing.

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How To Remove Stains From Your White Swimsuits

The method of stain removal depends on a few different factors, including stain severity and type, available products, and the length of time the swimsuit has been discolored. Listed below are the most effective ways to remove yellowing or graying from your swimwear.

Baking Soda And Water

One of the easiest yet effective whitening methods is baking soda and cold water. Begin by dissolving a half cup of baking soda in two gallons of the coldest water possible. Place your suit in the mixture and allow to soak for at least two hours, but the longer, the better! Once sufficiently soaked, remove and rinse thoroughly with cold water and place on a towel to dry.

Club Soda

If the yellowing or graying is only in a specific area, you can use club soda as a spot treatment. Often, spray tan and bronzer melt in the sun and are absorbed by your swimsuit, leading to areas of discoloration. The carbonation within the club soda helps break down stains, lifting and releasing them from the fabric. When applying, be sure to always dab and never rub since the rubbing motion will embed pigments deeper within the fibers.

Vinegar

Vinegar is a potent, multi-purpose solution to treating your white swimsuit. Not only does it hold powerful anti-bacterial properties, it naturally whitens and brightens, leaving your swimsuit soft and beautiful. To use, add one cup of vinegar for every three cups of lukewarm or cold water and fully emerge the suit for around one to two hours. For more intense staining, you can apply the vinegar directly, allowing it to soak for fifteen to thirty minutes, and rinse.

Oxygen Bleach

For powerful whitening, oxygen bleach helps remove stains and dinginess without harming your swimsuit. Choose a brand like OxiClean to lift stubborn discoloration from the fibers leaving behind a bright white suit that looks brand new. Add one capful or scoop per gallon of hot water and allow your swimsuit to soak for at least six hours—finish by washing thoroughly and air drying.

Tip – One of the best ways to naturally whiten your swimsuit is sunning. The sun will naturally remove staining and discoloration while killing bacteria and freshening the fabric. Lay your clean, wet suit to dry in full sun and allow it to sit for a few hours. However, it is important to note that if there is any chlorine left in the suit, sunning can accelerate fiber deterioration, so ensuring it is thoroughly cleaned before laying out is crucial.

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Can You Bleach White Swimsuits?

While bleach works wonders on many white fabrics, it isn’t recommended for use on swimwear. The sodium hypochlorite located within most bleach products will break down any spandex and weaken the integrity of the swimsuit. Fortunately, non-chlorine bleach alternatives like Clorox2 offer the same whitening results without damaging ingredients. To use: dissolve a scoop of powder into two gallons of almost boiling water; submerge the suit and allow to soak overnight. The following day, wash in hot water and allow to air dry.

The Best Ways To Keep Your Swimsuit Looking Whiter Longer

To help ensure your swimsuit stays whiter longer after wearing, avoid letting it sit for extended periods before washing since sweat and bacteria will cause discoloration and odors even if you never enter the water. Handwashing your suit is also recommended to extend the life of the fibers as it keeps them from wearing down and becoming more susceptible to soaking up dirt, oil, pigment, and sweat.

Frequently Asked Questions about whitening a discolored swimsuit

How Do You Fix A Discolored Swimsuit?

Discolored swimsuits can gain new life by using a variety of treatment methods, including baking soda, club soda, vinegar, oxygen bleach, or a non-bleach alternative like Clorox2.

Why Did My Swimsuit Turn Yellow?

Generally, a swimsuit will turn yellow from exposure to sweat, bacteria, oil from sunscreen or suntan lotion, chlorine, or pigments found in bronzers.

Does Sunscreen Turn White Bathing Suits Yellow?

Yes, if a sunscreen is oil-based, it can turn a white swimsuit yellow. To avoid this, choose a water-based alternative without harsh chemicals or additives.

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