Laundry hacks on vacation: keeping beachwear fresh

Written by Shahid Shahzad‘

Beach lovers often find themselves in the predicament of having a suitcase full of soiled clothes halfway through their trip, especially with no laundry service in sight.

This reality of limited resources and constant travel can make cleaning clothes a daunting task, and often seem like an insurmountable obstacle to overcome at times.

That said, using the right techniques, everyone can keep their clothes fresh while on the road and avoid the much feared laundry day once you are back home, without losing precious travel time.

So whether you are sunbathing on a remote Greek getaway or island hopping in the Caribbean, these valuable tips and hacks will empower you to maintain a fresh beach wardrobe, no matter where you are headed.

Tips to keep beachwear fresh for longer 

• Rinse immediately after use: Always rinse your swimsuit in freshwater to get rid of the salt, chlorine and any pool chemicals. A quick rinse will allow any harmful residue to set in, which otherwise can weaken the fabric and cause fading.
• Use a mild detergent: As machine washing tends to be hard on the delicate beachwear fabric, consider hand wash with cold water and use a mild detergent that is devoid of any harsh chemicals that may damage the cloth.
• Avoid twisting or wringing: Wringing or twisting out the water is likely to damage the fabric, instead use a towel to gently press out excess water.This also helps maintain the shape and elasticity of the apparel.
• Dry in the shade: Instead of using direct sunlight which can weaken and fade the fabric over time, consider drying your swimwear or beachwear either in the shade or indoors, but always on a flat surface. Laying them flat will help retain original shape, while hanging them can cause stretching.
• Rotate multiple beachwear: If you swim or go to the beach frequently, avoid wearing the same swimsuit or even the same towel every time as they are made from lycra or other soft material which needs time to recover after use. Consider having multiple beachwear options for rotation and thereby extend their lifespan.
• Store properly: Avoid keeping beachwear, especially when wet, in a beach bag for long as it can lead to mildew and mold. Ensure first that all your clothes are completely dry, and then gold and store them in a cool and dry place.
• Carry clothes based on destination & purpose : Going on a beach on the Greek isles is decidedly different than going on one in Mexico or the Caribbean. So you need to take the destination, whether laid-back or upscale, before packing your suitcase. Also consider the purpose – sunbathing, snorkeling, diving, surfing etc. 

Importance of staying fresh while on the go

Apart from the obvious benefits associated with hygiene, wearing fresh clothes boosts comfort as well as confidence. Clean clothes increase morale and allow you to immerse in new surroundings without feeling self-conscious.

Fresh clothes also extend the life-span of your garments, which not only reduces the environmental impact caused by unnecessary washing, but saves money in the long run as well.