Keeping your swimwear in pristine condition is the secret to enjoying endless summers in your favorite pieces. Ocean Mystery is renowned for crafting women’s swimwear and resort wear that blend Australian elegance with durability. However, salt, sun, and chemicals can take a toll on even the finest fabrics.
To ensure your designs retain their vibrancy and elasticity, proper care is non-negotiable. This comprehensive guide mirrors expert industry standards to help you wash, dry, and store your Ocean Mystery swimwear effectively.
1. The Golden Rule: Rinse Immediately
The care process begins the moment you step out of the water. Residues like salt, chlorine, sand, and sunscreen are the primary enemies of swimwear fabric (spandex). If left unattended, they break down elastic fibers and cause colors to fade.
- Immediate Action: Rinse your swimwear thoroughly with fresh, cool water immediately after use.
- Inside Out: Turn the garment inside out before rinsing to protect the outer print and bold hues from abrasion.
- Check the Label: Always consult the care label on your Ocean Mystery piece for specific instructions regarding embellishments.
2. How to Hand Wash (The Preferred Method)
Hand washing is the gentlest and most recommended method to extend the life of your swimwear.
- Cool Water Only: Fill a clean sink with cold or lukewarm water. Never use hot water, as heat destroys elasticity.
- Mild Detergent: Add a small amount of detergent formulated for delicates. Avoid bleach entirely.
- Gentle Agitation: Submerge your suit and gently swish it with your hands for 2-3 minutes. Focus lightly on areas with sweat or sunscreen buildup.
- No Twisting: Rinse thoroughly under cold water until soap is gone. Do not wring or twist the fabric.
3. Machine Washing: The Safe Way
While hand washing is ideal, we understand convenience is key. If you must machine wash, follow these strict rules to prevent snagging and stretching:
- Mesh Bag is Must: Always place your swimwear inside a mesh laundry bag to prevent tangling.
- Delicate Cycle: Select the gentle/hand wash cycle with cold water.
- Skip Softener: Never use fabric softener. It coats the technical fibers and ruins their ability to stretch and recover.
- Remove Promptly: Take the swimwear out immediately after the cycle ends to prevent mildew and wrinkles.
4. How to Remove Stains (Sunscreen & Chemicals)
Even with care, stains happen. Here is how to tackle the most common culprits on your beach swimwear:
- Sunscreen Oils: Oil-based creams can leave yellow stains. Pre-treat the spot with a drop of gentle dish soap (which fights grease) before washing.
- Chlorine Odor: If the chemical smell lingers, soak your suit in cold water with a tablespoon of baking soda to neutralize the odor.
- Prevention Tip: Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before putting on your swimsuit to allow it to absorb into your skin, minimizing transfer to the fabric.
5. Drying Techniques: Shade is Best
Gravity and heat are the enemies of wet swimwear. Proper drying ensures your bikini keeps its shape.
- The Towel Roll: Do not wring! Instead, lay the wet suit on a clean towel, roll it up like a burrito, and gently press to absorb excess water.
- Lay Flat: Dry your swimwear flat on a drying rack. Hanging wet swimwear can stretch out the straps.
- Avoid Heat: Keep away from direct sunlight, radiators, and dryers. UV rays fade colors, and heat breaks down spandex.
6. How to Fold and Organize
Proper organization ensures your swimwear is ready for the next season without losing its shape.
For padded bikini tops, do not invert the cups (turning them inside out), as this creates permanent creases. Instead, stack them gently or stuff the cups with tissue paper to maintain their form. Ensure every piece is 100% dry before folding to prevent mold.
7. Storage Solutions
Storage plays a vital role in extending the life of your Ocean Mystery pieces:
- Cool & Dry: Store in a breathable drawer or fabric box. Avoid hermetically sealed plastic bags which can trap moisture.
- No Hanging: Avoid hanging swimwear for long periods to prevent strap stretching.
- Freshness: Consider adding a lavender or cedar sachet to keep your collection fresh and moth-free.
8. Pro Tips for Durability
To further enhance the lifespan of your swimwear, avoid sitting directly on rough surfaces like pool decks or rocks—always use a towel to prevent pilling. If you have swimsuits with metallic details or embellishments, handle with extra care.
Caring for your swimwear is an investment. By following these steps—Rinse, Hand Wash, Dry Flat—you ensure that your Ocean Mystery women’s swimwear remains a cherished part of your wardrobe. Treat your swimsuits with the care they deserve, and they will offer you elegance for every Australian summer.
FAQs about Swimwear Care
How often should I wash my swimsuit?
You should wash your swimsuit immediately after every use. Even if you didn't swim, body oils, sweat, and sunscreen accumulate on the fabric and need to be removed to prevent deterioration.
How do I brighten a white swimsuit?
To restore a white swimsuit that has yellowed or has sand trapped in fibers, soak it in a sink of cold water with half a cup of baking soda for 1-2 hours. Rinse thoroughly and dry flat.
What is the best way to wash a swimsuit?
Hand washing in cold water with a mild detergent is the gold standard. This prevents the elastic fibers from breaking and keeps the fit snug.
How can I stop my swimwear from fading?
The keys to color preservation are: 1) Wash with cold water only, 2) Dry in the shade (UV rays fade colors), and 3) Rinse chlorine and salt out immediately after wearing.
