A good children's swimsuit is not cheap. Whether it is a silicone swim cap, a pair of goggles, or a swim costume, the right care routine can double the lifespan of your child's swim kit — saving you money and reducing waste.
The Biggest Enemy — Chlorine
Chlorine is highly effective at keeping pools clean, but it is also highly effective at breaking down the elastic fibres in swimwear. Every minute your child's swimsuit spends in chlorinated water causes microscopic damage to the fabric. The key is to limit that damage by rinsing the chlorine out as quickly as possible after swimming.
Rinse Immediately After Swimming
The single most important habit is to rinse your child's swimwear in cold fresh water immediately after leaving the pool. Do not wait until you get home. Most leisure centres have showers — rinse the swimsuit while your child is still wearing it, or rinse it in a sink before leaving.
Getting the chlorine out within minutes of leaving the pool makes a significant difference to how long the fabric stays vibrant and elastic.
Cold Water Only
Never wash children's swimwear in hot water. Heat degrades the elastic fibres even faster than chlorine. A cold rinse by hand is ideal. If you use a washing machine, use the cold or delicate cycle.
No Tumble Dryer
Tumble dryers are extremely damaging to swimwear elastic. Always air dry — lay the swimsuit flat rather than hanging it, as hanging can stretch the fabric out of shape while it is wet and heavy.
No Fabric Softener
Fabric softener coats the fibres of swimwear and actually accelerates chlorine damage. It also reduces the effectiveness of UV protective coatings. Rinse with plain cold water only.
Sun Cream and Swimwear
Sun cream — particularly oil-based formulas — can stain and degrade swimwear fabric. Apply sun cream before putting the swimsuit on and allow it to absorb before your child gets dressed. This reduces the amount of cream that transfers directly onto the fabric.
Swim Caps and Goggles
Rinse silicone swim caps in fresh water after every use and store them flat, away from direct sunlight. Avoid folding them tightly as this can cause creases that eventually crack the silicone.
For goggles, rinse the lenses gently with fresh water — never rub the inside of the lens as this removes the anti-fog coating. Store goggles in a case when not in use to protect the lenses.
Rotation Makes a Difference
If your child swims more than twice a week, consider buying two sets of swim kit and rotating them. Giving each item 48 hours to recover between sessions significantly extends its life.
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