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How to Get Mold Out of Bathing Suits

Kathryn Hatter

Improper care of a swimsuit will invariably lead to mold and mildew developing on the suit. Whether you leave the swimsuit in a car, in a pile on the floor or bunched in the bottom of a laundry hamper, in no time you will have mold spores developing on the fabric of the bathing suit.

You cannot use chlorine bleach on bathing suits because it will damage the fibers of the fabric; so you must use other methods for getting mold out of bathing suits.

  1. Fill a sink with warm water and add a small amount of laundry detergent to make the water soapy. Add 1/4 cup of borax to the water to boost the laundry detergent. Soak the moldy swimsuit in the soapy water for 20 to 30 minutes. Drain the water and rinse the swimsuit. If the mold remains, proceed to the next step.

  2. Mix 1/4 tsp. of non-chlorine bleach with 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide in a small bowl. Use an old toothbrush to apply this cleaning solution to the mold stains on the swimsuit. Continue scrubbing until the mold disappears. Wash the swimsuit in the washing machine with cold water. Remove the swimsuit from the washing machine and hang it in the sunshine. Direct sunlight often removes mold from fabrics.

  3. Purchase Swim and Sport Swimsuit Wash (see Resources). This product will help bathing suits last longer because the soap neutralizes pool chemicals and cleans the fabric gently. This swimsuit wash also removes mold and mildew from bathing suit fabric. Follow the product instructions to wash your swimsuit and use it after each time you swim in your swimsuit.

The Drip Cap

  • Improper care of a swimsuit will invariably lead to mold and mildew developing on the suit.
  • You cannot use chlorine bleach on bathing suits because it will damage the fibers of the fabric; so you must use other methods for getting mold out of bathing suits.
  • Add 1/4 cup of borax to the water to boost the laundry detergent.
  • Direct sunlight often removes mold from fabrics.