cruise packing tips

Stinky Swimsuit? Keeping it Clean Is Easier than you Think!

If you’re like most cruisers, then most of your cruise days are spent in your bathing suit.  Whether you are snorkeling, lounging on a beach or relaxing in the hot tub, your swimsuits get plenty of wear.  With all the saltwater, sand, chlorine, sunscreen, and sweat, those bikinis and swim trunks can get filthy (and moldy!) fast. Luckily, swimsuits are already best washed by hand.  This is both free and easy to do at sea in the comfort of your own cabin!  Here is how to wash your swimsuit in your stateroom sink (or at home):

What to bring to clean your swimsuit

The great part about planning to wash your swimsuits onboard, is you don’t have to pack anything extra. All you need to bring is:

• Your bathing suit(s)
• Your regular body soap/shampoo
• A stain remover (optional)

If you forgot your own soap, don’t worry.  You can also use the shampoo/body wash dispenser in your cabin’s shower to do this.  While mild soaps, unscented soaps are best for washing clothes, almost any shampoo or body soap will do.  If you want to invest in a swimsuit-specific detergent Fashion Care’s Splash Swimwear Wash ($10, Amazon.com) is a good option and won’t take up much space in your luggage.  If you’d like, a stain remover can also be helpful to avoid sunblock stains.

How to clean your swimsuit

Washing your swimsuit doesn’t have to be a chore. Here are 5 easy steps to follow to keep your suit ready for the next day of fun.

1. Clean. Use cold water to clean any sand or dirt on your bathing suit. Use a stain stick, if desired.
2. Soak. Fill the sink with cold water. Add about a quarter-size squirt of soap (about 5 ML) to the water, and stir.  If using a bar soap, lather up your hands and gently massage it into your wet suit.  Then, leave it to soak for about 15 minutes.
3. Wash. Gently massage your swimsuit for 1-2 minutes.
4. Rinse. Rinse off all the suds with cold water, for about 1-2 minutes.
5. Squeeze. Don’t wring out your suit! Squeeze the suit into a ball until it is damp. If your suit drips when you hold it up, it means you need to squeeze more water out.

How to dry your swimsuit

After squeezing as much of the water out as possible, use a dry towel to help remove the excess water.  Lay it flat on a towel, then roll the towel up and squeeze gently. Let the suit air dry.  If you hang up your suit to dry, it’s best to drape it.  Using clothespins or hanging by the straps can wear out the elastic.

Most cruise packing guides recommend packing 2-3 swimsuits for a 7-day cruise.  Since it often takes at least 24 hours for a suit to completely dry, packing 2-3 allows plenty of time from them to dry between use.  If you’re going minimalist (check out: How to Pack for a Cruise with Only a Carry On) and only packing 1 suit, you can use a hairdryer to finish the job.