Beach Trip in Okinawa? How to Wash Swimwear and Rash Guards Properly
Don’t Ruin Your Swimsuit!
If you visit Okinawa, Enoshima, or try an Onsen (hot spring), you will have a wet swimsuit. The salt from the ocean and the chlorine from pools can damage the fabric (spandex/lycra) if left unwashed.
However, you must be careful with coin laundries.
The Golden Rule: No Heat!
Swimwear is made of elastic fibers that melt and lose their stretch in high heat.
NEVER put swimsuits in a gas dryer.
The Correct Washing Routine
- Rinse Immediately: As soon as you take it off, rinse with cold fresh water (in the beach shower or hotel sink) to remove salt/sand.
- Gentle Wash: You can put it in a washing machine on a “Gentle” cycle using a Laundry Net. Do not wash loose.
- Spin Dry Only: It is safe to use the machine’s “Spin” (Dassui) function to remove water.
- Air Dry: Hang it in the shade. Direct sunlight can also fade colors.
Sand Warning
Make sure to remove all sand before putting items in a machine. Sand can clog the machine and cause breakdowns, which might lead to a fine from the shop owner.
