How to Stop Period Swimwear from Smelling: Care Tips

Quick answer

Period swimwear smell usually comes from trapped moisture, detergent residue, or delayed washing. Rinse in cold water immediately after swimming, wash with a gentle detergent, and dry completely in fresh air. If odour persists after two washes, check for fabric damage or buildup and consider replacing the garment.

Why Period Swimwear Smells (and Why It's Different from Regular Swimwear)

Period swimwear has multiple layers, including a waterproof backing and absorbent core, which can trap moisture and bacteria if not cleaned properly. Unlike regular swimwear, the inner layers are designed to hold fluids, so they need more thorough rinsing and drying. Chlorine and saltwater can also interact with period fluids, creating a lingering odour if not rinsed out promptly.

The Right Way to Wash Period Swimwear

After swimming, rinse your period swimwear in cold water until the water runs clear. This removes most period fluids and pool chemicals. Then, wash by hand or on a delicate cycle with a small amount of gentle, fragrance-free detergent. Avoid fabric softener and bleach, which can damage the water-repellent treatment and leave residue that traps odour. If you use a washing machine, place the garment in a mesh laundry bag to protect the layers.

Drying Tips That Prevent Odour

Never leave period swimwear damp in a bag or hamper. After washing, gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring), then lay flat or hang to dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. If possible, dry outdoors in fresh air. Make sure the garment is completely dry before storing, as any remaining moisture can lead to mildew and persistent smell.

How to Store Period Swimwear to Keep It Fresh

Store period swimwear in a dry, breathable place. Avoid airtight containers or plastic bags, which can trap moisture. If you need to transport damp swimwear, use a waterproof bag and wash it as soon as possible. For long-term storage, fold the garment loosely and keep it separate from heavily scented items to prevent odour transfer.

Diagnose Your Period Swimwear Smell

• Smell right after swimming: If odour appears immediately after swimming, it's likely from pool chemicals or urine interacting with period fluid. Rinse in cold water as soon as possible. Rinsing immediately usually solves this.
• Smell after washing: If the garment still smells after washing, you may have detergent residue or the inner layers may not have dried fully. Rewash with less detergent and dry completely. If smell persists after two proper washes, consider replacing the garment.
• Musty smell when dry: A musty odour on dry swimwear often means it was stored damp. Wash again and ensure it is bone dry before storing in a breathable place. If mustiness returns, check for mildew and discard if visible.

Product facts that help with care

• Swim Textured Period Hi Cut One Piece - Electric Blue: Swim Textured Period Hi Cut One Piece - Electric Blue features 4 clever layers of protection and is treated with water-repellent and chlorine-resistant fabric. The chlorine-resistant treatment helps the garment withstand pool water, but it still needs rinsing to remove chemicals that can cause odour.
• Teen First Swim Bikini Crop - Black: Teen First Swim Bikini Crop - Black is made from buttery-soft fabric with a water-repellent treatment designed to last the lifetime of the garment. The water-repellent finish can be degraded by harsh detergents or fabric softeners, so gentle washing helps maintain it and prevent odour.