Swimming guide
How to care for swim goggles, suits and caps
Rinse swim gear in cool fresh water after every use, dry it flat or hanging in the shade and store it dry. Avoid hot water, the dryer and bleach for suits, and do not touch the inside of goggle lenses. A ten-minute routine keeps gear comfortable and lasting longer.
Why gear care is worth ten minutes
Pool water is hard on equipment. Chlorine and other pool chemicals, sun, heat and sweat wear down elastic and fabric, and gear that is left wet in a bag starts to smell. A little routine care helps suits fit properly, helps goggles stay clear and saves money over a season. It also means one less thing to worry about on meet morning. For what to buy, see the youth swimming equipment checklist.
The basic routine
- Rinse everything in fresh, cool water after swimming, ideally right away.
- Squeeze out extra water gently. Do not wring a suit or cap hard.
- Hang or lay items flat to dry in the shade, with air moving around them.
- Store them dry. Do not leave wet gear in a sealed bag or a hot car.
That routine covers most of what matters. The rest of this guide is about the differences between items.
Item-by-item care
| Item | Care tip | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Swimsuit | Rinse in cool fresh water and dry flat or on a line in the shade. | Hot water, the dryer, bleach and long sits in the sun. |
| Goggles | Rinse, shake off water and store in a case or a soft pouch. | Touching the inside of the lenses and wiping them with a towel. |
| Swim cap | Rinse, dry and keep flat. Some people lightly dust latex caps with powder. | Folding it while wet and leaving it in the sun. |
| Kickboard, fins, pull buoy | Rinse and let dry in open air. | Leaving them in a hot car or a damp bag. |
| Towel | Hang to dry after each use and wash regularly. | Leaving it balled up in a bag. |
Cap materials differ (silicone, latex and fabric), and so do care instructions, so follow the maker's label when there is one.
Keeping goggles clear and comfortable
Goggles fog when moisture builds up inside. Many have an anti-fog coating that wears away if you rub the inside of the lens, so avoid touching it. Rinse goggles after use, shake off the water and let them air dry before putting them away. Some swimmers use a small amount of anti-fog spray or a drop of mild baby shampoo that is rinsed away, but follow the instructions on the product and your coach's advice. Straps stretch and crack over time. If goggles leak, slip or leave deep marks around the eyes, they may not fit or may be worn out. Try a different style, and check with your coach about fit. Always keep a spare pair in the bag.
When it is time to replace something
- A suit that has gone thin, saggy, see-through or loose at the straps.
- Goggles with cracked straps, constant leaks or a lens that will not stay clear.
- A cap that is cracked, sticky or tears when pulled on.
- Equipment from the pool deck that is cracked, chipped or crumbling.
Children also outgrow gear quickly. If something is uncomfortable or restricts movement, replace it. How a suit should fit varies by style and by the swimmer, so ask your coach or a swim shop worker rather than guessing from a chart.
Common mistakes
- Leaving a wet bag zipped up overnight.
- Washing a suit in the machine or drying it in the dryer.
- Using a competition suit for every practice, when a more durable practice suit is a better fit. Ask your coach what the team recommends.
- Buying expensive gear before a swimmer has settled into the sport.
- Forgetting to label gear. Team deck areas are full of identical caps and goggles, so put your swimmer's name on everything.
If your swimmer has skin that reacts to chlorine, ill-fitting goggles or a rash from a suit, that is a question for a doctor. For help preparing for meet days, read the swim meet day guide for parents.
Make it a habit your swimmer owns
Children over a certain age can take over the routine. A simple checklist on the bag, a hook for the wet towel and a spot for goggles make it easy. Swimmers who handle their own gear tend to feel more ready when the coach says "get your stuff and line up," and parents get a break from being the family equipment manager. Start with one job, such as hanging up the suit, and add more as your swimmer grows more comfortable.
Packing gear for meets and travel
A little structure on meet day saves stress. Keep a dedicated swim bag with a mesh section or a wet pocket, so damp items stay separate from clean clothes and the phone. Bring a spare pair of goggles, a spare cap and a second suit if you have one. For a long meet, a second dry towel is more useful than any gadget. Put each item in the same place every time, so your swimmer can find it quickly when the coach calls their event.
On the way home, take wet items out of the bag as soon as you can, even if it is only to drape them over a chair. Mildew starts fast in a closed bag. At home, rinse everything, hang it up and refill the bag with clean, dry items. If you ever travel to a meet, bring a small lightweight bag or a hanger for drying gear in a hotel room.
If you are shopping for a new item, the guide to choosing a youth swim team also suggests asking what the team requires, so you do not buy something you will not need. Many programs list approved caps or suits, and some provide team gear.
In BlackForge Sports: BlackForge Sports is live for youth baseball today and swimming is on our roadmap. Join the early-access list and tell us you want swimming next, and we will let you know when it is ready. Get early access →
Sources and further reading
- Approved Swimwear World Aquatics
- Mayo Clinic Q and A: Swimmer's ear Mayo Clinic
- Mayo Clinic Minute: Swimming pool sickness Mayo Clinic
Links open in a new tab. Quotations are short excerpts, included with attribution for commentary. BlackForge Sports is not affiliated with or endorsed by the people or organizations named.
Frequently asked questions
How do I wash a swimsuit?
Rinse it in cool fresh water after swimming, squeeze out the water gently and dry it in the shade. Avoid hot water, bleach and the dryer.
How do I stop goggles from fogging?
Do not touch the inside of the lens, rinse and air dry after each use and replace goggles when the anti-fog coating wears out. Some swimmers use an anti-fog product, following its directions.
Can I put a swim cap in the dryer?
No. Heat can damage caps. Rinse, dry flat or hang to dry and store it away from sun.
How often should I replace swim gear?
Replace gear when it wears out, leaks or no longer fits, which depends on use. Suits that go thin or goggles with cracked straps are signs it is time.
Why does my swim bag smell?
Wet gear left in a closed bag grows odors. Take everything out, rinse, dry and air out the bag after practice.