There’s nothing quite like a day spent on the shores of the Gulf Coast. Whether you’re lounging under an umbrella, diving into the waves, or watching the sunset with sandy toes, the beach has a way of relaxing and refreshing us. But once the sun sets and it’s time to head home, you’re often left with a load of salty, sandy, and sun-soaked laundry. Swimsuits, towels, and beachwear require special care to stay in good condition and last through many seasons.
At The Laundry Lounge in Gulf Shores, we understand the challenges beachgoers face when it comes to keeping their beach gear clean. That’s why we’re sharing the best ways to care for your beachwear, why commercial-grade machines make a difference, and how to handle everything from stubborn sand to sunscreen stains.
Why Beach Laundry is Tougher Than You Think
Beach laundry isn’t like your regular laundry. Saltwater can stiffen fabrics and fade colors, sand can get trapped in fibers and damage washing machines, and sunscreens and body oils can leave greasy stains that aren’t easy to spot until they set in. Towels and swimsuits are designed to be absorbent, which is great at the beach but means they soak up a lot more than just water.
If left unwashed, salt and sand can weaken fabric over time, leading to tears, stretching, and a generally worn-out appearance. Mildew is another common problem, especially if damp items are tossed into a beach bag and forgotten. That’s why a post-beach laundry routine is essential.
First Steps: Shake and Rinse
Before you even get to the washer, there are a few things you can do to make your laundry more manageable. Shake out every item thoroughly to remove loose sand. Rinse swimsuits and towels with cold, fresh water as soon as possible to wash away some of the salt and chlorine. This step alone can reduce wear and tear significantly and help prevent long-term damage.
Sorting Matters
When you’re ready to wash, separate items based on type and color. Towels can usually withstand a warm wash, but swimsuits should be treated more delicately. Never wash beach towels and delicate swimwear together, as the friction can be damaging. Also avoid washing heavy, sand-laden towels with lighter clothing to prevent abrasion.
Say Goodbye to Sand
Even with a thorough shake, sand has a way of sticking around. At The Laundry Lounge, our high-powered commercial washers are ideal for beach laundry because they offer deeper rinses and stronger agitation. That means more sand is lifted away and drained properly, rather than staying trapped in your home washer or your clothes.
If you’re washing at home, one trick is to run an empty rinse cycle in your washer first to flush out any residual sand from previous loads. You can also add a second rinse cycle to ensure your laundry is completely sand-free.
Handling Sunscreen and Body Oil Stains
Sunscreen is a must at the beach, but it can be a nightmare for laundry. The oils and active ingredients in most sunscreens can leave yellow or greasy stains, especially on light-colored fabrics. The trick is to treat these stains as soon as you notice them.
Apply a stain remover or a little bit of liquid laundry detergent directly to the stained area and gently rub it in. Let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes before washing. Avoid using hot water, which can set the stain. Instead, opt for a cold wash, then check the item before drying. If the stain remains, repeat the process.
The Right Way to Wash Swimwear
Swimsuits are delicate. They need gentle care to maintain their elasticity and color. Hand washing is ideal, but let’s face it—most people don’t have the time. That’s where The Laundry Lounge can help. Our machines offer settings that mimic hand-washing with lower agitation cycles and cool water.
Use a gentle detergent and avoid fabric softeners, which can break down the stretchy fibers in swimwear. Turn swimsuits inside out before washing to protect the outer layer, and always air dry. Heat can cause irreversible damage to spandex and elastic.
Why Commercial Machines Make a Difference
At The Laundry Lounge, our commercial-grade washers and dryers are designed to handle heavy beach loads while treating your items with care. Larger drum sizes mean fewer tangles and more even cleaning. Our machines offer deeper cleans and more efficient rinse cycles, pulling out sand, salt, and sunscreen more effectively than home washers.
Drying your laundry is just as important. Our dryers have precise temperature settings, so you can avoid overheating delicate items. We always recommend removing swimwear before drying and letting it air dry naturally. For towels and other sturdier fabrics, use a low to medium heat setting to preserve softness.
Don’t Forget About Your Beach Bag
Your canvas or mesh beach bag picks up just as much salt, sand, and sunscreen as everything else. Many people forget to clean it, which leads to mildew and unpleasant odors. Most cloth bags can go into the washer on a gentle cycle, but always check the care label. For plastic or lined bags, wipe them out with a disinfecting cloth and let them air out completely before storing.
Laundry Tips for Tourists
If you’re visiting Gulf Shores, chances are you don’t want to spend your vacation doing laundry in your condo. But ignoring your beachwear until you get home could mean stains and smells that are hard to remove. The Laundry Lounge offers a convenient solution for vacationers looking to clean their gear efficiently.
Our self-serve machines and spacious layout mean you can get in and out quickly. Plus, our team is always available to answer questions or help with tough laundry problems. With our high-capacity washers and efficient dryers, you can clean your family’s beachwear in a single trip—leaving more time for fun.
Keeping Beach Gear Fresh Between Washes
Sometimes you can’t get to the laundromat right away. In those cases, take a few preventive steps: shake everything out thoroughly, hang wet items to air dry, and store sandy clothes in a separate bag from the clean ones. Even giving items a quick rinse in the shower can make a big difference when you do wash them later.
Why It Matters
Keeping your beach gear clean isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about protecting your investment. Quality swimwear and towels aren’t cheap, and with proper care, they can last for years. More importantly, clean laundry is part of healthy living. Removing salt, sand, and bacteria helps prevent skin irritation and keeps you and your family comfortable.
Whether you’re a Gulf Shores local or just visiting, The Laundry Lounge is here to help you tackle your post-beach laundry with ease. Our machines are built for the job, our facility is clean and welcoming, and our team is ready to assist. Let us take the hassle out of beach day laundry—so you can focus on making more memories in the sun.
Visit The Laundry Lounge Today
Your beachwear deserves better than being tossed into a corner or left to bake in your trunk. Bring it to The Laundry Lounge and experience the difference that professional equipment and a beach-savvy team can make. Fresh, clean, sand-free laundry is just a spin cycle away.
