Swim gear — goggles, swim caps, and swimsuits — spends its functional life in chlorinated or open water environments, but the gear itself needs specific care between swims that most swimmers never think about. Improperly maintained swim gear both degrades faster and can harbor bacteria and mold that contact skin and eyes during the next use.
Goggles: The Overlooked Hygiene Item
Goggle interiors contact the delicate skin around the eyes directly, and the enclosed, moist environment inside a goggle case between swims creates conditions for bacterial and mold growth. Rinse goggles with fresh water after every pool session to remove chlorine residue, which degrades silicone gaskets and seals over time beyond any hygiene concern.
Allow goggles to fully air dry before returning them to their case — packing damp goggles into an enclosed case is the same moisture-trapping problem discussed throughout our gear care content, just on a smaller and more eye-adjacent scale.
Swim Caps
Silicone and latex swim caps should be rinsed with fresh water after each use and allowed to air dry fully before storage. A light dusting of talc-free powder on latex caps before storage prevents them from sticking to themselves, extending their usable life.
Swimsuits: Chlorine's Double Effect
Chlorine degrades swimsuit fabric and elastic over time, but rinsing suits promptly after swimming significantly extends their functional life. Rinse in cool fresh water immediately after swimming, before the chlorine has extended contact time with the fabric while damp.
Avoid wringing out swimsuits, which stresses the fabric and elastic fibers. Gently squeeze out excess water and lay flat to dry rather than hanging, which can stretch the fabric under its own wet weight.
Post-Swim Skin and Gear Sequence
The complete post-swim routine addresses both skin and gear simultaneously. Rinse gear in fresh water immediately upon exiting the pool, before heading to the shower. Shower with our Tea Tree Antibacterial Bar Soap as detailed in our chlorine and swimming skin care content, addressing the chlorine residue and microbiome disruption that pool exposure produces. Complete gear drying at home — goggles, cap, and suit all laid out separately rather than left bundled together in a wet swim bag.
Open Water Swim Gear
Wetsuits used for open water and triathlon swimming require different care than pool gear — rinse thoroughly with fresh water to remove salt or lake water residue, and store fully dry and away from direct sunlight, which degrades neoprene over time. The friction points at neck, wrist, and ankle discussed in our open water swimming content benefit from the same natural soap attention given to any other friction-prone skin area after use.
Beyond Clean, Beyond Ordinary.