How to Wash & Care for Spandex Fabric: Keep Your Stretch Garments Like New

January 30, 2026

How to Wash & Care for Spandex Fabric: The Complete Guide

Spandex (elastane/lycra) is a remarkable fiber that gives your garments stretch, comfort, and shape. But it's also sensitive to heat, chemicals, and rough handling. Proper care can double or triple the lifespan of your stretch garments — whether they're made from nylon spandex, cotton spandex, or any stretch blend.

Understanding Spandex Fiber

Before diving into care instructions, it helps to understand what spandex actually is. Spandex is a synthetic elastic fiber made from polyurethane. It can stretch up to 500% of its resting length and recover to its original shape. This elasticity is what makes it essential for swimwear, activewear, and fitted clothing.

However, spandex fibers break down when exposed to:

Heat — high temperatures permanently damage elastic fibers
Chlorine — degrades spandex over repeated exposure
Oils & lotions — body oils and sunscreen weaken fibers
Bleach — destroys spandex instantly
Rough agitation — excessive friction damages fiber structure

How to Wash Spandex Fabric

Machine Washing (Recommended for Most Garments)

Turn garments inside out — protects the outer surface from friction
Use a mesh laundry bag — prevents stretching and snagging in the wash
Cold water only — warm/hot water degrades spandex fibers
Gentle or delicate cycle — minimal agitation preserves elasticity
Mild detergent — avoid bleach, fabric softener, and harsh chemicals
Don't overload — give stretch garments room to move freely

Hand Washing (Best for Swimwear)

Fill a basin with cool water
Add a small amount of mild detergent or specialty swimwear wash
Submerge the garment and gently swish for 1-2 minutes
Don't twist, wring, or scrub
Rinse thoroughly with cool water until soap-free
Press water out gently — roll in a towel to absorb excess

What NOT to Do

Never use bleach — it destroys spandex fibers on contact
Never use fabric softener — coats fibers and reduces stretch recovery
Never use hot water — breaks down elastane permanently
Never soak for long periods — prolonged soaking weakens fibers

How to Dry Spandex

Air Drying (Best Method)

Air drying is always the safest option for spandex:

Lay flat on a clean, dry towel (best for swimwear)
Hang on a padded hanger (for shirts, dresses)
Dry away from direct sunlight (UV degrades spandex)
Never wring or twist to remove water

Machine Drying

If you must use a dryer:

Tumble dry on LOW or no-heat only
Remove promptly — don't leave sitting in the dryer
Never use high heat — it permanently damages elasticity

Important: Nylon spandex garments (swimwear, activewear) should ALWAYS be air dried. Cotton spandex can tolerate tumble dry low, but air drying extends its life significantly.

Stain Removal

Common Stains & Solutions

Sunscreen & Body Oil:

Apply a drop of dish soap directly to the stain
Gently rub with fingertips
Let sit 15 minutes, then wash in cold water

Chlorine Residue (White Marks):

Rinse immediately after swimming in cold water
Soak in a solution of 1 tbsp white vinegar per quart of cool water
Wash gently and air dry

Deodorant Marks:

Rub gently with a damp cloth
If stubborn, apply white vinegar and let sit 30 minutes
Wash normally in cold water

General Rule: Always treat stains before washing. Heat from the dryer can set stains permanently.

Special Care: Swimwear

Swimwear takes the most abuse from chlorine, saltwater, and sunscreen. Follow these extra steps:

Rinse immediately after every swim — even if just with clean water
Don't sit on rough surfaces in wet swimwear (concrete, wooden benches)
Rotate swimsuits — let spandex "rest" 24-48 hours between wears to recover
Never put in a washing machine regularly — hand wash swimwear whenever possible
Don't store wet — always dry completely before storing

Storage Tips

Fold, don't hang — hanging stretches out spandex garments over time
Store in a cool, dark place — heat and light degrade elastic fibers
Don't compress tightly — give garments room to retain their shape
Keep away from rough fabrics — velcro, denim, etc. can snag spandex
Avoid plastic bags — they trap moisture and can cause mildew

How Long Does Spandex Last?

With proper care, you can expect:

Garment Type	Expected Lifespan	With Proper Care
Swimwear	3-6 months (heavy use)	1-2 years
Activewear	6-12 months	2-3 years
Everyday stretch clothing	1-2 years	3-5 years
Dance/performance wear	1 season	2-3 seasons

The biggest factor in spandex longevity is avoiding heat. If you do nothing else, always wash cold and skip the dryer.

Care for Uncut Fabric

If you've purchased nylon spandex or cotton spandex fabric by the yard and want to store it before sewing:

Keep rolled on the bolt or loosely folded
Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight
Avoid stacking heavy items on top
Pre-wash before cutting — this removes sizing and allows for any shrinkage

For more fabric guides and sewing tips, explore our complete fabric buying guide or browse all fabrics at EOVEA Fabric.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I iron spandex fabric?

Generally, avoid ironing spandex. If wrinkles are an issue, use a steamer on the lowest setting held 6 inches away from the fabric. For cotton spandex blends, you can iron on the lowest heat with a pressing cloth.

Why is my spandex losing its stretch?

The most common cause is heat damage — either from hot water washing, high-heat drying, or both. Chemical exposure (bleach, fabric softener) also degrades spandex. Once elasticity is lost, it cannot be restored.

How do I remove chlorine smell from swimwear?

Soak the swimsuit in a solution of 2 tablespoons white vinegar per quart of cool water for 30 minutes. Then hand wash with mild detergent and air dry completely.

Is it safe to dry clean spandex?

Most spandex garments should NOT be dry cleaned. The chemicals used in dry cleaning can damage elastic fibers. Always check the garment's care label, but hand washing or machine washing cold is almost always preferred.