As fashion editors, we love shopping (go figure). And come summer — or a tropical getaway — you can bet that we've got our hands on a new bathing suit that is just waiting to get wet. Of course, getting good use out of our ultra-flattering beach uniform can also do a number on it. We're not saying that we're going to forgo taking an ocean dip to keep our suit looking new, just that we need to take care of it — and that starts with the proper cleaning. So we turned to Gwen Whiting, one-half of the cleaning dream team behind The Laundress, who let us in on how to wash swimsuits like a pro (FYI: These steps work for self-tanning and bronzer stains, as well).

Step #1: Rinse After Each Wear

Noticing some post-beach stains on your bathing suit? Most likely, sunscreen is to blame. "Sunscreen is a necessary evil — it stains, and it's hard to get out," Whiting says. "It's even harder to get the sunscreen out of swimsuits because they're made of synthetic materials, which love to grab, absorb, and not let go."

Her advice? "The very least you can do is rinse your suit at the end of the day," Whiting says. "Even if you drop it on the shower floor and let it sit while you shampoo and wash, that counts as a rinse. It's the super easy, lazy girl's way of getting the job done. If you don't rinse, stains build up and are harder to remove over time, like an armpit stain."

Step #2: Pre-Treat Stains

When you're ready to give your suit a proper wash, Whiting recommends pre-treating stain-prone areas first. Use a spot-treat solution — something like Pinch Provisions Stain Removing Towelettes ($9) — and work it into places that require more attention, like the straps, the ties, the edges along the top and bottom of a bandeau, and the waistband.

Step #3: Draw a Bath for Your Suit

"Use warm water and detergent — we like to use one capful of our Sport Detergent — but anyone with an enzyme ingredient will work," Whiting says. All Laundry Free Clear Eco Liquid Detergent ($18) will also do the trick.

Step #4: Swirl and Soak

"Use your hands to agitate the water and swirl your suit around, and let it soak for 30 minutes," instructs Whiting. If you're dealing with a tougher stain, you'll need to work harder scrubbing those areas with your spot treatment, she adds. "You have to soak it longer and re-wash your suit a couple of times."

Step #5: Rinse Again and Press Dry

Give your suit a final rinse and gently squeeze out excess water or roll it in a dry towel. Wringing and twisting can stress the fabric. And finally, Whiting says to let it air dry on a flat surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I wash my swimsuit in the washing machine?

  While it's recommended to wash your swimsuit by hand, if you're in a rush, check the product's tag for the manufacturer's washing instructions. If it says that it's okay to wash by machine, be sure to do so with similar colors and fabrics only and by using the gentle cycle. Also, consider placing your suit in a mesh laundry bag to prevent the fabric from catching onto something. And in case it's stained, remember to pre-treat the stain before placing it into the wash.

• How can I prolong my swimsuit?

  To keep your swimsuit in good shape, avoid overexposing it to heat and water since these may cause the fabric to stretch. Additionally, avoid drying out in the sun or on rough surfaces. The former will cause dyes to fade while the latter can snag and even stain your swimsuit.

• How can I wash a swimsuit naturally (i.e. without detergent)?

  You can clean your swimsuit with either distilled white vinegar or baking soda. Vinegar will both fight bacteria and act as a deodorizer. Soaking your suit in a solution of baking soda (about half a cup) and water will work to remove odors and brighten its colors.