You are packing for a trip and throw in your favorite swimsuit. It is soft, fits well, and looks great. You are already imagining that first soak under the steam. Then someone tells you, almost like a warning, “Just so you know, the water might stain your suit.”
And now it is in the back of your mind.
So let us clear things up.
Hot springs are full of minerals, and that is what makes them special
Some hot springs are clear. Others are cloudy, greenish, blue, or even slightly orange. That is because the water picks up minerals from deep underground—sulfur, iron, calcium, and more. These minerals are great for your skin and joints. But they can sometimes cling to fabric, especially light-colored ones.
If the spring has a strong smell or a cloudy look, chances are it has more minerals. That is not a bad thing. It just means your swimsuit might pick up some of that experience too.
Will it ruin your swimsuit?
Not really. But it might change it a little. A white or pale pink suit might come out with a yellow tint. A crisp light blue might soften to something warmer. Most of the time it is subtle, and many people do not even notice. But if you are someone who really loves your swimwear the way it is, it is worth thinking about.
So what should you wear?
If you are visiting a spring known for its strong water, go with a swimsuit you like—but maybe not one you are deeply attached to. Darker colors tend to hold up better. Fabrics made for regular swim training or long wear are also more likely to last through multiple soaks without changing much.
Some travelers have a “hot spring suit” they bring just for trips like this. It is usually something that is comfy, simple, and already familiar.
After soaking, take a minute to care for it
As soon as you can, rinse your swimsuit in clean, cool water. No scrubbing, no wringing. Just a gentle rinse and then lay it flat to dry, somewhere out of the sun. That alone can make a big difference in how long it lasts.
And if it does change a little?
It just means your swimsuit came along for the adventure. That soft yellow tint? That is from a spring that left you feeling weightless. That faded seam? Maybe it is from the rocks you leaned against while watching the steam drift up into the trees.
In the end, it is not about keeping everything perfect. It is about what it meant to be there.
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