The fashion company Lounge has offered tourists a number of tips that can help them keep their swimwear fresh during their holiday.

Whilst many holidaymakers will be sure to pack swimwear for their time away, the company warned that not washing or drying them correctly could lead to a dangerous buildup of bacteria.

Emily Blount, head of product at Lounge, noted that one of the best ways to keep swimwear clean is by thoroughly washing it after three or four uses.

She advised: “Each swimsuit will come with its own wash guidance, and it’s important that you follow this to maintain its quality – some, for example, can be washed in the washing machine (on a delicate cycle), whereas others must be washed by hand.

“For the most part, washing by hand is better when it comes to swimsuits as it’s much gentler and will increase its longevity. You should follow this process after every three or four wears where possible.”

Lounge also recommended that tourists give their swimwear a thorough rinse after every visit to the swimming pool or hot tub.

Doing so will help to wash off any remaining chlorine or salt from the water they were swimming in and can also remove any odours.

In particular, the company advised using cold water to rinse swimwear, which can help to preserve colour and prevent fading.

When drying swimwear whilst on holiday, Emily suggested that they should be hung up somewhere in the shade.

She added: “Allow your swimsuit to air-dry naturally, avoiding direct sunlight which could lead to the colours fading.

“Avoid drying your swimsuit in a tumble dryer as the high heat level could damage the elasticity and the fit of the piece.”

Finally, Emily highlighted that tourists who plan to use a hot tub regularly during their holiday should remember to pack multiple options.

She explained: “Whilst hot tubs may be relaxing, they can be terrible for your swimwear. If you’ve invested in some cute new pieces for your holiday, you may want to bring a backup option if you plan on going in a hot tub.

“The heat and chemicals can cause the colours to fade, and damage the elasticity of your swimwear.”