A new term has emerged for swimmers who fail to wash their swimsuits between uses: 'filth spinners'. The label applies to those who rely solely on spin dryers at the pool to remove water, then wear the costume again without proper cleaning. This habit can spread germs and lead to infections, according to health experts.
What are 'filth spinners'?
The term describes swimmers who use the spin dryer after a swim but skip washing their swimsuit before wearing it again. On Reddit, user @zsloth79 admitted: 'Wait…you're supposed to wash them?' They added: 'Rinse it in the shower, toss it in the spinner if your pool has it, and air dry at home. I swim daily, and get about two years out of a suit.' Another user, @ricm5031, wrote: 'I never wash my suits. I just rinse them out when I shower after a swim, put them in the suit spinner and then hang them to dry when I get home.'
Health risks of unwashed swimsuits
Pharmacist and TV health expert Thorrun Govind told Metro that spin dryers are not designed to 'sterilise or clean your swimwear'. 'A swimsuit placed inside may still have traces of chlorine, sweat and skin cells,' she said. 'The inside of the dryer could also potentially accumulate bacteria over time if it's not cleaned and maintained properly, particularly because it's a damp environment. Bacteria tend to thrive in moisture.' Govind added that failing to wash swimsuits creates 'a lovely breeding ground for bacteria' and can lead to textile dermatitis or fungal infections like thrush.
Chloramines and pool hygiene
Dr Ross Perry previously told Metro that skipping a pre-swim shower carries 'more bacteria and debris into the water, which can potentially increase your exposure to irritants and reduce the effectiveness of the pool's sanitation system.' He explained: 'When sweat, urine traces, cosmetics, and personal care products mix with chlorine, they can also create chemical by-products known as chloramines. These are often responsible for the strong “chlorine smell” associated with pools and can cause red eyes, respiratory irritation, and skin discomfort in some individuals.'
Real-life consequences
Reddit user @gabawhee shared a personal experience: 'I had ringworm on my thigh... Now I realise I dried the shorts I swam in a few weeks ago in this and I'm starting to think if ringworm can survive on fabric for a week, that's where I got it.' Another user, @Rob_red, reported that their costume 'got stuff on it from something someone had in the machine prior.' A now-deleted account claimed people at their local pool were putting 'their sweaty a** gross underwear' in the spin dryer.
Proper swimsuit care
Govind advises rinsing swimsuits after use and letting them dry properly to prevent bacterial growth. 'Rinsing your costume after use and letting it dry properly helps keep it fresh and hygienic,' she said. 'If you don't wash your costume, you are creating a lovely breeding ground for bacteria. Plus, it will actually help it last longer.' Experts recommend washing swimsuits with mild detergent after each use and avoiding leaving damp costumes in bags, as 'warm, moist environments can allow bacteria to multiply.'
