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How to Wash Summer Clothes the Right Way: A Complete Guide for Providence, RI

May. 29, 2025
Beach Laundry Shutterstock 2304571643

Keep your summer wardrobe fresh, clean, and ready for everything the Ocean State has to offer.

Summer in Providence means WaterFire nights, trips to Narragansett Beach, and plenty of time outdoors enjoying Rhode Island’s charm. But with all that sun, salt, and sweat, your clothes can quickly take a hit. Whether you’re strolling Thayer Street or kayaking on the Seekonk River, your summer wardrobe needs proper care to stay fresh and long-lasting.

Here’s your local guide to laundering summer clothes the right way—plus how to save time with our Providence laundry pickup and delivery service.

1. Sort by Color and Fabric—Especially After Beach Days
Summer clothing tends to feature lighter colors and breezy fabrics like cotton, linen, and rayon. In humid New England weather, sweat and saltwater can stain or weaken these materials fast. Separate whites, brights, and delicates to avoid discoloration and damage.

2. Pre-Treat Local Stains (Yes, Even Del’s Lemonade!)
From iced coffee spills at Bolt to mustard from a hot dog at a PawSox game, summer in Providence means food—and stains. Use a gentle stain remover or baking soda paste to pre-treat before washing. Sweat and sunscreen stains? Rinse ASAP and avoid bleach, which can worsen discoloration.

3. Use Cold Water to Preserve Fabrics
Cold water is best for washing summer clothes, especially in Rhode Island’s humid climate. It helps prevent shrinking and keeps your linens, tees, and swimwear vibrant after multiple washes.

4. Be Gentle with Delicates
If you're rocking local summer staples like breezy sundresses or vintage finds from The Arcade, protect those delicate pieces with the gentle cycle and mesh laundry bags. Hang drying is ideal to avoid damage from high dryer heat.

5. Care for Your Swimwear After Newport or Narragansett Trips
Rinse your swimsuit in cool water immediately after hitting the beach or pool. Hand wash with gentle detergent and air-dry flat to keep elastic from stretching out in the summer heat.

6. Air Dry in the Shade, Not the Sun
Rhode Island sunshine is great—but harsh UV rays can fade clothes fast. Hang items outside in a shaded area, or indoors near a window for faster drying without the damage.

Live in Providence? Let City Bubbles Handle Your Summer Laundry
Between weekend trips to Block Island, events in Downtown PVD, and those extra humid August days, laundry piles up fast. Our Providence laundry pickup and delivery service makes it easy. We’ll pick up your laundry, wash, dry, and fold everything exactly to your preferences—and return it within 48 hours.

Whether you're a busy student, working professional, or family on the go, we’ll keep your summer wardrobe fresh, clean, and ready for whatever’s next.

Schedule your laundry pick up today—laundry in Providence has never been easier.