DIY Swim Spray to Neutralize Chlorine
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This DIY swim spray helps remove chlorine from skin and hair after swimming. Made with vitamin C, this simple after-swim spray neutralizes chlorine quickly and helps reduce dryness, irritation, and that lingering pool smell.
If you or your kids spend time in chlorinated pools, this easy homemade chlorine neutralizing spray can help protect skin and hair with just a few inexpensive ingredients.
Summer is a time for fun in the sun and fun in the water, which can mean a lot of time at the pool. However, it also means more exposure to chlorine, which isn't so great.
Thankfully, with this easy DIY Swim Spray, you can neutralize some of that chlorine and give yourself more peace of mind regarding your family's health.
We live by a community pool and our boys took swim lessons there for a few years. They were required to shower after leaving the pool, and while I was glad about that, I didn't want my boys using the toxic shampoo at the pool, so I sent them with safer options.
However, I have noticed that the chlorine smell still lingered on them, even after their sometimes prolific showering.
I found out that shampoo and other cleaning products don't wash chlorine off the skin, and that's when we started making this super easy homemade swim spray.
Where Chlorine Exposure Happens (Pools, Showers, and Tap Water)
Chlorine is something that we're all exposed to. It's in our tap water, in bleach used for disinfecting around the home by some, and of course it's used heavily in most swimming pools. If you have the privilege of frequenting a salt pool, your exposure to chlorine can be less, but even that's not guaranteed to be the case.
Clearly, it has its place. I mean, who wants to swim in a pool where some kid might have done something, plus there are all kinds of other things in our water that we don't want on our body or in our drinking water.
However, chlorine in and of itself has health risks.
We all know how when you spend too much time in a chlorinated pool, you tend to have some irritation like red eyes and possibly a rash.
However, the health implications go beyond that.
Health Concerns Related to Chlorine Exposure
Chlorine can:
– dry out hair
– cause breathing problems
– cause dental erosion
– dry out skin
– cause stillbirths (from byproducts of chlorinated water)
– cause bladder cancer
– lead to rectal cancer
– cause cardiovascular disease
– cause allergies due to sensitization
How This DIY Swim Spray Works
- Vitamin C neutralizes chlorine on skin and hair
- Helps reduce chlorine smell after swimming
- May help prevent dry hair and skin from pool exposure
- Takes less than 2 minutes to make
How Vitamin C Neutralizes Chlorine
Vitamin C neutralizes chlorine by converting it to other things via a chemical reaction. In this case, vitamin C donates electrons to chlorine compounds, reducing them into harmless substances like hydrochloric acid and water. Then the vitamin C is oxidized into dehydroascorbic acid (DHA). This chemical reaction is called oxidation-reduction (redox) and it's a very fast and effective reaction.
Vitamin C is used to neutralize chlorine in water systems. It's safe for aquatic animals, and it's also safe for you to use on your skin and hair.
While it won't address chlorine that's been inhaled or absorbed beyond the skin, it can certainly help remove some of the problem.
What This Spray Can and Can’t Do
This DIY swim spray can help neutralize chlorine on the surface of the skin and hair after swimming. However, it’s important to know that it isn’t a complete solution to chlorine exposure.
Chlorine exposure in pools happens through:
- breathing chlorinated air above the water
- absorption through the skin while swimming
- exposure to chlorine byproducts formed in pool water
This spray simply helps remove some of the chlorine that remains on the skin and hair after you leave the pool. While that can help reduce irritation, dryness, chlorine odor, and addresses some of the toxicity issues involved, it doesn’t prevent all potential exposure.
Showering, limiting time in heavily chlorinated pools, and swimming in well-maintained pools are other things you can do to reduce chlorine exposure.
Not all products actually remove chlorine from skin and hair. Many soaps only wash the surface but don’t neutralize chlorine. Here's how common chlorine removal methods compare.
|
Chlorine Removal Method |
Removes Chlorine? |
How It Works |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Regular Shampoo |
❌ No |
Cleans oil and dirt |
Chlorine smell often remains |
|
Soap or Body Wash |
❌ No |
Cleans surface oil |
Does not neutralize chlorine |
|
Baking Soda Rinse (see baking soda uses) |
⚠️ Partially |
Helps deodorize |
Doesn't chemically neutralize chlorine |
|
DIY Swim Spray |
✅ Yes |
Neutralizes chlorine chemically |
Fast and effective |
|
After-Swim Commercial Products |
✅ Usually |
Often contains vitamin C |
More expensive |
As you can see, most soaps and shampoos don’t actually remove chlorine—they mainly clean oils. Vitamin C works differently by chemically neutralizing chlorine.
Does Showering Remove Chlorine?
Showering alone does not fully remove chlorine from skin and hair. Soap and shampoo mostly remove oils and dirt, but chlorine binds to proteins in hair and skin. Neutralizing it with vitamin C is needed to help remove chlorine more effectively.
Supplies for This Spray
Vitamin C
Two kinds of Vitamin C neutralize chlorine: sodium ascorbate and ascorbic acid.
While either version of vitamin C will work for this after swim spray, there are several reasons why sodium ascorbate is the better choice here.
First, ascorbic acid is more acidic, so it can lead to irritation, especially when used often.
Secondly, sodium ascorbate dissolves much more readily than ascorbic acid so it's a bit easier to use.
Bottles
Plastic is the best choice to prevent any breakage around the pool area where bare feet could end up with painful slivers in them, but make sure to choose a high-quality plastic bottle so that the optional essential oils and vitamin C won't be likely to cause leaching of the plastic.
Light will cause the vitamin C to degrade so tinted bottles are best.
Tips for Using Vitamin C Swim Spray
- Shake Before Using: Ensures ingredients are well-mixed.
- Make Small Batches: With time, the solution will degrade, so it's best to only make the amount you will likely use within a few days to a week.
Storage
- Use Dark Glass or Plastic Bottles: Again, this will protect the solution from exposure to light which causes it to lose effectiveness.
- Store in a Cool, Dark Place: Keep away from heat and sunlight, again to help it not lose effectiveness. Storing this spray in a dark bottle in the fridge is a good option.
How to Use This DIY Swim Spray
- Spray generously on skin and hair after leaving the pool.
- Let sit for 30–60 seconds so the vitamin C can neutralize chlorine.
- Rinse with fresh water or shower.
- Repeat if chlorine smell remains.
Optional: spray directly onto hair before rinsing to help reduce chlorine damage.
FAQ
Does vitamin C really remove chlorine?
Yes. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid or sodium ascorbate) neutralizes chlorine through a redox reaction that converts chlorine into harmless compounds.
Can I use this spray on hair?
Yes. It can be sprayed directly on hair before rinsing to help reduce chlorine damage and dryness.
Is this safe for kids?
Yes. The ingredients are very gentle, but you should avoid spraying directly into the eyes.
How long does vitamin C spray last?
Vitamin C breaks down when exposed to light and air. For best effectiveness, make small batches and use within about a week.
DIY Swim Spray for Neutralizing Chlorine
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup filtered water (see my recommendations on How to Filter Water here)
- 1/2 teaspoon powdered sodium ascorbate
- A quality Glass Bottle or quality Plastic Bottle
Instructions
- Using a funnel, add water to a glass bottle or stable plastic spray bottle.
- Add the sodium ascorbate.
- Put lid on bottle and shake to combine.
- After swimming, spray the solution all over, including on hair.
- Rub the vitamin c spray into your skin and massage your hair to cover as much of your skin and hair as possible.
- Shower as usual.
Notes
- Shake Before Using: Ensure ingredients are well-mixed.
- Make Small Batches: With time, the solution will degrade, so it's best to only make the amount you will likely use within a few days to a week.
Don't Feel Like DIYing?
This recipe is so simple to make, but Rowe Casa makes a great Swim Spray that's similar to this recipe, but with added essential oils.
Have you ever used an After Swim Spray to neutralize chlorine?
really love the swim spray.chlorine is a big issue with me ,it really makes me itch! when i try to sleep at night after swimming ,its hard to go to sleep because of the itching. Iwas buying rose hip oil (very expensive).
So glad to hear how this is helping your skin–AND your wallet :)! Hurrah! Chlorine is so not good for you – your skin was telling you ;).
I’m much enjoying this recipe, and I use it every morning. I do have a question. How long does the After swim spray stay viable? I use it rather quickly, so I’m inclined to make 2 or 3 cups or more at a time. If I keep it for a month will it still neutralize Chlorine?
So far it works well for me so I use it on my hair, heels, nails, fingers and shoulders. Issues with all of them have turned around, and I’m very thankful.
Hi there. I’m so glad you like it and wow…that’s so interesting about your results. What are you noticing turning around?
I don’t know how long it will last–some sources online say 1-2 days, others say that it might lessen effectiveness after that and that store bought sprays are more stable, but many / most store bought sprays have the same ingredients, so I don’t know what to say about that. I think if it’s working for you and not smelling off then you should be OK but please use your best judgement.
The main issue was my cracked heels, but brittle fingernails and skin problems on my fingertips were also bothering me. My hair was often stiff after swimming as well. Also my shoulders would be very itchy, and my wife tells me I had a rash on my shoulders.
To be fair, I can’t be certain it’s all about the spray because I’m doing other things too. I use before swim and after swim lotion on my heels and I spray my hair down before and after my swim, with this spray. I do believe it helps, and I will continue until I see evidence otherwise.
All that has improved and I’ve not noticed a smell or reduction in effectiveness yet. I’m making 2 cup batches, so I’ll know soon if the spray gets gamey or weak. I hope not, since mixing it up every couple days wouldn’t work for me.
All the best,
Steve
How interesting. Yes, could be from the chlorine and could be that the vitamin c is acting like a great antioxidant in those areas for you. I’m so glad to hear this! Thanks for taking the time to share! Would be interesting to know how you end up with your experiment as far as shelf life goes :).
Would love an update on how long it’s been lasting for you if possible. Thanks so much!
I had never even heard of swim spray. But, since I have been thinking of adding swimming as a form of exercise as soon as I am able (get other health concerns taken care of) I will be sure to try it then.
I hope you get there sooner rather than later! I suffered through a lot—here’s a bit of my / our story. I’m here if you want to reach out – perhaps I can help. {adrienne at wholenewmom dot com}
My teen daughter-who is a competitive swimmer- loves this spray. Chlorine causes her skin to break out in a rash, so getting it off with a DIY spray is great & economical. I haven’t tried it with the essential oils- we avoid lavender as it has an estrogen effect on the body which we need to avoid. I may have to try the frankincense!
Hi there – I’m so glad to hear that this is a help for you! About the lavender, that’s a complicated topic. Can you tell me where you got that information because I followed that for awhile in detail and even Robert Tisserand says that it’s not the case. There was another study done later as well that I believe showed that it wasn’t an issue. One thing to keep in mind is that the 3 case studies that started this whole thing were 3 people who weren’t using the oil per se (and if they were–was it pure?) but they were using commercial personal care products with the “oil” in it–so it could have been other ingredients in there that caused the problem. Let me know – I have more thoughts.
is there a time limit on how long after chlorine exposure the spray would be effective for? I’m asking because my children participate in swimming 10-11AM at daycare four days a week and I pick them up at 3:00 and have been giving them a scrub down with soap and water at that time (Honest Company soap). Daycare is already finding us “extra” about other things so I wondered if it would still be effective if we sprayed them with the Vit C spray at home and rubbed it in prior to washing or if it has to be directly after the chlorine exposure.
Thank you!
It has to be after the chlorine exposure. They should be considering using this on all of the kids. Maybe show them the post. We can wake people up one person at a time. Hugs.
What If I don’t have a way to filter my water??
Hi there. Do you mean to get the chlorine out of your house’s water?
Adrienne, I bought Swimspray online about 3 months ago and have been using it 3 times a week.
I have also bought sodium ascorbate and distilled water to make my own when I use up the other.
I just recently noticed that most of the hair on my arms is gone and my hair is thinning.
Would the Vit C be the cause or is it the chlorine?
Hi there. Sorry that is happening to you. I can’t imagine it’s from the vitamin C. I would think that the chlorine could cause hair loss. Have you looked online for more information?
Can I use reverse osmosis water?
RO is very clean – I used to use that. One concern is that it doesn’t have minerals in it. https://wholenewmom.com/whole-new-budget/how-to-make-your-drinking-water-safe/
Hope it works well for you!
Thanks for the useful article. I have been suffering from rashes and itchiness for years because of chlorine. I have tried hydrating creams and cortisone cream. That helps, but the best solution is just get the chlorine off of my skin.
I wanted to mention that SwimSpray Chlorine removal spray that you provided the link to Amazon for contains both Sodium Ascorbate and Ascorbic Acid. So, I am not convinced that it is necessary to avoid using vitamin C in the form of Ascorbic Acid.
The upside of that point is thatVitamin C tablets that contain Sodium Ascorbate and Ascorbic Acid can be bought at the local pharmacy for a lot cheaper that pure Sodium Ascorbate powder. I tried it on my swimsuit and it got rid of the chlorine smell. I also noted that the vitamin C tablets dissolved well in water in about an hour.
I suggest throwing about a teaspoon’s worth of vitamin C tablets into a bottle containing about a cup of water on arrival at the pool. After swimming, rub the solution on your hair and body. Then take your normal shower with soap and shampoo.
Thanks for the thoughtful comment! I don’t think ascorbic has to be avoided–I just gave a few reasons why one might want to use sodium ascorbate instead.
Good idea about the tablets!
I have stainless steel spray bottles at home. Is there any reason I wouldn’t want to use one of those?
Also very how often would you recommend re making this?
Thank you!!
I think that should be OK. I’m reading various things about metal and vitamin C, but I think it should be OK. One place said no, but I am guessing it’s fine. Sorry I don’t know for sure!
Can you use calcium ascorbate for this?
I haven’t read that this will work.
Hi! Thank you for this post. It came just in time for my son’s 2 week swim lessons. I’ve been using just the sodium ascorbate and water mixture, but want to add emulsified essential oils. How much polysorbate 20 would you add to this recipe to ensure the oils emulsify?
I’ve been making this batch every other day so I guarantee potency: 2TBSP water + 1/8 tsp sodium ascorbate. [This lasts about 2 days for my 5 yr olds body. :)]
Hi and you are so welcome! I am not a master formulator, but my understanding is that you use a 1:1 amount of oil with emulsifier. I hope that helps!
Adrienne, what happens if you use too much powder you mentioned “another problem”. It that important to not make the solution strong?
I’m just thinking it could be irritating possibly. I don’t think it’s a big concern actually so I just removed that from the post. Thanks for the heads up and the good question!