How to wash lingerie is an important question for anyone who owns these delicate intimates. Lingerie encompasses all types of bras, panties, slips, babydolls, corsets and more worn close to the skin. Typically made of lightweight fabrics like silk, lace and lycra, lingerie requires special care when laundering to prevent damage, warping or tears.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the best practices for keeping your favorite lingerie pieces looking and feeling fabulous wash after wash. From handwashing to machine drying, consider this your ultimate guide to safely cleaning intimate apparel without causing harm. Let’s dive into everything you need to know when wondering how to properly wash lingerie!
Read Fabric Care Labels
The first step when washing lingerie is checking fabric content. Most intimates include clear care instructions on internal tags indicating safe cleaning methods.
Look for details on:
- Suggested wash temperatures
- Machine wash vs. handwash
- Drying recommendations
- Any warnings (e.g. non-chlorine bleach only)
Adhering to fabric care guidelines preserves the quality and appearance of all lingerie types. Overlooking this crucial first step when asking “how do I wash lingerie?” shortens their lifespan and causes premature damage.
Being aware of fabric content also prevents accidents. For example, natural silk and lace discolor when machine washed or dried improperly. Following individualized care instructions keeps delicate materials intact.
Handwash Fancier & Vintage Lingerie
When debating how to wash bras and underwear, opting for handwashing is gentler and safer for most materials. Even machine washable lingerie benefits from occasional TLC from hand laundering.
Handwashing lingerie is especially important for:
- Expensive or specialty pieces
- Intimates with lace, bows or rhinestone accents
- Fragile vintage or bridal lingerie
- Anything brightly colored or heavily printed
To handwash:
- Fill sink with cool water and mild detergent
- Gently move fabric to release dirt
- Drain dirty water, refill sink to rinse
- Lay flat on a towel to dry or hang
Going the handwash route whenever wondering “how should I clean my delicates?” prevents snags, tears or lost embellishments over time.
Use Mesh Bags for Machine Washing of Lingerie
Machine washing is appropriate for durable everyday lingerie labeled “machine washable.” Quick cycles using cool water and gentle detergent minimize abrasion.
To machine wash lingerie:
- Place inside a zippered mesh bag
- Use delicate or handwash cycle
- Wash with similar colors
- Allow to air dry on a drying rack
Mesh bags protect delicate fabrics from hooks, underwires and rough spinning actions during cleaning. Drip drying prevents heat damage that compromises elasticity prematurely.
With the right practices, machine washing safely extends the lifespan of your wardrobe when pondering “what’s the best way to wash lingerie?”
How to Wash Lingerie : Launder Each Bra Every 3-5 Wears
Perspiration, dead skin and dirt accumulation make frequent washing essential. But how often is enough?
Aim to wash bras:
- Every 3-5 wears for regular rotation pieces
- After every wear for strapless/backless bras
- When cups no longer feel smooth or appear dingy
For panties:
- Tossed in hamper after each wear is best
- If rewearing, handwash first is safest
Washing bras every few wears eliminates odor while preserving elasticity and structure. More frequent pantie washing prevents infection or irritation down under.
Establishing a consistent laundering routine makes maintaining cleanliness effortless so you spend less time googling “how often should I wash underwear and bras?”
Wash Using Non-Irritating Formulas
Harsh detergents lead to itchiness and skin reactions when worn for extended periods directly against bare skin.
Choose hypoallergenic options like:
- Fragrance-free liquid soaps
- Gentle cleaning powders formulas
- Natural castile soap bars
Skip options with dyes, artificial fragrances or excessive chemical additives. Stick to non-irritating cleaners free from potential allergens.
Disinfect Regularly
On top of day-to-day washing, deep cleaning lingerie routinely eliminates bacteria responsible for odors or infection.
Every 1-2 months:
- Soak in warm water with non-chlorine bleach
- Allow 30+ minutes for disinfecting
- Rinse twice before resuming normal wash routine
For quick disinfection between wears:
- Spritz hydrogen peroxide directly on intimates
- Allow to sit 5+ minutes before drying
Disinfecting powers help intimates feel fresh in between asking “what laundry products should I use on delicates?”
Line Dry or Tumble Dry Low
High temperatures during machine drying cause lingerie fibers to break down faster. Air drying is best, but tumble drying on cool is acceptable for some fabrics.
To line dry:
- Smooth out cups and bands
- Lay flat or hang delicate pieces
- Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading
If machine drying, use the delicate cycle with low heat. Remove immediately and reshape cups to prevent permanent creases once dry.
Making the effort to safely dry your unmentionables preserves their appearance wash after wash so you get your money’s worth from every bra, slip and corset in your top drawer.
| Wash Method | When to Use | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Handwashing | Vintage, lace or specialty lingerie | Gentle cleansing for delicates |
| Mesh Bag | Machine washable everyday lingerie | Protects fabric during washing |
| Line Drying | All lingerie types | Prevents heat damage & warping |
| Low Heat Drying | Robust, cotton-lined pieces only | Quick drying without high heat |
When in Doubt, Go Professional
Unsure about tackling something tricky like a custom corset or padded push-up bra at home? Seek out professional dry cleaning whenever in doubt. Garment experts properly treat stains, wash layers of padding and reshape structured pieces.
The investment offers peace of mind for expensive or cherished items requiring expertise beyond DIY methods.
Wrap Up
Caring for lingerie properly comes down to handwashing or machine washing based on fabric content using non-irritating cleansers. Disinfecting before visible build up occurs keeps intimates fresh. Drip drying prevents premature breakdown from heat alongside avoiding harsh detergents.
With the right techniques, keeping your favorite bras, slips and more looking pristine isn’t difficult. Implementing a consistent laundering schedule makes maintaining cleanliness effortless so you spend minimal time pondering how to wash delicate lingerie items.
What’s your best tip for safely cleaning specialty bras or vintage pieces at home? Share your top suggestions below!
