When it comes to washing your lingerie and undergarments, things can get tricky. This is where delicate fibers come to play: lace, satin, silk - you name it. Folks can often feel apprehensive about how to wash lingerie as these pieces often are made up of delicate fabric and intricate details. Not to mention, lingerie can be fairly expensive. Let’s not put a damper on your evening with a ruined negligee. Read below for the best tips for how to wash lingerie and lingerie care.
How to Wash Lingerie
While lingerie is delicate, lingerie care is easier than you may think! Before washing, be sure to check the garment’s care label for any specific instructions. Many items will specify hand wash or cold water only, so be sure to take a look before throwing your intimates in with the rest of your laundry. Looking for more specific instructions than on the care label? Read on to learn how to clean lingerie.
How To Wash Bras
First, let’s address a controversial topic: how often should you wash your bras? Most experts agree that bras should be washed every 3-4 wears. A general rule is that you should never wear the same bra two days in a row, because elastic needs time to reshape. Have a rotation of a few bras, and give each one at least 24 hours to recover before wearing it again. With proper rotation, bras can last several wears between washes. We highly recommend that you hand wash your bras in order to preserve their shape, elasticity, and longevity. Bras that contain underwire shaping should definitely be washed by hand, because the wires can break if twisted too much. See below for step by step instructions for how to hand wash lingerie.
How to Wash Bras by Hand
- Fill a clean sink or basin with cold to room temperature water.
- Add 1-2 pumps of Ultra Concentrated Detergent to the water. If the bra is made of silk or another natural material, we recommend using our Ultra Concentrated Sensitive Skin Detergent, which is enzyme free and gentle on delicate fabrics.
- Soak the bra for a few minutes in the soapy water, then gently work the suds through the material. Be careful not to tug or twist the fabric!
- Rinse with cool water.
- Roll the bra in a towel and then press firmly to remove excess water.
- Lay flat to dry.
How to Wash Bras in the Washing Machine
While it is best to hand wash your bras, sometimes you just need to throw a bra in the washing machine (don’t worry, we don’t judge!). If you do decide to machine wash your bras, we suggest the following tips.
- Hook the bra together to avoid snagging it on other clothing and then toss it in a mesh bag. Lingerie wash bags protect your delicate undergarments from snagging on the buttons and zippers of other clothes, getting tied up in sleeves, or the interior of the washing machine.
- Set your machine to the delicate or cool water cycle. Hot water can break down fabrics and elastics!
- Use a gentle detergent like our Sensitive Skin Laundry Detergent. Mild detergents can protect the delicate fibers from damage.
- Never use chlorine bleach in the wash. If you are looking for extra whitening and brightening, try a chlorine free bleach alternative like our Oxi Booster Pods.
- Be sure to separate your colors to prevent your bras from turning grey and dingy.
- Air dry away from direct heat and out of direct sunlight! Putting your intimates in the dryer sets stains and can cause them to shrink and yellow.
How to Wash Underwear
Most of us wash our underwear with the rest of our clothes, but those special pairs may need some special care. If panties are particularly sheer or ornate, hand wash using the directions above. If they are regular nylon or silk panties, machine wash with a gentle detergent, like our Sensitive Skin Laundry Detergent. Use warm water and a cold rinse for the best clean!
How to Wash Other Delicate Items
Now you know all about washing lingerie–but what about those other delicate items, like robes and stockings?
All legwear, like stockings, pantyhose, and tights, need to be washed by hand. Add a gentle detergent to a clean sink or basin of cold water, then let the legwear soak for at least 30 minutes. Once they are clean, rinse in cold water. After rinsing, wrap the items in a towel to absorb excess moisture, then hang to dry.
Items like robes and nightgowns can be washed in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with similar items. Never overload the washer or mesh bag if you’re using one, as this can lead to a poor clean and excessive wrinkles in the fabric. Give items plenty of room to move! It’s smart to also avoid washing lingerie with lint-producing fabrics such as terry cloth or fleece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions about washing lingerie? We’ve got answers.
What's the best way to avoid having all my light colored underwear turn grey and dingy?
The easiest way to keep your light colored underwear light is to separate your colors and your fibers and wash accordingly. Not every fabric can be treated the same way, and super dark overdyed jeans have been known to bleed onto lighter fabrics. Keep your colors looking your best by washing lights and whites in a separate wash load, or by hand washing them. If a pair does get mixed in with the rest of your wash, don’t panic! Wash them with an Oxi Booster Pod to restore them to their light and bright selves.
How to Hand Wash Lingerie
Washing lingerie by hand requires a delicate touch, but the process is simple.
- Fill a clean sink or basin with cold to room temperature water.
- Add 1-2 pumps of Ultra Concentrated Detergent to the water. If the garment is made of silk or another natural material, we recommend using our Ultra Concentrated Sensitive Skin Detergent, which is enzyme free and gentle on delicate fabrics.
- Soak the item for a few minutes in the soapy water, then gently work the suds through the material. Be careful not to tug or twist the fabric!
- Rinse with cool water.
- Roll the item in a towel and then press firmly to remove excess water.
- Lay flat to dry.
How to Wash Lace Lingerie
Lace lingerie brings the term “delicates” to the next level! We recommend washing lace garments by hand with cold water and a delicate laundry detergent. Be sure to be extra careful not to pull or tug the fabric, as lace can tear easily.