How to Wash Lingerie to Make It Last (A Step-by-Step Guide)

Introduction

You’ve invested in beautiful, supportive lingerie that makes you feel incredible. You’ve found the perfect fit, the most comfortable fabrics, and the styles that boost your confidence. But how you care for those pieces after you bring them home is just as important as the initial purchase. The wrong washing technique can destroy delicate lace, warp underwires, and shorten the lifespan of your favorite bra in a single cycle.

Properly washing your lingerie isn’t difficult, but it does require a gentler approach than throwing your jeans in the machine. Think of it as a small act of self-care that protects your investment and ensures your favorite pieces continue to support you for years to come.

In this simple, step-by-step guide, we’ll show you the best methods for washing your bras, panties, and other delicates to keep them looking and feeling brand new.

What You’ll Need:

• A Gentle, pH-Neutral Detergent: Regular laundry detergent is too harsh. Invest in a dedicated lingerie wash.
  • Our Top Pick: [Soak Wash](link na affiliate proizvod) – This no-rinse formula is a game-changer for hand washing.
• A Clean Sink or Basin: For hand washing.
• A Mesh Lingerie Bag: This is non-negotiable if you must use a machine.
• A Clean, Fluffy Towel: For drying.
• A Drying Rack or Hangers: For air drying.

The Gold Standard: Hand Washing (Recommended Method)

This is the gentlest and most effective way to preserve your lingerie. It only takes about 15 minutes!

• Step 1: Fill Your Basin. Fill a clean sink or basin with cool to lukewarm water. Hot water can damage delicate fabrics and elastic.
• Step 2: Add Detergent. Add a small amount of your gentle lingerie wash and swish the water to create a light lather.
• Step 3: Submerge and Soak. Submerge your lingerie in the water. Gently squeeze the items to help the soapy water penetrate the fabric. Let them soak for at least 15-30 minutes. For heavily soiled items, you can soak for up to an hour.
• Step 4: Gently Agitate. After soaking, gently swirl the items around in the water. You can softly rub the fabric against itself to clean any specific spots, but avoid aggressive scrubbing.
• Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly. Drain the soapy water and refill the basin with cool, clean water. Rinse your lingerie until the water runs clear and there are no more suds. (If using a no-rinse wash like Soak, you can skip this step!)
• Step 6: Remove Excess Water. Never wring or twist your lingerie! This is the fastest way to damage underwires and stretch out fabric. Instead, gently squeeze the water out, then lay the item flat on a clean, thick towel. Roll the towel up with the lingerie inside and press firmly to absorb most of the moisture.

If You Must Use a Washing Machine (The Safe Way)

We get it, life is busy. If you absolutely must use a machine, follow these rules religiously.

• Step 1: Clasp All Hooks. Before you do anything, fasten the hook-and-eye closures on your bras. This prevents them from snagging on delicate lace or other items.
• Step 2: Use a Mesh Lingerie Bag. Place your bras and any very delicate panties into a mesh laundry bag. This protects them from getting tangled, stretched, or snagged by other items in the wash. Don’t overfill the bag.
• Step 3: Wash with Similar Items. Only wash your lingerie with other delicates and lightweight items (like t-shirts or pajamas). Never, ever wash your bras with heavy items like towels, jeans, or sweatshirts.
• Step 4: Choose the Right Settings. Use the Delicates or Hand Wash cycle on your machine. The water temperature should be set to Cold. Use your gentle lingerie detergent.

How to Dry Your Lingerie (The #1 Golden Rule)

This is the most important part of the entire process.

NEVER, EVER PUT YOUR LINGERIE IN THE DRYER.

The high heat of a machine dryer is the number one killer of bras and underwear. It will:

• Melt and warp the underwire.
• Destroy the elasticity in the bands and straps.
• Cause pilling and damage to delicate fabrics like lace and microfiber.
• Shrink the garment.

The Correct Way to Dry:

• Reshape First: After you’ve removed excess water with a towel, gently reshape the cups of your bras with your hands.
• Hang or Lay Flat: You have two great options:
  1. Hang to Dry: Drape the bra by the center gore (the part between the cups) over a drying rack or hanger. Avoid hanging it by the straps, as the weight of the wet bra can stretch them out over time.
  2. Lay Flat to Dry: Lay the lingerie flat on a clean towel or a mesh drying rack.

Let them air dry completely. This may take a few hours, but it will add years to the life of your lingerie.

Quick Lingerie Care Tips

• How often should I wash my bra? You don’t need to wash it after every single wear. A good rule of thumb is after every 3-4 wears, unless you’ve been sweating heavily.
• Rotate Your Bras: Avoid wearing the same bra two days in a row. Giving the elastic a day or two to rest and recover will help it last much longer.
• How to Store Bras: Don’t fold your bras in half by tucking one cup into the other! This will permanently dent and damage moulded cups. Instead, lay them flat in a drawer or hang them on hangers.