How to Wash Bras, Lingerie, and Delicates by Hand or Machine
Valerie Mekki
Bras and underwear are the essential pieces in your wardrobe that get the most use, so they deserve a little TLC (tender loving care). Most lingerie is made of stretchy fibers that can lose their elasticity and shape over time, but with proper washing and drying, you can help keep them last longer and look new. Learning how to wash your bras and underwear is a well-worthy task not only to treat your delicates but can also help to keep your corsets and reusable sticky bras clean and fitting properly.
We share step-by-step guides on how to wash your delicates and lingerie accessories by hand or machine.
How to Wash Lingerie and Delicates
- Washing Bras and Underwear by Hand
- Washing Bras and Underwear by Machine
- Washing Reusable Sticky Bras
- Washing and Drying Corset Tops
Care Tip: With any garment, it’s always best to check the care instructions and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, especially when it’s recommended for dry cleaning only.
How to Wash Bras and Underwear
Hand washing underwear made with delicate laces and bras with padding or underwire is the best way to keep them fresh and clean— without damaging the material or shape.
As opposed to non-wire bras, sports bras, and styles made out of cotton that can be machined wash.
It’s always recommended to read the care label before washing any clothing or undergarments for the most effective cleaning. Before washing your lingerie or delicates, you should examine for any stains and pre-treat them first with a little spot cleaning before a full wash.
Pre-Treat Stains for Bras and Underwear
If your bra or underwear has any stains, you’ll want to treat those first before laundering them. Start with a wet microfiber towel, dab mild detergent onto the stain, and gently rub until it meets your satisfaction. Rinse with cold water to remove any excess detergent.
Care Tip: Using an enzyme-based detergent can help break down stains like sweat, oil, and blood without damaging the fabric. There are several brands that use natural ingredients to remove stains— search online for “enzyme detergents” to find the one that’s right for you.
Hand Washing Bras and Underwear
Step-by-step instructions on how to wash bras and underwear by hand.
- Start with a clean sink or container with enough cold water to submerge your bras and underwear.
- Add a mild detergent to the water (follow the instructions for the appropriate amount of detergent).
- Add your bras and underwear, making sure they’re completely submerged.
- Gently agitate the water with your hands to evenly distribute the detergent, and let them soak for up to 60 minutes.
- Drain the water and rinse the items with fresh cold water.
Care Tip: Avoid using warm to hot water when washing lingerie and delicates, as it can weaken the elasticity of the fabrics and trims.
Machine Washing Bras and Underwear
If the care instructions say it’s OK to machine wash, it’s always best to use a mesh garment bag to help protect bras and underwear from getting snagged by other items in the wash. It can also help preserve the elasticity in the materials and trims.
Step-by-step instructions on how to machine wash bras and underwear.
- Before placing the bras in the mesh bag, make sure the hook and eye closure is secured to prevent the trims from snagging other items in the bag.
- Select the delicate cycle and use cool water.
- Add the appropriate amount of mild detergent according to the machine and load size.
How To Dry Bras and Underwear
To help maintain the shape and fit of your bras and delicate underwear, you should always air dry. The heat from a dryer can distort the trims and straps, making them less effective and losing their elasticity.
After removing your bras and underwear from the sink or machine, lay them on top of a clean towel and gently press out the water with another clean towel. You can leave your delicates on the towel or hang them dry overnight.
Care Tip: Never wring out your bras or corsets; it can damage the wires, trims, and materials, which could alter the fit of the style.
How to Wash Reusable Sticky Bras
Reusable sticky bras are a true lifesaver to help create that flawless look without seeing any straps. In order to use these lingerie accessories again and again, it’s important to wash them properly after using them, so they’re ready for your next outfit.
Make sure your reusable bras are truly reusable and aren’t disposable sticky bras that can only be used once.
Step-by-step instructions on how to wash and dry sticky bras.
- Start by holding the bra cup with the interior facing up in the palm of your hand underneath the faucet with cold running water to give it a rinse.
- With the water turned off, add a small amount of mild detergent to the bra cup and gently rub in a circular motion.
- Run the cold water again, making sure the detergent has been completely rinsed off.
- Shake off the excess water and air dry with the inside of the cup facing up on top of a clean towel.
Do not use a towel to wipe off the water or use a dryer; these drying methods can damage sticky bras.
Care Tip: When washing a single item, half a teaspoon of detergent should be enough to launder a regular-size garment. If that’s not enough soap, you can slowly add more, but add sparingly. Too much detergent could affect the material and require a longer rinse time.
Want to create a flawless look with your open back gown or strapless cocktail dress with sticky bra pasties or lifting body tape? Perhaps you’re looking to keep your waistline looking nice and smooth with our high-rise shapewear styles. Not exactly sure which sticky bra or shapewear undergarment to pick? Check out this helpful guide to see which style is the right pick for you.
How to Wash a Corset
Corsets, especially with boning, would fall in the “underwire bra” category. Where the best way to clean them is to spot-clean them first, then hand washing and air drying. The construction and the trims used to give your waist that defining structure can be damaged in a washing machine and dryer.
Step-by-step instructions on how to wash a corset by hand:
- Pre-treat your corset with any stains or spots with an enzyme-based cleaner.
- Fill a clean sink or container with enough cold water to submerge your corset.
- Add a mild detergent to the water (follow the instructions for the appropriate amount of detergent).
- Add your corset, making sure it’s completely submerged.
- Gently agitate the water with your hands to evenly distribute the detergent for a few minutes. Soak for up to 60 minutes.
- Drain the water and rinse the corset with fresh cold water.
How To Dry and Store Corsets
After removing your corset from the water, lay it on top of a clean towel and gently press out the water with another clean towel. With the corset fully open, lay it down with the front side facing up on a dry clean towel to air dry overnight.
You should always air dry your corsets and never put them in a dryer. The high heat from the dryer can distort the wires and straps, which could cause an issue with the fit of the corset.
So there you have it! Step-by-step instructions on how to wash your bras, corsets, and underwear properly to help them look fresh and last longer.
Curious to find out how to wash your favorite sequin dress or going out top made in velvet? Check out our latest article on how to wash satin, sequin, and velvet with care.
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