Is your favorite bra clean? Did you wash it properly? No? Don't worry. We are here to provide a complete guide on how to wash bras.
The process of washing bras is simple; all you have to do is toss them in the washer. Right? Actually, not. Bras and other lingerie are your most delicate garments, so cleaning them requires special care.
If you want your bras to last, hand washing has always been the best option. However, new styles and materials give you more choices. Choices are good, but they can also make things more confusing. First, check your bra's care label. Machine washing is an option for some bra brands, like Yandw.
I hope both methods inspire you to wash your bras more often, especially in warm weather! Bras get dirty, sweaty, and full of dead skin cells and other gross things. Not washing your bras can cause terrible breakouts and infections if you're busy.
If you want to extend the life of your favorite bras, wash them frequently. Switch them out daily. Skip the undergarments whenever possible. You'll also find answers on how to dry bras in faqs.
How Often Should I Wash My Bras?
Bras are at the top of your laundry list regarding clothing hygiene. Danny Koch, the 4th-generation owner of NYC Town Shop and an expert on bras, says you should wash them every two to three times wears a maximum.
For what reason?
Koch says that maintaining the bra's internal structure is the primary goal. After 10 or 12 hours of daily wear, the garment absorbs oils from your skin and deodorant, and the elastic also stretches and loses shape.
What Detergent Should I Use?
To keep the delicate fabric of your bras in good condition. We advise washing them in a mild detergent, such as Soak, whether you're washing by hand or in the washing machine. Any liquid detergent works for most bras.
If your bra has body oil, self-tanner, or makeup stains, you'll need to take extra care of it. We recommend The Laundress Wash & Stain Bar (Amazon) or The Laundress All-Purpose Bleach Alternative (Amazon).
How to Wash Bra - Two Ways To Wash Your Bra
1- Hand Wash
You're not the only one who thinks hand-washing bras is difficult and pointless. Experts agree that hand-washing bras are the best way to keep them looking and feeling like new for longer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to hand wash bras because of their delicate nature.
So, without further ado, let's dig in.
Step 1 - Fill The Sink With Cold Water And Mild Detergent
The sink should be disinfected and filled with lukewarm or cold water. Put some detergent in the water, maybe a teaspoon or two. There is no need to add a lot of detergents. You need to wash something very small and then rinse it out quickly. The use of excessive detergent will create this procedure more difficult than necessary.
Step 2 - Submerge The Bra In The Water
To soak, put your bras in the sink. To ensure that they are thoroughly wet, give them a quick spin in your hands.
Step 3 - Leave Them To Soak
Allow the bras to soak in soapy water for at least ten minutes, preferably fifteen. This lets any oils or dirt dissolve in the detergent. Leave your bras in the water for an hour if they are particularly dirty.
Step 4 - Agitate The Bra In The Water
Rub the bra's fabric gently all over. Paying close attention to the underarm area and the bottom wire, where the most sweat builds.
Step 5 - Rinse
It's time to empty the soiled water and give the bras a final rinse with clean water. Perform this procedure until the water is completely clear. If you need more space, you can rinse them in the bathtub.
Step 6 - Do Not Wiring The Bra
Make sure you don't wring or squeeze the bra. To remove excess moisture from the bras, press them between two towels. Place the bra on a towel and wrap it in again another towel. Try to squish the bra and the towel together by applying pressure.
2 - Use Washing Machine
We understand that it is not always possible to wash bras by hand. There are a million reasons why you can't always hand wash your bras. This includes how busy your life is, how often your roommates use the bathroom, and so on. However, there is an appropriate method for washing bras in the washing machine.
So here we provide a step-by-step guide to how to wash bras in the washing machine. Read on!
Step 1 - Fast And All The Hooks /Clasps
Lock the hooks or claps. Remember that the hooks on your bra can catch on other laundry and cause damage if you forget to close it before washing. Straps may become stressed if they become tangled with other laundry items. This is not an issue in the case of a sports bra or other bra without closures.
Step 2 - Place The Bras In A Mesh Bag / Lingerie Bag
Place the bra inside a lingerie bag. The bra won't get caught on anything and will stay in place. Additionally, it will shield it from harsher objects like jeans. It may also be useful for later sorting.
Step 3 - Separate Your Colors/Weight
To wash the bra, toss it in with other like-colored items. Avoid mixing colors when washing your bra and other clothes. Wash white bras with white clothes. Wash dark bras (like black and navy) with dark clothes and light bras (like pastels and beige ) with light clothes. Colors can fade when mixed.
Place the bra on lightweight fabric. It's best to wash your bras with other lightweight items like t-shirts, socks, underwear, and sleepwear. Towels and jeans are much denser than bras and might harm them.
Step 4 - Choose A Delicate Cycle Or Cold Water Cycle When You Machine
Make sure to wash the bra on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. You should wash the straps in cold water because hot water can damage the materials and make them less elastic. Never use harsh detergents, as they gradually weaken the fabric by eating away at the fibers.
Pro Tip - Make use of a natural, toxic-free detergent that is more gentle than a regular detergent.
Can I Wash My Bra in Hot Water?
No! You can't use hot water to wash your bra. Because hot water breaks down fabric elastics, and the bra no longer fits properly.
Does Wash Bras by Hand Really Matter?
The quick answer is "Yes."
We know it's a pain to hand wash your bras every time, but machine washing can mess up the wires and make the elastic less stretchy, so we recommend it.
The plastic ends of the underwires may break off in the washing machine, and the sharp metal ends may tickle through the fabric and irritate or scratch your skin.
FAQs
Can I Dry A Bra in The Dryer With Little to No Heat?
No! Your bras need to dry naturally. This means that bras should never be dried in a dryer under any circumstances. Not at all! Even on the lowest heat setting, drying in a dryer will damage the elastic.
Can I Use A Blow Dryer On The Cool Setting to Dry My Bra?
Yes! You can use a blow dryer. But when using a hair dryer, set it to the warm setting (not the hot setting) to dry your bra. It's fine to dry it this way once in a while, but doing it too often can damage it.
Would A Lingerie Bag Protect Both The Bra And The Washing Machine?
Yes! The lingerie bag will prevent bras from stretching out and hooks from tangling on any other items of clothing you're washing alongside them. It also protects the cycle of the machine.
Do I Need to Use The Bag in The Washer If I'm Only Washing Bras And Panties?
Yes! Clothes that need extra protection, such as panties and certain types of bras, can be stored in a mesh bag. Don't throw your underwear in the washing machine with anything that could snag or tear the fabric.
Which Bra Bags Are Better, Con Or Cylindrical?
Both bra bags are better. It depends on the shape, type and size of your bra.
Should I Wash Different Types of Bras Separately?
No! You don't need to wash every bra separately. Put each bra in a separate mesh bag or lingerie bag and then wash them in the washing machine. Then start the washing machine.
Conclusion
In the end, bras are delicate, so cleaning them requires special care. Bras become dirty, sweaty, and unpleasant. Bras last longer when hand or machine-washed. But please follow every step as it is described above.
Now that you know how to wash bras, what are you waiting for? Take your dirty bra and wash it!