Lingerie is an investment, so take care of it, and it will last longer. Start by taking inventory of your drawers and discarding old, worn-out styles, bras that don’t fit properly, or just taking up valuable space.
All lace, sheer, or embellished bras should be hand-washed. Otherwise, everyday cotton or synthetic bras can be washed in a mesh lingerie bag.
Washing
Lingerie is a delicate and expensive investment, and caring for your bras and panties properly ensures their longevity and comfort. Washing techniques that are too harsh can stretch and pill lingerie, causing them to lose their shape and damage elastic materials. Proper washing is also essential to maintaining hygiene, as lingerie comes in close contact with the skin and can collect body oils, sweat, and bacteria.
Always follow the care label and decipher the instructions carefully when washing lingerie. This will guide you on whether your undergarments can be machine-washed or require hand washing with specific methods.
When hand-washing womens lingerie, fill a basin with cold to lukewarm water and add a small amount of detergent made for delicates. Swirl the garment in the water to remove dirt, then rinse it thoroughly until it is clear. Do not wring out your bras; gently squeeze out excess moisture and hang them to dry.
Drying
Unless your lingerie is made of durable fabrics, it’s best not to put it in the dryer. This can damage the fabric or even cause it to shrink. It can also create a musty or mildew odor in the fabric.
To avoid this:
- Fill a sink with lukewarm water and mix in a gentle lingerie wash or detergent on delicates.
- Gently agitate the bras in the water and let them soak for about 30 minutes before gently scrubbing them.
- Once done, rinse them and squeeze out excess water (don’t wring).
Be sure to hang your lingerie up to dry, as this is the safest way for these delicate garments. You can hang them on a hanger or lay them flat, taking care not to crush molded cups or stretch out elastic.
Stain Removal
Compared to your average T-shirt or blue jeans, lingerie and hosiery are made from delicate fabrics and materials that need special care when washing. Most lingerie items are made from silk, polyester, cotton, or these fabrics. They often have embellishments like lace, ribbons and bows, beads, and more.
Whether wearing a strapless bra or a sexy slip, washing your undergarments regularly to remove body oils and sweat is essential. Taking proper care of your lingerie helps extend its lifespan. Follow these easy lingerie washing tips and keep your lingerie looking gorgeous for years to come.
Storage
If you want your lingerie to be at its sexiest, it must be properly stored. This helps to prevent snags, creases, and other damage caused by handling or over time. Lingerie should always be thoroughly dry before storing to avoid mildew growth or other damaging bacteria. It is also important to store your lingerie separately from other clothes, as dark fabrics can bleed on delicate lace and silk. If you wash your lingerie by hand, ensure it is completely dry before storing it to avoid shrinkage or loss of shape.
It is a good idea to purge your lingerie drawer every 12 months, getting rid of any bras that have stretched elastic or lost their shape or underwear that is hole-ridden and discolored. Additionally, it is helpful to rotate lingerie between drawers to ensure that all pieces get equal wear and don’t sit in storage for too long. In addition, breathable fabric bags and moth repellents can protect your lingerie from insects while in storage.
