Before outlining the specifics of caring for intimate apparel, the first and best rule for all garments, be they bras, dresses, blazers, shoes, and everything in between, is to read the manufacturer’s label. They created the product, so they know the best cleaning and storage methods. Some fabrics require certain detergents or special handling, and both manufacturers and their retailers are meticulous in providing you with those instructions to keep the item looking beautiful longer.
For most intimate apparel, gently clean and dry the item as needed. Keep in mind that perfumes, lotions, perspiration, and even body chemistry can interact with fabrics if the garment is not washed frequently. With bras, the elastic can deteriorate, causing the straps and band to lose firmness and compromise support.
Hand Wash
Hand washing is the preferred and best method for bras, structured shapewear and lingerie, specialty fabrics, and stockings because it is the gentlest, most controllable way to clean the item. Fill a sink with cool water and mild detergent then lightly agitate to disperse the soap. Soak for at least five minutes and then rinse. Squeeze excess water, but do not wring. Blot dry with towel and then hang to dry.
Machine Wash
Using a lingerie bag, wash intimates on delicate or hand wash cycle in mild soap or detergent. Before washing, snap all hook and eye closures and check the items are not tangled together in the bag. Most underwear, non-structured shapewear (think Spanx), pajamas, and tights are perfectly safe in the machine. For items without elastic, the low heat setting on the dryer is fine, but if the item contains elastic/spandex, especially in higher concentrations, I recommend air dry. Heat breaks down the strength of the elastic which can undermine fit and support. And please, for the love of all that is holy, never throw a bra in the dryer.
Dry Clean
As I mentioned above, some fabrics and designs are finnicky and not meant to be either hand or machine washed. Always read the manufacturer’s label if you are unsure which method to choose.
Additional Tips:
- If you have sensitive skin, use a mild hypoallergenic soap or your regular body wash for cleaning intimates. I highly recommend Eucalan. Perfect for delicate fabrics, sweaters, and intimate apparel, Euculan boasts a rinse-less, hypoallergenic formula free of synthetic fragrances, bleaches, and dyes. Available in a variety of scents, Eucalan utilizes lanolin to soften and condition fibers while gently removing dirt, oil, odor, and stains. For more information check out my review!
- To decrease washing time, pick a day of the week to wash all of your intimates together instead of cleaning them separately.
- If a bra has a molded foam cup, machine washing can cause the foam to curl upward along the edges of the bra, and the fit may no longer be perfect. Hand washing is the preferred method for all molded cup bras.
- Wireless, non-foam cup bras will be safe in a lingerie bag in the washing machine since there is no underwire or foam to damage.
- Invest in a foldable rack like the one below to facilitate drying.
