When washing underwear

A delicate bra is usually sheer, lacy or has lots of ornamentation and is best washed by hand, using a gentle detergent. Fill the sink with room temperature water and a little bit of detergent. Soak the bra for a few minutes and then gently work the suds through the material and rinse with cool water. To get the excess water out before allowing to air dry roll the bra in a towel and press firmly.

Reshape the bra cups and allow to air dry. Never put a bra in a clothes dryer! Bras that contain underwire shaping are also best washed by hand, because the wires can break if twisted too much. It is also important to handwash bras that have any type of gel padding. To wash your machine, simply add two cups of white vinegar and run an empty cycle. This will leave your machine sparkling clean and ready for your next load of washing. Running an empty cycle every time you wash your underwear is not very environmentally friendly.

Rather than wasting water, energy and detergent try hand washing your underwear instead. Washing your delicate underwear is always difficult. Lace can become unravelled, silk can lose its silkiness and colours can fade. Use warm water and a detergent without enzymes. Be careful not to use too much detergent as this will leave behind a soapy residue. Use a gentle plunging action when washing and avoid vicious rubbing.

Instead, hang your underwear outside, but avoid drying in direct sunlight. This process will ensure that lace stays in tact and your silks stay silky. Secondly, you may not be sure how to properly kill off any germs and bacteria. And finally, you may feel confused about whether these clothes can be washed with your normal laundry. Washing underwear in the washing machine is usually no problem for underwear made out of cotton or synthetic fibres — simply follow the directions on the garment care tag.

However, washing underwear in the sink or a handwashing basin or bucket is the recommended method for any items that are made out of delicate fabrics, like lace or silk. Always check the garment care tag beforehand if you're unsure.

To begin washing underwear in the sink, fill the sink basin with lukewarm water mixed with a dose of detergent that is designed for washing delicate fabrics, like. Just follow these tips to help you:. In most cases, washing underwear in the machine should produce great results but extra delicate items might recommend a softer handwash. Put items in a laundry bag or pillowcase. This can help prevent snagging and damage to the material while items are being tossed about in the washing machine drum.

Do so by dabbing a stain pre-treater or even dish soap on the area and let it sit for 10 minutes. Turn your underwear inside out when washing to reduce the wear and tear on delicate fabric.

This step will get your underwear cleaner, too. Washing your underwear in a separate load can minimize fabric friction, avoid them getting caught on buttons and zippers and improve hygiene. Fabric softener is a nightmare for nylon and polyester-based microfiber fabrics. Bleach is best left to heavy-duty washes, as it can weaken fabrics over time.

If you need the extra disinfecting power of bleach, keep usage to every other wash to keep your underwear in tip-top condition. Delicate fabrics like lace and mesh call for a gentle detergent like fine fabric detergent, free and gentle detergent, or mild dish liquid. Try your best to remove washed underwear immediately from your machine to prevent any mildew or wet laundry smell. Air drying is the best way to help your underwear look better and last longer, but if you are in a hurry and need to use a dryer, tumble dry on a low setting.

Underwear made of cotton generally can be washed in the machine. How to Wash: Separate lights from darks, and wash separately. Machine wash at a cold temperature.

How to Dry: Air dry in the shade. Microfibre is usually made of some kind of synthetic material , making them silky, soft, stretchy and quick-drying. How to Dry: Air dry only, as heat can harm synthetic fabrics.

Our rule is, if you can see through it, then it should be washed delicately and if possible, by hand. If you are washing in a machine, avoid washing sheer, lace and mesh fabric underwear in the same cycle as rougher fabrics. Also, be cautious of washing this type of underwear with any items that have buttons or hooks as the fabric can snag. How to Wash: Wash on a delicate cycle in cold water or if possible, hand wash.

How to Dry: Air dry on a flat surface.