Opt for Gentle Everything In addition to the gentlest detergent, it's also important to use the gentlest cycle when machine washing delicates. Only use cold water since hot water can cause colors to bleed and can affect the shape of your bras.
The best way to protect your bras during a wash cycle is to place them inside a mesh laundry bag and wash using mild detergent and cool water on the delicate cycle setting, making sure to air dry afterwards.
Once you've popped your bra inside a washbag, follow the care instructions but make sure you wash at 40 degrees or more, because anything colder won't cleanse properly. Wash on a delicate washing cycle and only use gentle detergent.
The first is to use cold or cool water for washing bras, as prolonged exposure to hot water can break down elastic over time.
The best way to wash bras and other delicate clothing is by hand, using a mild detergent. We recommend Soak because you don't have to rinse it out, so it's gentler on some fabric fibers (especially silk or wool) and saves water.
Check the care label first, but many bras are machine washable. All you need is a lingerie bag! If placed in the machine freely, bras and undergarments with lace details and trims can start to fray and unravel due to friction against other garments in the wash.
Set your washing machine to a delicate cycle with cold water. Hot water causes bras to shrink and can wear down the material.
How often you need to wash your bras isn't an exact science. But dermatologist Alok Vij, MD, says that as a general rule, you should wash them after every two to three wears.
A good rule of thumb is three everyday bras: Two in a neutral color or skin tone shade. At least one darker color, like Black, Espresso, or Olive, for outfit variety.
"The 'rule' is that a bra should be washed after every wear, since it's directly in contact with the body," laundry expert Mary Marlowe Leverette told PureWow. "Body oils, perspiration, and bacteria are transferred to the fabric and if left in the fibers will begin to break down the fabric—especially elastic fibers."
You should never use fabric softener when you wash your bras, as it can damage the elasticity. Soap is not a complete no-go, but if you are using detergent, it's best to use one that's as mild as possible – preferably one for delicate washes.
In order to retain the shape of your padded & push-up bras you need to hand-wash your bras with mild detergent or baby shampoo. Soak your bra in cold water for about 20 mins and rinse with clean water. You can use your palms to gently squeeze out the excess that usually gets absorbed by the pads.
Washing your bras in the machine shortens their lifespan.
The elastic will stretch out more quickly, again from agitation or from wrapping around other clothing. The clasps are more likely to become damaged or get lost entirely. And putting your bra in the dryer just ups all those risks!
Your bra is made up of so many different components, thus it's best to be cautious when you wash it. So, every five wears or so, wash your lingerie gently by hand, at around 40 degrees using a gentle detergent or hand wash liquid.
Use the delicate cycle on your washing machine and do not wash your bras above 30 degrees.
If you're throwing your bras in the machine, set to a gentle cycle and, when washing with other delicate pieces, separate the bras from underwear in lingerie bags. Another common overlook? Leaving hooks unclasped! Make sure your bras are secured in the bag to prevent snags or pulls.
While hand washing is ideal, we've designed our bras for those on the go. Just keep in mind that the gentler cycle, the better…with little to no spin. For extra protection, place each bra in a lingerie bag—clasped in the back to avoid snagging.
"Our general rule: wash your bra for every three wears, assuming that you're wearing the bra only for 'normal' activity—that is, sitting at your desk as opposed to exercising," says Kunitomi.
There's nothing wrong with wearing a bra while you sleep if that's what you're comfortable with. Sleeping in a bra will not make a girl's breasts perkier or prevent them from getting saggy. And it will not stop breasts from growing or cause breast cancer.
"On average, they own 16 at any one time, topping up their collection with four purchases each year." And then the story goes on to reveal that while we women have enough bras to go at least two weeks without doing laundry, on average we wash them only every two months.
Unfortunately, washing bras is not one simple rule. Underwired or wireless: Underwire bras are more likely to require handwashing because the wire can so easily get bent in a machine wash. Wireless, or soft cup bras, on the other hand, have better odds in the machine. This usually includes sports bras.
Tip 1: Remove any removable pads or cups before washing. If the bra comes with removable pads, remove them before washing the bra so they don't lose their shape. Ideally the pads should be washed by hand separately, but if they must go in the machine, be sure to follow Tip 2.