While mild detergent is fine, consider replacing it with a specially formulated lingerie wash for an even gentler rinse if you want to be extra careful. You can also rinse your bras in just water every once in awhile to reduce how frequently you need to give them a thorough wash.
But as long as your bras don't contain any silk or wool fibers, it's safe to use any liquid laundry detergent to hand-wash them. To start, add a tablespoon of detergent to a gallon of cool water. Let your bras soak for about 15 minutes before rinsing them under cold water.
"Close any hooks and eyes on the bra, then place in a mesh laundry bag," says Gagliardi. "Even sports bras without any closures should be washed in a mesh laundry bag to prevent twisting and stretching during the machine wash cycle." Close any hooks and eyes on the bra. Place it in a mesh bag.
Because bras are delicate items, you need to take special care while washing them. The best way to wash a bra is to wash it by hand using gentle detergent. If you don't have the time to hand wash your bras, you can machine wash them in a mesh lingerie bag on the delicate cycle with cold water.
Hashay suggests treating any really pesky sweat stains with Hypdroperoxide. Soak the bra in a detergent and water bath, and add hydroperoxide to the solution. Swirl the bra around in the soapy mixture, rinse, and hang to dry.
White Vinegar
White vinegar is a powerful odor neutralizer and works wonders on underarm areas of fabrics. Fill your washing machine with water, then add 1/3 cup of white vinegar. Turn off the machine and let the garment soak for 20 minutes, then launder as usual.
You should wash your bra after 2 or 3 wears, or once every 1 or 2 weeks if you're not wearing it every day. Wash your jeans as rarely as possible, unless you're going for the distressed look. Wash sweaters as often as needed, but be careful not to stretch or shrink them as they dry.
“Always hand-wash your bras with a gentle detergent,” Garcia says. Sarah Shotton, the creative director of Agent Provocateur, agrees: “Using the washing machine is just too rough for delicate fabrics.” While a specialty detergent is not required for hand-laundering, one can be nice to have.
Washing your bras in the machine shortens their lifespan.
They're more likely to tear, either from the machine's agitation or from snagging on other items of clothing. The cups are more likely to lose their shape, especially on a t-shirt bra.
Bacteria grows
“It's important to wash bras frequently to prevent the growth of yeast and bacteria that thrive in dark, moist environments,” says Christel Malinski, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Lacombe, Louisiana.
Most people have between one and four special occasion bras, though some may have more depending on their style and what type of clothes they like to wear. You might own anywhere between five and 15 (or even more) bras. It all depends on your lifestyle and your preferences.
“A pillowcase works as a great substitute for a lingerie bag. Toss your bras inside, tie a loose knot, and wash with lukewarm water on a gentle cycle,” says Macbale. Or, wash freely with delicates.
Even with gentle usage and care, all bras will lose their shape over time as the elastic fibres in the band and straps begins to deteriorate. It's generally recommended that a bra should last anywhere between 6-9 months, although we think that with good care your bras should last a lot longer.
Put bras in a zip-top mesh laundry bag to protect the straps and hooks from becoming mangled; Avoid washing bras with heavy items like towels, sweatshirts or jeans, all of which can abrade the delicate fabric and cause metal or plastic underwire to become bent and misshapen.
What If My Bra Still Looks Old And Sad? If your white- or nude-colored undergarments still look dingy, discolored or (gasp) yellow, add this step before doing the above routine: Fill the spinner with cold water and add 2 teaspoons white distilled vinegar. Soak your bra for 20 minutes and then start spinning.
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. To be on the safe side, it's a good idea to remove any removable padding or accessories before you wash your bras.
Madeline Miller, a product specialist at The Laundress, agrees and recommends washing bras every two to three wears. "In general, fine lace lingerie can be laundered less often if it's used for 'special occasion' wear, while everyday synthetics and cottons can stand to be washed on a regular basis."
Can I wash my bras with vinegar? Some people wash their bras in water with a couple spoonfuls of vinegar for a more natural cleaning method, but Henney doesn't love that idea. “It kills mildew, but I wouldn't recommend washing your bras with vinegar because I want my stuff to smell nice,” she says.
Use Cool Water
Check the care label to make sure there aren't any special instructions. Plug your sink and add cool water—warm or hot temperatures can break down elasticity—then add a couple of squirts of baby shampoo or liquid detergent specifically designed for delicates, avoiding anything with alcohol).
It's also important to rotate your bras, so the cups and straps can relax. This allows them to retain their shape and elasticity. “You can wear the same bra two days in a row, as long as you take it off for several hours in between to allow the bra to relax,” Dr. Vij says.
Your bra should be washed every three wears, unless it gets really dirty in one wear. And, it's best to have a few bras in rotation so the bras don't get over-washed. Washing one bra diligently every few wears may keep it clean, but it doesn't help it maintain a like-new condition.
However, breaking into a sweat isn't the only thing that should prompt you to change bras. While regular bra-changing isn't a science, dermatologist Alok Vij recommends switching bras every 2 to 3 “wears,” with a “wear” being when the old bra begins to: Relax its shape. Accumulate noticeable amounts of ickiness.