How To Wash Your Lingerie? Tips To Make Your Bras & Panties Last Longer

"Love your lingerie as you love yourself," said no woman ever. Growing up in an Indian household, you assume you should wash your lingerie just like the rest of your clothes. However, it's high time we realise that lingerie is our intimate wear. We cannot use the same force and aggression on our bras and panties as on our other daily wear clothes. It's terrifying to watch how my grandmother washes her undies like she's torturing an enemy.

Lingerie is our friend. We have to care for it, and it will care for us. Lingerie supports us and makes the foundation of our outfit. Wearing poor-quality lingerie can ruin your entire look. Before we move onto the step-by-step guide to washing and storing your lingerie, it's crucial to understand the reasons for following the routine.

Why Is It Important To Wash & Store Lingerie Properly?

Women are now busier than ever. They have many things to manage, including family, finances, career, health and personal well-being. Amid their busy schedule, women must have a solid reason to take time and hand wash their lingerie.

Firstly, any woman would agree that lingerie is expensive. Caring for your lingerie can save you several bucks every month. Washing and storing your bras and panties properly ensures a longer shelf life.

Secondly, hygiene is crucial for women. Wearing poorly-washed lingerie can give you problems like rashes. It's necessary to wash and care for bras and panties regularly as the salt in your sweat breaks down the elastic over time, making them loose.

How To Wash Your Lingerie? Step-By-Step Guide For Washing Your Intimate Wear

Before we dive into the step-by-step routine to wash your lingerie, let's answer an age-old question. How often should you wash lingerie? Wash your lingerie after every other wear. A simple tip to build the habit of washing lingerie every day is to take your lingerie into the shower and take five minutes before the shower to rinse and clean it.

Now, let's look at the right way to wash your lingerie.

STEP 1: While hand washing your lingerie, lukewarm water and a gentle lingerie wash are ideal. Washing lingerie by hand can lengthen its life and make it look as good as new for a long time. Lukewarm water efficiently removes the tough stains and odours without being too harsh on the lingerie's fabric. Moreover, the delicate lingerie wash ensures the material is not damaged during washing.

STEP 2: Once you've mixed the detergent in water, submerge your lingerie in it. Instead of rubbing or washing your bras and panties harshly, swish them gently. Let the water and detergent mix do the cleaning. Let the items soak in for a few minutes.

STEP 3: After soaking, rinse your lingerie with clean water. Gently squeeze out the water and ensure you do not crush it, pull the fabric, or press the cups too hard.

STEP 4: Always air dry your lingerie and let them get sufficient sunlight.

Can I Use A Washing Machine To Wash Lingerie?

Yes, you can use a washing machine to wash lingerie. However, do not simply toss it into the machine. The proper way to wash lingerie in a washing machine is to use a laundry bag and turn your delicates inside out. Blindly throwing bras with open clasps can ruin the other clothes as the hooks clutch and rip them. Never dry your lingerie in a dryer, as it can damage them, making them unfit to wear.

Tips For Your Lingerie's Longevity

• Fold your lingerie properly and stack them in clean drawers.

• If you have padded bras, stack them over each other and never fold the bra cup inwards.

• Check your lingerie collection at the end of every month and discard the old, worn-out ones. Don't wear bras or panties that have lost their elasticity or don't fit anymore.

• Make space for new ones. You can try lingerie shopping online at Ornela, a premium lingerie store which sells high-quality lingerie at affordable prices.

• Choose bras of high-quality fabrics instead of buying cheap bras with cheap fabrics.

• Wear bras in rotation and allow the elastics to relax.

The rule is simple. The more you care for your bras, the longer they will last.