Good day fine reader, nice to welcome you here to a new college of Dutch Designers Outlet her Lingerie and Swimwear expert. In this blog we will discuss how to wash your bra. After all, there are a lot of do's and don'ts to keep your lingerie beautiful. Whether you choose to hand wash or put your bra in the washing machine, it's important to treat them with care so that your bra has a long life. Feel free to keep pen and paper at the ready for some notes; we'll dive into different washing methods, temperatures and the materials.
How to wash bra by hand
The best way to wash your bras is to do it by hand. It may sound time-consuming, but hand washing prevents the fabric from wearing out or seams from loosening. As a result, the bra maintains its shape and elasticity. Hand washing your bras will make them last longer, prevent colors from fading and keep them comfortable. By washing your bras by hand, you save money and keep your favorite lingerie in top condition longer. After all, every woman wants that!
A step-by-step plan for washing a bra
Start by filling a basin or wash bowl with lukewarm water (about 30°C) and add a mild detergent. Soak your bras for 10 to 15 minutes to loosen dirt and oils. Gently massage the fabric with your hands and then rinse your bra thoroughly with cold water. Done! Drying is another line of work and also requires some attention. The best advice is to gently roll them in a towel and squeeze out excess water. Then let them dry flat, preferably lying on a clean towel and never in direct sunlight.
How to wash bra in washing machine
Really don't have time for a hand wash? You can wash your bra in the washing machine, but only if you take precautions. Always wash your bra in a laundry bag or, if necessary, use an old pillowcase. This protects your bra from the rough movements of the machine and prevents the underwire from deforming or damaging the fabric. Always wash your bra on a delicate program with a low temperature of up to 30 °C. Preferably use a mild detergent without harsh chemicals and never wash your bra together with heavy garments such as jeans or towels.
The way to remove stains from your bra
Sometimes your bra needs more than just a freshening up. For example, stubborn stains from such as sweat or deodorant. Before you start washing, you can treat stains with a mild detergent or even vinegar. Gently massage the detergent into the fabric with a soft cloth or sponge, without rubbing too hard. Remember that your bra is made of soft, delicate fabrics and is therefore fragile. Then let it soak in for a few minutes before washing the bra as you normally would.
Washing bra without a laundry bag is a bad idea
Using a laundry bag is not just an extra step; it is essential to extend the life of your bra. In fact, washing a bra without a laundry bag can cause the fabric to be damaged or the underwires to bend. Don't have a laundry bag? Then you can easily order one in our shop, but you can also use a pillowcase. The purpose of a laundry bag is simple: you protect your bra from the rough movements in the washing machine. It can make the difference between a bra that lasts for months and one that has soon had its best time.
At how many degrees bra washing?
The temperature at which you wash different types of bra depends on the material it is made of. If in doubt, you can check the label in your bra, there is always a washing recommendation on it and you can feel free to follow it. If you have cut out the label, you can follow these general guidelines:
- Cotton: cotton bras can withstand somewhat higher temperatures, but preferably wash them at 30 °C to maintain shape and elasticity.
- Synthetic fabrics such as nylon and polyester: these materials are more sensitive to heat. Wash them at no more than 30 °C to prevent the fabric from shrinking or wearing out.
- Silk and lace: luxury materials such as silk and lace require a gentle approach. Always wash these bras by hand in cold water to protect the fabric and color and maintain their shine.
One last tip and trick for when you don't know what temperature to wash your bra at: it is always better to wash at a lower temperature than too high a temperature.
How long can you wear a bra without washing it?
In general, you can wear a bra 3-4 times before it needs to be washed. Of course, this depends on how intensively you wear the bra and how much you sweat. A good starting point is to wash your bra after a few days to keep the fabric fresh and clean. I have addressed this question separately in my blog"How often to wash bras?" because it is good to go deeper into the pros and cons of washing your bra (too often). The sports bra is covered separately in that!
Sports bra washing
A sports bra requires just a little more attention than a regular bra because it is used intensively during exercise. During a workout, your sports bra absorbs much more sweat than your regular lingerie, so it needs to be washed after each session to stay fresh and hygienic. Hand washing is also the best option for a sports bra. If you do go for the washing machine, it is wise to always wash your sports bra on a low rpm and in a laundry bag. This will ensure that the supportive properties remain, which is exactly what you bought this bra for.
Washing white bra
To keep your white bra radiant, it is wise to always wash it separately from colored laundry. This is because this prevents color bleeding, allowing you to maintain the freshness of the fabric. Adding a small amount of baking soda can help remove stubborn stains and maintain the brightness of the color. Wash your white bra at up to 30 °C to prevent yellowing.
Underwire bra washing
Do you wear an underwire bra in do you wash it using the washing machine? Then you must have experienced that the underwires can easily deform. In that case, the underwires have not been sufficiently protected. In order to maintain the shape of your bra, it is therefore important to pay some attention to this. You can do this by using a laundry bag. The underwires will then not get stuck behind parts of the machine and will not get distorted in other garments.
Washing the adhesive bra
An adhesive bra has an adhesive layer and you will always have to wash it by hand. This is best done with cold water and a little mild detergent. Avoid rubbing to protect the adhesive layer. Rinse the bra well and let it air dry with the adhesive side up. Make sure the adhesive bra never ends up in the washing machine, as this can seriously damage the adhesive property. With this caring treatment, your adhesive bra will retain its functionality and remain usable longer.
Never put your bra in the dryer!
Never put a bra in the dryer! The heat and movement can significantly affect the fabric, shape and elasticity. The cups can deform, the elastic slackens and loses its springiness. Underwires can bend or break. Finally, rough treatment in the dryer causes accelerated wear of fine fabrics. Air-drying your bras will keep them looking great longer and maintain their fit and support.
How you should dry your bra
The best way to dry your bra is to let it air dry. First, gently squeeze excess water out of the fabric (without wringing!). Next, don't hang them on the clothesline, but lay them flat on a clean towel. A bra that is wet is heavy. Laying them flat prevents the elastic from stretching. Dry your bras in the shade or indoors. In either case out of direct sunlight so the fabric doesn't fade or weaken.
Tips for storing bras
One last tip to keep your favorite bra looking great for a long time: pay attention to the way you store them. Don't fold cups together, but stack your bras flat in the drawer. Or hang them on a hanger. This will prevent the cups from losing their shape. Also make sure the bras don't get crumpled, which can affect the fit. An organized drawer may be some work but it helps keep your bras and underwear in top condition so they last longer.
More on washing lingerie and fashion
Over the years, I have heard, answered and experienced (and seen) many questions. Beautiful, clean and fresh underwear, lingerie and swimwear is appreciated by everyone and gives self-confidence a big boost. Would you like to delve into this a little more and get the basic knowledge? Then read my blog"How to wash your bikini" to take care of your swimwear in the best way. For the gentlemen I have ready:"How should I wash my swim trunks?","How many degrees should I wash underwear?" and"How many degrees should I wash socks?".
