How to wash your bra properly: Whether by hand or in the washing machine, there are a few things to consider

A great bra is the foundation of any outfit, a source of support and comfort throughout the day. When done well, it is literally a masterpiece of design and engineering. However, you need to know how to wash your bra properly so that it keeps its shape for as long as possible. In this article we will tell you all the tricks, whether you use the washing machine or wash by hand. We also share a nifty trick to restore the clean, white color of your shabby bras.

How to wash your bra properly – What is important to consider

How often to wash your bra? Most bras should be washed after about four wears, or more often if you’re having a particularly sweaty day. Sports bras should be washed – or at least rinsed with warm water – after every workout. No bra will last forever. But considering it can sit next to your body for hours – and can cost as much as a nice pair of wireless earbuds – why not treat it well?

How long will the washing take? It takes 5 to 10 minutes to hand wash bras and 45 to 90 minutes to machine wash them. Either way, bras take time to air dry — anywhere from 45 minutes to a full day, depending on the fabric and drying conditions.

Washing your bra properly – what do you need:

• Detergent: Whether you wash your bras by hand or machine, we recommend using a mild detergent.
• Laundry bag (optional): A fine mesh bag helps bras hold their shape, prevents straps from getting tangled and protects delicate fabrics like lace in the washing machine.
• Washing machine (optional): If you wash bras in the washing machine, they will wear out faster than if you wash them by hand. However, if you use your machine, you should wash your bras in a small load of laundry on the gentle cycle whenever possible.

Tip: Make sure to air dry your bras!

Care tips when using the washing machine

No matter how good your washing machine is, it will wear out your bras faster than hand washing. However, if you prefer to machine wash your bras, you can try to reduce wear and tear by taking a few precautions.

Wash your bras in a small laundry load. This is a good rule in general – not just for bras. When your clothes move freely, they become cleaner.

Try washing them in a laundry bag and on the gentle cycle. A normal cold cycle is fine when washing bras with non-delicate items, especially in front-loading washing machines as they tend to be gentler than top-loading machines.

How to wash your bra properly – Make sure you use the right amount of detergent. Despite what it says on the bottle, you don’t need to use more than two tablespoons of liquid detergent for a load of laundry. Using too much detergent can leave an oily residue on clothes, which can make your bras feel less comfortable.

Hang them to dry: No matter how you do your laundry, you should always air dry it. The rough motions of the dryer can twist, tangle, stretch, or deform the band, straps, or cups of your bra. And it can even cause a hook jump out of position.

How to wash your bra properly by hand

Bras and other delicate garments are best hand washed with a mild detergent. As long as your bras don’t contain silk or wool fibers, you can hand wash them with any liquid detergent.

First add a tablespoon of detergent to 3.5 liters of cold water. Let your bras soak for about 15 minutes before rinsing under cold water. Gently wring your bras to wring out excess water, then let them air dry.

How to Store Bras: Store bras upright and nested. This prevents them from wrinkling or deforming and keeps them looking and feeling like new for longer.

An ingenious trick to turn your graying bras white again

This trick can save you from buying another white or nude bra.

What you need:

• salad spinner
• distilled vinegar

Fill the salad spinner with cold water, add 2 teaspoons of white distilled vinegar and let your bra soak for 20 minutes. Spin it a few times and voila! No more grey. And if the straps are discolored, try making a paste by adding a few tablespoons of baking soda and rubbing the paste into the carriers. Then swish the bra in cold water.