If you are one of those people who rarely wash their bras, this is for you. If you are one of those people who toss your bras in the washing machine STOP! this definitely is for you.
You have spent a lot of time and money finding the right fitting bra, and love the way it gives you support and enhances your posture, then you must treat it right. Here's how:
1. Handwash your bras:
First and foremost, be gentle to your bras and don’t throw them in the washing machine 🤯🙊 If you absolutely must, take the following precautions :
Use a delicate cycle/ handwash program on your washing machine
Use a bra bag to put your bras in the washing machine
A bag like Guppyfriend® is not only gentle to your bras but to the environment as well. It collects the microfibre and lint and prevents them from going into the discharge water.
Keep the use of washing machines for washing bras to a minimum and only for emergencies.
Wirefree bras are okay to wash in the machine but not the underwired bras.
2. Use cold water :
Bras contain a material called elastane, hot water can damage the elastane and permanently stretch out the elastics.
3. Use a mild detergent:
A mild liquid detergent that’s used for baby clothes, silk or delicate clothing is the best choice for washing your intimates too. Never use a fabric softener/conditioner as it will impact the elasticity and cause stretching of your perfect fit.
4. Scrub with a toothbrush:
Use a toothbrush to scrub the underwires, the center front, the elastic under the band, and the backside of the hook and eye. These are the places that collect the sweat most often in bras, gentle brushing with a toothbrush or any type of brush with soft bristles is a great way to keep your bras microbe-free.
5. Drying:
Don’t wring your bras to remove excess water. Press with both hands to remove excess water and dry your padded and molded bras flat on a towel to maintain the integrity of the cups. Non-padded bras can be dried flat or hung. Don’t put clips on lacy parts to hold the bras, this can cause stretching.
6. Keep away from direct heat and sunlight:
Excessive heat can damage the elastics and reduce the longevity of your bras. Long exposure to the sun can also change the color. So, don't dry it in direct sunlight.
7. Storage:
Store your moulded bras like T-shirt bras and strapless bras stacked. Insert cushioning inside the cups to help them maintain their shape. Maintain a lingerie drawer for easy organization and to spot your favorite bra without hassle when getting ready.
8. How often to wash/wear:
There is different advice on how often to wash your bra, after every use or after a few wears. Definitely, it is recommended to not wear the same bra for a few days in a row. It is important to give a day of break for your bra as for your shoes, to give material time to rest and go back to its original form. Prolonged use will cause the material to stretch faster. If you had an intense, stressful, or hot day definitely your bra also felt it too and it would be good to give it a bath. However, if you had a light “no sweat” of a day you can put it aside and reuse it before the next wash.
Here’s a step-by-step protocol to wash your bras:
Soak your bras in cold water and mild detergent for 15-30 mins
Gently scrub the underwires and other areas that collect sweat using a toothbrush
Rinse in cold water
Dry padded bras flat on a towel
Store by stacking in a drawer
We also made a very fun rhyme for you to remember while you wash your bras - check it out here:
Taking good care of your bras improves their longevity. And it goes easy on your pocket and the planet!