Blog
How to Clean Bras Safely
March 10, 2024
-
By
Sophia Grant
Wondering how to clean bras without compromising their comfort and shape? You’re not alone.
If anything, proper bra care is essential for hygiene and extending the life of your lingerie. In this post, we will cut through the confusion with clear, step-by-step instructions for both hand and machine washing. So, let’s dive in.
How Often Should You Wash Bras?
The question of how often to wash bras is almost as controversial as how to wash them. Some sources suggest washing after every wear, while others say every other or even after a few wears.
The truth is that the frequency of washing bras depends on a few factors, including physical activity levels and the number of bras in rotation. For instance, sports bras should be washed after every workout to prevent fabric deterioration due to sweat and body oils.
As a general rule, you want to wash your bras in the laundry room after every other wear or after three to four wears – that will help maintain their integrity and the bra’s shape.
Keep in mind, however, that the number isn’t set in stone and can vary based on individual circumstances.
Preparing Your Bras for a Safe Wash
Before start washing your bras, there are a few steps that you want to take to ensure a safe wash. Start by fastening any hooks and clasps. That will prevent them from catching on other items or damaging the bra fabric during the wash.
Next, take a moment to check your bra’s laundry care labels. These labels contain crucial information about proper washing techniques and temperatures.
To avoid color transfer and damage to delicate materials, sort your bras by color and fabric type before washing. And don’t forget to inspect your bras for any damage or loose threads, repairing them before washing to avoid further damage.
Finally, place your bras in a mesh lingerie bag for an extra layer of protection.
Mastering the Art of Hand-Washing Bras
Hand-washing is the gold standard for bra care – it will allow you to maintain the elasticity and shape of your bras while ensuring they get a thorough clean.
The process of hand washing involves soaking, gentle agitation, and rinsing without stretching or wringing.
Step 1: Soak the Bra
Fill a sink with lukewarm or cold water and add a bit of ACTIVE detergent. You’ll have to agitate the water to mix the powder properly.
Step 2: Place Your Bra In the Sink
Gently submerge your bra in this cleaning solution. Remember not to twist or wring the bra and make sure it gets evenly soaked.
For the best results, soak the bra in the detergent solution for about 10 minutes; that will help loosen any dirt or oils. Then, massage the fabric to remove any remaining dirt or oils.
Step 3: Rinse the Bra
Rinse the bra with a gentle stream of cool water until the water runs clear. After rinsing, gently squeeze out the excess water with your hands.
Step 4: Allow It to Dry
Drape your bra across a drying rack and allow it to dry in a well-ventilated area.
Supply:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Water
- Towel
Avoid twisting or wringing the bra like a towel – that will damage the its structure.
Putting Your Bras In the Washing Machine
While hand washing is often recommended for bras, we understand that it’s not always feasible.
Machine washing is an alternative, but it requires some precautions. Here’s how to do it.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Laundry bag
- Water
- Drying rack
Step 1:
Place the bras in individual mesh laundry bags and put them in the washer.
The bags will act as a protective barrier, preventing them from snagging on other items during the wash cycle.
Step 2:
Add one scoop of ACTIVE Detergent and choose the correct washing machine settings – a delicate cycle with cold or warm water.
That will prevent them from becoming damaged prematurely.
Step 3:
After washing, drape your bras across a drying rack and allow them to dry.
That will allow them to maintain their shape and will prevent the bands, straps, or cups from being twisted or distorted.
Avoid using fabric softener when washing bras, as they can impair the elasticity and cause residue buildup on the fabric.
ACTIVE Detergent
Safely deep cleans bras removing body oils and sweat.
Avoiding the Dryer at All Costs
Tumble drying can stretch or distort the shape of a bra, especially the bands and straps.
The heat and agitation in a tumble dryer can also damage delicate lace and synthetic fabrics and cause underwires to get distorted or damaged.
That’s why we recommend air drying your bras – either on a drying rack or flat on a clean towel.
Selecting the Right Laundry Bag for Bras
A mesh laundry bag will provide a protective barrier for your bras, preventing them from snagging on other items during the wash cycle.
There are specific features to consider when choosing a laundry bag for your bras. Ideally, you want to choose a bag that’s:
- Durable
- Rust-resistant
- Has a secure zipper that can be tucked away to avoid snags
- Has a hard plastic frame to maintain the shape of the bras
- Can accommodate multiple bras up to size 38DD, making them a versatile choice for various bra sizes
- Sinks into the water for thorough cleaning instead of floating on top
Storing Bras to Maintain Their Shape
After your bras are cleaned and dried, the next step is to store them properly, in a manner that will maintain their shape and extend their lifespan.
For the best results, store bras upright and nested inside each other, avoiding inverting the cups of molded bras to maintain their shape.
Before placing them in the drawer, ensure the bras are clasped to prevent hooks from catching. Use drawer organizers to minimize damage and keep bras sorted by type. Make sure they are completely dry before storing them away to prevent unwanted contaminants from growing.
For organized and shape-preserving storage, consider using silk bags, specially designed lingerie bins, or repurposed shoe organizers.
Special Considerations for Sports Bras and Lingerie
Special considerations need to be made for sports bras, padded bras, and lingerie. Before washing, remove any removable pads or inserts from bras to ensure they maintain their shape.
The lifespan of a sports bra is influenced by how often it is used and how well it is cared for.
Generally speaking, a regularly worn sports bra will need to be replaced after about a year or when signs of wear such as reduced comfort, support, or physical degradation become apparent.
Maintaining Freshness Between Laundry Days
Spot-cleaning your bras with a washcloth and a gentle detergent mixture can help remove stains without the need for a full wash.
After spot cleaning, let the bras air dry completely before their next use.
Regularly rotating bras can also extend their freshness so try not to wear the same bra for several days in a row.
How to Clean Bras – Summary
Proper bra care is a combination of correct washing, drying, and storage techniques. Whether you choose to hand wash or machine wash, remember to use a gentle detergent like ACTIVE, avoid harsh treatments like using the dryer, and store your bras properly to maintain their shape.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to extend the life of your bras while preserving their comfort and shape.
Key Takeaways
- Wash bras based on personal wear patterns, ideally every other wear to every three to four wears, and rotate between multiple bras to allow the elastic to recover
- When washing bras, always fasten hooks, hand wash or use a mesh bag in the machine on a delicate cycle, and use mild detergent
- For drying, lay bras flat on a towel or hang them, never use the clothes dryer as it can distort shape and damage the materials
Knowing How to Wash Bras Properly – Frequently Asked Questions
How do you deep clean a bra?
To deep clean a bra, soak it in a soapy solution (we recommend using ACTIVE Detergent) for 15 to 20 minutes before massaging the fabric to remove any oils and dirt.
Is it better to hand-wash or machine-wash bras?
It’s better to hand wash bras to extend their lifespan. With that said, you can put them in the washing machine as long as you use a mesh lingerie bag.
How often should I wash my bras?
Ideally, you want to wash your bras every two to four wears, or more frequently if you sweat a lot or experience skin irritation or infection.
How should I dry my bras?
We recommend air-drying your bras by laying them flat on a towel or hanging them up to avoid damage.
How should I store my bras?
Keep them upright and nested inside each other, and avoid inverting the cups of molded bras to maintain their shape. Consider using drawer organizers to minimize damage and keep bras sorted by type.
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Sophia Grant
Sophia Grant brings her extensive knowledge of laundry and clothing care to the masses with her intensive cleaning guides. Her thorough understanding of fabrics, detergents, and washing techniques helps readers master the art of maintaining their wardrobe. Sophia's advice ensures that anyone can achieve professional-level results at home, keeping their garments looking pristine and lasting longer.
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