Lingerie care: How to keep your underwear looking new for years

You’ve bought beautiful lingerie and certainly don’t want it to turn into a shapeless piece of fabric after just a few washes. Machine washing can mean "quick death" for your favourite bra. Delicate materials like lace, silk, and satin suffer in it, underwires deform, and elastic bands lose their elasticity.

If you want to enjoy your lingerie for as long as possible, learn how to wash it correctly.

5 Biggest Sins When Washing Underwear

Are you making these mistakes too? It's time to fix them!

  1. Washing in hot water: Hot water can damage lingerie. Use cold or lukewarm water up to a maximum of 30 °C.
  2. Using regular laundry detergents: They are too aggressive. Choose a gentle washing gel or natural products.
  3. Strong wringing and twisting: This deforms the shape of the lingerie. Gently squeeze out the water by hand.
  4. Drying on a radiator or in a dryer: Heat destroys delicate fibers. Dry on a flat surface, ideally on a towel.
  5. Improper storage: Do not hang bras by the straps – the elastic can stretch. Store bras flat or on a hanger, and do not put the cups inside each other to prevent them from losing their shape.

Step-by-step: Perfect handwashing
What will you need?
  • A bowl or basin with lukewarm water (max. 30 °C).
  • Mild laundry gel (or a homemade recipe below).
  • A soft towel for drying.

Procedure:

  1. Soaking: Let the laundry soak for 10–15 minutes. Gently swirl the water with your hands to allow the detergent to penetrate the fibers, but never scrub lace vigorously.
  2. Washing: For bras, gently press the cups, straps, and underwires. For briefs, carefully rub them between your fingers, but do not stretch them.
  3. Rinsing: Use clean, cold water until all detergent residue is removed.
  4. Drying: Lay the laundry flat on a towel and gently press it to absorb the water. Never hang bras by the straps, or they will stretch out!

BONUS: Make your own natural remedies

Try these DIY recipes:

  • Homemade laundry gel: Mix 2 tablespoons of mild baby shampoo, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, and 300 ml of lukewarm water. Use as a regular laundry detergent.
  • Natural fabric softener: Mix 100 ml of apple cider vinegar with 3 drops of lavender oil. Add to the final rinse – it will soften the fabric without damaging it.

FAQ: What interests you the most?

  • Can I machine wash lingerie? Ideally not. If you must, always use a delicate cycle, cold water, and a laundry bag.
  • How often should I wash bras? After 3–4 wears (if worn all day), or sooner if you've sweated more.
  • Is fabric softener good for lingerie? No! It can damage delicate fibers and destroy elasticity.

Remember, good care = longer life for your favorite lingerie!

Share your moments with us at @muselingerie_