The 7 Laundry Mistakes You’re Making With Bras And Underwear!

#1: Relying on a machine washer

Ask anyone in the undergarment business, and they’ll tell you: To preserve their life cycle, bras and underwear should be laundered with care — hand-washing and air-drying is best. “Lingerie uses very delicate fibers and elastics—it has to because it’s laying against sensitive areas of the body all day,” says Cora Harrington, founder and editor-in-chief of The Lingerie Addict. Harsh detergents and vigorous motion from the washing machine can both shorten the lifespan of your intimate apparel.

#2: Throwing loose, unhooked bras in the washer

Sometimes, you just don’t have time to hand-wash your unmentionables, and that’s okay. Experts agree that the gentle cycle of the machine set to cool or warm water will do in a pinch, but haphazardly tossing them in the machine is a no-no.Once a bra is stretched out, it will never fit—or shape you—properly again. Plus, bra hooks can easily get snagged on other clothes and become bent or misshapen. If you must use a machine, always clasp your bras and safely stow them in a mesh lingerie bag for washing. 

#3: Putting bras or underwear in the dryer

The heat of the dryer is murder on the elastic in your bras and underwear, whether you’re talking lace panties or cotton boxer shorts. Air-drying is the only good option for undergarments. Also, underwire that gets heated excessively is more prone to pop out of its casing, she adds.

#4: Washing bras too often

The proper window for washing your bras is every two to five wears, depending on how much you sweat and whether you have sensitive skin. “If you tend to sweat, washing your bra after every wear would be appropriate,” says Harrington, who also recommends immediate washing for people who have eczema or easily irritated skin. “However, many people, especially when it’s colder outside, find they can wear their bras two to four times before laundering. This helps to preserve the shape and elasticity of the bra, which means it can do its job for longer.”

#5: Not washing bras enough

Your bras may not look dirty after extended periods of use, but the oils from your skin are doing a number on the fabric, we assure you. “Oil degrades elastic over time, which means that naturally occurring skin oils do contribute to the breakdown of your bras,” says Harrington. “This process can be exacerbated by perfumes, moisturizers, sunscreen, and the like.” Perspiration and dead skin cells are also mucking up your delicates, the same as any other garment, she adds. Stick to the two-to-five-wears rule to keep your bras in tip-top shape.