How do you wash a bra correctly? Our guide gives you instructions for handwashing and machine washing — and warnings for what NOT to do!
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Without a doubt, the bra is one of the most delicate items of laundry. We show you how to wash it properly and what you should definitely avoid to wash a bra correctly.
The everyday companion of almost every woman needs to be washed every day or couple of days to remove sweat and dead skin cells, depending on the weather and wear. However, due to the special shape of a bra, it is not that easy to wash it correctly.
It happens too quickly that one of the brackets deforms or that the sensitive fabric is damaged. Therefore, there are helpful recommendations for washing the bra correctly.
How often should a bra be in the wash?
Many women do not even know how often they have to wash their bra, so they opt for the wash after just a few hours. In other cases, the bra is worn for more than a week. Both variants are not recommended, since the first one unnecessarily stresses the sensitive bra material, while the second one is unsanitary. Because under the armpits and under the breasts, a lot of sweat accumulates in the course of a day, which is directly absorbed by the bra.
We therefore recommend washing the bra every two to four days. The exact number of days between washes depends on how much the wearer has sweated. A direct wash is recommended after a hot day or after exercising with a bra. The sports bra should be put into the wash after every workout. It is all the more important to wash the bra regularly.
No-gos for bra washing
❍ Do not tumble dry !
In addition to the correct washing interval, there is also a lot of uncertainty as to which is the right washing program for the bra and whether it can be put into the washing machine at all . In order to provide more clarity here, the first thing to do is read the washing instructions on the small label in the bra, where the size is. Under no circumstances is a bra allowed to tumble dry. Ironing should also be avoided.
❍ Don’t just use any washing program!
The normal washing program of the washing machine is not sufficient, especially for fine materials such as lace, satin or silk. A gentle program or a hand wash is recommended here. It is also important to avoid high revolutions, as these can reduce the elasticity of the fabric.
❍ Do not add to the rest of the laundry!
Bras do not belong in the washing machine with the rest of the laundry, but have earned their own washing cycle. For this, too, a laundry bag or net is especially suitable for bras, because this prevents the hooks from damaging fine materials or even getting caught in the top of other bras and leaving holes there.
Tip: In order for the bra to retain its color, it makes sense to wash it with similar colors or alone. Soaking in soapy water for too long when hand washing should also be avoided in the interest of color fastness.
How to wash a bra correctly
In order for bra laundering to be a complete success in the future, the following points must be observed. We have listed them for our readers in a practical checklist:
- Read the instructions before washing
- Select the correct temperature (in case of doubt only 30 ° C)
- Select a low number of spins
- Check that the fabric does not react with fabric softener, if you use it
- Close the fastener before washing to protect the rest of the laundry
- Wash bras and underwear separately
- If possible, use a laundry net for the bra
- use mild detergent
- Place the bra flat on a towel to dry
- Keep bras stacked on top of each other to avoid deformation
For sports bras and bras with removable pads, it is important to wring the filling well before drying and pay attention to the shape. We also recommend that hand wash be preferred for delicate materials and white bras.
Instructions for hand washing bras
For the hand wash, with which women can not go wrong with bras, it is first necessary to sort them by color. It is best to separate black, white, red and colored from each other. Lukewarm water in the sink or in a bowl is sufficient. Delicates liquid or a mild soap should be dissolved in the water to wash the bras with your hands in a gentle massage movement.
It is recommended to let the everyday companions soak in the water for a few minutes before the actual hand washing begins. However, it is important not to overuse this time. With routine washing without soiling, it is also possible to start washing directly.
After hand washing, it is important to rinse the bras with cold, clear water and wring them out carefully. They should not hang to dry, but should lie down so as not to wear out. This is particularly quick in the fresh air. The dryer is a no-go for bras of all kinds.
Instructions for machine washing
In order to wash the bra in the washing machine, which is possible with many models, it is important to use a laundry bag and to close the bra before washing. This keeps it in shape and the user avoids the hooks getting caught in the rest of the laundry, which can lead to unsightly holes.
When washing machines, it is also important to separate the bras by color. The temperature should not be above 30 ° C and the number of revolutions should preferably be lower than higher. Accessories and any extras on the bra should be removed before washing. With a mild detergent and the appropriate program, it is then possible to clean the bra thoroughly within a short time.
Tip: If you havealready removed the label with the washing instructions from the bra, you will also find many helpful washing instructions and other tips on the correct use of the bra on the brand’s website.
