We all want to look our best, but washing our favorite bras is something we often put off. And yet, it's absolutely essential! Sweat and the high acidity in your bra erode the elastic, allowing bacteria to spread quickly. This negatively impacts the quality of your bra and your personal hygiene. Therefore, make sure you wash your bras regularly to prevent these kinds of inconveniences.
Differentiate between bras
Take a look at your drawer and sort your bras. Put all satin, silk, lace, and sports bras in a separate pile. Don't be alarmed, because sports bras should actually be washed immediately after exercising. This is unlike "regular" bras, which are officially supposed to be washed after three days. Be selective when washing your bras, because only items of the same material can be washed together with your bras. In other words, wash all satin bras only with your satin garments, such as your satin nightgown . Then, sort by color to prevent the bra fabric from fading or discoloring. Also, make sure you choose a special wash program when washing your bras, such as the "delicate cycle" at a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius. If you don't, there's a good chance the underwire and cups will become misshapen.
Hand wash or regular wash
Some experts swear by hand-washing for optimal bra care. Others decry this nonsense and are convinced that a regular washing machine is just as effective. Whatever you choose, be sure to use the right strength detergent. Overly strong detergents can dissolve the bra fibers and weaken the tissues. This is the last thing you want, so choose a mild detergent or make sure you use an alcohol-free one.
Opinions are divided on the best way to wash a bra. While you can easily wash bras in the washing machine, hand washing is still best. A hand-washed bra stays in good condition longer, retains its shape better, and maintains its elasticity, making it more comfortable to wear. Hand washing is especially advisable if you wear padded bras , as it's better for the quality of the cups and padding. However, be careful not to soak bras for too long when hand-washing, as this can damage the colors.
How often should you wash a bra?
Contrary to popular belief, washing your bra frequently doesn't matter at all. The elastic material in bras actually loses its strength faster if the fibers aren't properly cleaned. We always recommend washing your bra every three to four days, but if you sweat more, it's obviously wiser to wash it more often. And that's perfectly fine.
Use a bra washing bag
If you're washing your bras in the washing machine (which is perfectly fine), a bra wash bag is a good investment. Lingerie and bras are often made of fine but delicate materials, and a wash bag protects your bras as much as possible from unnecessary stretching and damage caused by friction and the rotation of the washing machine. It also prevents them from getting tangled up in your other clothes after washing.
Your washing machine will also thank you, because the bag prevents damage from loose underwires or clasps. Always make sure to fasten the bra clasp before putting a bra in the washing machine. This way, hooks stay where they belong instead of getting caught in another delicate garment.
Bra washing balls are also sold online and in some stores, but they have the disadvantage that they can open mid-wash, leaving your bra loose in the machine. And using a pillowcase? That's also an option, but the same applies there. A bra washing bag with a well-concealed zipper doesn't have this problem.
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Buy a bra bag
Buying a high-quality bra bag from a specialty store can do wonders for the lifespan and quality of your bra. A specialty store like Esterella offers bra wash bags in various sizes. We can help you choose the right one.
Drying bras
Many women sometimes wring out freshly washed clothes. This is probably perfectly possible with other clothes, but don't do this with your freshly washed bra. You can, however, place the bra between two towels and squeeze them so that excess moisture is absorbed by the towels. Then you can push the cups back into the bra to restore its shape. Afterward, you can air-dry the bra by placing it on a clothesline or drying rack. Many women hang their bras by the edges. Avoid this, as there's a high risk of stretching the elastic of the bra straps. If you don't have a drying rack available, or if it's already full of clothes, place your bra on a towel to dry and turn it over after half a day. Want to wear your favorite bra again quickly? Use the dryer on the "cool" setting, and you'll have a dry bra in no time!
Tips & tricks for washing your bra
Washing a bra isn't all that complicated. As long as you pay close attention to what you're doing, you'll see your beautiful bra stay looking its best for longer. Here are all the tips and tricks:
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Wash bras once every 3 to 4 days, more often if necessary.
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Wash a sports bra immediately after exercising
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Choose a special wash cycle suitable for bras and follow the care instructions. Always wash with cold water, never warmer than 30 degrees Celsius.
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Washing with other clothes is okay, but always with similar materials.
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Wash with similar colors as much as possible. Never mix light and dark colors to prevent the colors from bleeding and fading.
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Close the hooks and use a bra washing bag to avoid damaging other clothes or the washing machine.
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Never wring out freshly washed bras, as this will cause them to lose their fit. Hanging them by the straps isn't a good idea either, as this will stretch them. Laying them flat (with the cups facing up) is best, for example, on a dry towel. If the bra is still soaking wet, you can place a second towel on top and pat it dry.
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Choose a mild detergent or use an alcohol-free detergent
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After washing, push the cups back into shape, always do this from the inside out.
So you should never do this:
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Don't put bras in an overloaded washing machine
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Never tumble dry or iron
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Washing at too high a temperature
