Here at CupCase, we’re guilty of it, too. Whether by accident or an act of laziness, we have washed our fine lingerie with the rest of our laundry. We’ve said, “It will be fine,” to ourselves and then found our lovely bras wound around the agitator, wrapped up like a snake around jeans or hooked to a plush towel.
Our grandmothers used to wash their bras by hand and then hang them over the shower rod in the bathroom (or outside on the line). Not because they had to, but because they wanted them to last and look good.
These days, bras can be pretty expensive, so it’s just as important we take care of them. Here are a few tips to help keep your bras in great shape!
First and foremost, read the label so you know if you can machine wash your bra or if you should actually break down and hand wash it.
For those you can wash in the machine, put them in lingerie bags to keep them separate. A mesh bag prevents them from winding around other items and reduces surface wear from friction against tougher fabrics. Make sure you clasp each bra before tossing in the mesh bag. Also, use the delicate cycle, cool water and a gentle detergent.
Some experts say you should never put bras, panties and shapewear in the dryer because the heat breaks down spandex fibers and elastic. Drying on a line, rack or mesh drying shelf is best. If you have to toss them in the dryer, lightly shake them out first for quicker, more even drying. Many lingerie fabrics will dry fast and should be dried on a low temperature setting.
If your bra requires hand washing, it’s probably made with really delicate fabric or has been adorned with lovely beads or bows. Just think of how long your bra will stay beautiful just by giving it the TLC it needs!
Select a detergent specially made for hand-washing items. Follow the directions on the package, but generally, you should let the pieces soak for a few minutes in warm or cool water, then gently squeeze the suds through the fabric. Then rinse and pat with a towel or roll in a towel to absorb excess moisture before hanging them to dry.
After your bras are all clean and dry, store them in a CupCase! While CupCase is handy for traveling, it also will help protect your bras and keep them in their natural shape while stored in your dresser drawer.
So give your bras the TLC they deserve (afterall, think of all the hard work they do for you J!) and you’ll have them to enjoy for years to come.
