Nicoletta in Blue

How to Wash Lingerie, Panties, Hosiery & Bras

The main supplies you need for lingerie care is a gentle laundry detergent and a mesh lingerie bag (if you don’t have this a pillow case will suffice).

BRAS

If you have a very delicate bra (sheer, lace or satin), it is best to hand wash. However, bras that are more sturdy can safely go through the washing machine in a mesh laundry bag with bra hooked together to avoid tangling. Simply place the bras in the bag and close tightly before placing in the washer. If necessary, you can pre-treat perspiration stains with mild soap and water and gentle rubbing, and then let soak for a few minutes. Wash on delicate cycle in cool water; hot water can break down fabrics and elastic. Use a gentle detergent.

Fill the sink with cool water and a bit of detergent. Soak the bra for a few minutes and then gently work the suds through the material and rinse with cool water. Dab excess water out with a towel before air drying. Reshape the bra cups and allow to air dry. Never put a bra in a clothes dryer!

Bras that contain underwire shaping are best washed by hand. The wires can break if twisted too much. If a wire breaks but is still encased by fabric, harsh detergents can cause the metal to rust.

PANTIES

Follow the same rules for hand washing vs machine washing panties as you do for bras.

If the panties are sheer, lace or satin, hand wash. Nylon or silk panties should be machine washed in a mesh bag to prevent stretching and tangling. Use cold water only with a delicate detergent. Always air dry all types of panties.

HOSIERY

All leg wear - stockings, panty hose, tights - should be washed by hand. Fill a sink with cool water; add a gentle detergent and gently squeeze the stockings or tights. Let them soak for at least thirty minutes. Rinse in cold water. Wrap in a towel to absorb excess moisture. Hang to dry.

SWIMWEAR

Wash after every wear (Even if you did not wear in water)

Always remove sand before washing

Gentle Hand Wash ONLY - never use a washing machine

Never soak swimwear overnight, it can breakdown materials & metals

Never put swimwear in a dryer

Lay your swimsuit flat to dry

NOTE: Sunscreens and body lotions contain ingredients that can be damaging to fabric and metals and can lead to the eventual breakdown of the material and discolouration of clips and clasps.

TIPS FOR WASHING ALL LINGERIE

Every type of lingerie will last longer by following these tips:

hand wash in cold water

never wring or twist lingerie to remove water - use a towel to blot

always use a detergent made for delicate garments

never bleach

use a mesh lingerie bag if machine washing

if machine washing, wash delicate items with other delicate items only (do not throw in with standard wash) - avoid heavy fabrics that can tangle and damage delicate fibres

never overload the washer or the mesh bag - give items plenty of room to move

avoid washing lingerie with lint producing fabrics like terry cloth (towels)

separate light and dark coloured garments when washing by hand or machine

always air dry lingerie