When owning lingerie, one of the most important things to remember is that you need to care for it properly. If you treat these delicate items the same way you treat a pair of old jogging shorts, that’s exactly what they’ll end up looking like. To keep your lingerie from looking like a rumpled, ripped up mess, Lingerie Diva recommends that you follow these guidelines. While they may take more time, these washing methods will extend the life of your lingerie — and extend the time you get to enjoy it.
The first thing you need to do is check the labels in your lingerie. Manufacturers know their product better than anyone else, so their advice should be taken first, and should be taken seriously. If it says dry clean only, there’s a reason for it.
If you already clipped out your label, or your manufacturers’ instructions aren’t clear, you can keep your lingerie clean and happy by following the advice below.
As a guideline, most lingerie (especially if it’s made of lace) should be hand washed in cold water with mild soap or a detergent made for hand washing, such as Woolite. Remember to fasten any snaps, clasps or buttons while you’re doing this to avoid any snagging or tearing of the material. Give it a good rinse when you’re done, and then let it hang dry. Never machine dry your lingerie, unless told otherwise.
If you have a lot of lingerie, hand washing may seem like an exhausting task. So, you can always try to wash your lingerie using your washing machine’s delicate cycle on cold (not warm!). Use a lingerie bag or small washing bag for your garments so they don’t get caught on anything during the cycle. And again, let your lingerie hang dry.
Nylon (used in most hosiery) is one of the materials that can be washed using the delicate cycle of your washing machine. It is also one that can be dried in the drier; however, make sure to add a dryer sheet to avoid static electricity. Otherwise, your pantyhose will stick to everything — and that’s never a good thing.
Silk is in a league of its own when it comes to delicacy. This material is extremely sensitive to detergents, so make sure to use a mild soap or silk-specific wash instead. Then, let the lingerie sit in warm water for about five minutes, and rinse with cool water. (A teaspoon of vinegar added to the rinse can sometimes help it remove traces of soap.) Place the lingerie in a towel and keep it flat while it dries.
When it comes to silk, the fabric is fragile, so it’s important to follow these tips:
- Never scrub or wring silk
- Never wear silk in direct sunlight. (It fades easily.)
- Never clean just a spot or section of silk with water — clean the entire garment.
- Never spray perfume on silk
Corsets can be an investment (sometimes worth hundreds of dollars), so you want to treat it as you would your grandmother’s china: with tender love and care. Lingerie Diva’s corsets are made with high-quality steel boning, so too much contact with water can cause it to rust. For the best results, it’s always good to have it dry cleaned by a professional. And even then, ask for it to be washed by hand.
However, to keep dry cleaning bills down, here are a few guidelines to keep your corset fresh and clean:
- Instead of washing your corset every time you wear it, use a damp cloth to clean its lining.
- Try wearing a thin camisole underneath it to prevent any excess perspiration that can dirty it.
- It’s always a good idea to treat your corset with a fabric protector before wearing it. That way if anything spills on it, it can easily be wiped off.
And although all lingerie should be treated gently, sheer lingerie needs a little extra TLC. If you're not careful, that gorgeous sheer babydoll nightie or those sexy sheer thigh highs will end up as snagged rags. Taking care of sheer lingerie requires a little bit of work, but it's worth it in the end. Here's how you do it:
1) Handle with care: We mean this literally. Sheer lingerie is much more delicate than other pieces, so you want to be sure that you don't have any rough calluses or hangnails that could cause a snag and ruin your favorite piece of lingerie. When you're handling or washing it, it's wise to invest in a pair of hosiery gloves (decided to handle super sheer tights and thigh highs) that will help prevent any sheer shredding.
2) Hand wash: No matter how sturdy your sheer lingerie might seem (and some of the nylon pieces are a bit more durable) it's best to skip the delicate cycle and wash your pieces in the sink. Use cold water and a mild detergent (like Woolite) or a splurge for a special lingerie wash. If there are any snaps, buttons or hooks, remember to fasten them before you wash to avoid any tears or snags.
3) Dry it gently: Don't wring out your lingerie, as it could cause it to get misshapen over time, and definitely don't go anywhere near a dryer with it. Either hang it or lay flat on a towel to dry.
It’s no secret that chlorine, sun, sunscreen and sand can do some damage to your bathing suits. And while it’s important to always rinse out your suit after wearing, swimsuit care goes beyond that. Here are some tips on how to care for your swimwear.
– First, always rinse your swimsuit by hand. Never put it in the washer or dryer, which could cause it lose its shape, fade or became pilled. It is recommended that you wash your suit after every use.
– When rinsing your swimwear, use a specialized detergent, which will help to neutralize any chemicals (like chlorine) that your suit has taken in. Mild hand soap or baby soap could also work.
– Think of your swimsuit as an extension of your lingerie. You would never wring out your silk bras, and the same goes for your bathing suits. Instead, lightly squeeze out the water and then hang or lay flat on a towel to dry.
– If you are cleaning a new swimsuit, do it separately; don’t add it to other delicates. A new swimsuit could bleed dye for a couple washes and you don’t want to add some unwanted color to your undies!
– If you are going back out swimming soon, use an alternate swimsuit. Most suits need time (24 hours or so) to go back to their original shape; wearing it too soon could cause it to stretch.
– For you hot tub people, be aware that the high heat and chemicals can do much more damage to your suit than the sun and chlorine will. Thoroughly rinse out your suit as soon as your finished in the hot tub – you might also think about using a cheap or old suit as your hot tub suit so you won’t ruin anything new.
Proper care of your lingerie is essential to maintain its appearance, comfort, and longevity. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your delicate garments remain in excellent condition for a longer period.
1. Washing Frequency
Bras: It's generally recommended to wash bras after every 1-2 wears. However, factors such as climate, activity level, and personal preference can influence this frequency. For instance, in hotter climates or after intense activities, more frequent washing may be necessary.
Panties, Hosiery, and Shapewear: These items should be washed after each wear to maintain hygiene.
2. Hand Washing
Hand washing is the gentlest method for cleaning delicate lingerie fabrics. Follow these steps:
Preparation: Fill a clean sink or basin with lukewarm water. Add a small amount of mild detergent specifically formulated for delicates, ensuring it's thoroughly mixed.
Washing: Submerge your lingerie in the soapy water. Gently agitate the water to clean the fabric, taking care not to pull or tug, especially with lace items.
Rinsing: Drain the soapy water and refill the basin with clean, cool water. Gently swish the lingerie to remove detergent residues. Repeat if necessary until the water runs clear.
Drying: After rinsing, gently press out excess water without wringing or twisting the fabric. Lay the items flat on a clean, dry towel, reshaping them as needed, and allow them to air dry away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
3. Machine Washing
If hand washing isn't feasible, machine washing can be done with caution:
Preparation: Fasten any hooks or clasps to prevent snagging. Place the lingerie in a mesh lingerie bag to protect it during the wash cycle.
Settings: Use the machine's delicate or gentle cycle with cold water. Select a mild detergent suitable for delicate fabrics.
Post-Wash: After washing, remove the lingerie from the mesh bag and lay it flat to air dry, avoiding the use of a dryer.
4. Storage
Proper storage helps maintain the shape and quality of your lingerie:
Bras: Fasten the hooks to prevent snagging. Stack molded bras to preserve their shape, avoiding folding the cups inward.
Panties and Other Items: Fold carefully and store in a drawer or container where they won't be compressed or misshapen.
5. Additional Tips
Stain Treatment: Address stains promptly by spot-cleaning with a gentle detergent or a mixture of mild detergent and water. Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals that can damage delicate fabrics.
Rotation: Rotate your bras and other frequently worn items to allow the elastic fibers to recover between wears, extending their lifespan.
Avoid Fabric Softeners: Fabric softeners can break down elastic fibers and reduce the moisture-wicking properties of certain fabrics. It's best to avoid using them on lingerie.
By following these care guidelines, you can ensure that your lingerie remains in excellent condition, providing comfort and style for a longer period.
