Most bras should be washed after about four wears—or more frequently if you have a particularly sweaty day. Sports bras should be washed—or at least rinsed with warm water—after every workout. No bra will last forever. But considering that they sit directly on your body for hours at a time, why not treat them well?
What you will need:
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Laundry Detergent
Whether you hand-wash or machine-wash your bras, it is recommended to use a mild detergent. Many people have found that liquid detergent works best - especially if you've decided to do this by hand.
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Delicates Bag
A fine mesh laundry bag can provide loads of protection to your bra while it is being cleaned! It helps bras to maintain their shape, keeps straps from getting tangled, and protects delicate fabrics like lace in a washing machine. Grab yours here!
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Washing Machine (optional)
Machine-washing bras can cause them wear out faster than if you hand-wash them. But if you do use your washing machine, clean your bras in a small load of laundry on a delicate cycle and a mesh delicates bag, whenever possible.
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Drying Rack, Clips or Clothesline (optional)
It’s essential to air-dry your bras and avoid putting them in the dryer, when possible. If you don't have any of these items, don't worry! Just lay your bra flat to dry, turning it over after a few hours.
Hand-Wash your Bra
The best way to wash bras & any delicate clothing is by hand, using a mild liquid detergent. There are also special detergents available that do not have to be rinsed out and are gentler on the fabric, like Soak Wash Liquid (skip Step 5 if using no-rinse detergent).
Step 1: In a large basin, bucket, or clean sink, start by mixing a tablespoon of detergent with a gallon of cool water. Step 2: Submerge your garments entirely, swirling gently to ensure the detergent fully penetrates the fibers. Step 3: Let your garments soak for 15-minutes. Step 4: Remove the garments from your water & drain the dirty water. If you have more garments to wash, set these garments to the side until you have finished soaking all items to conserve water. Step 5: Gently rinse each garment under cold water. Be sure to rinse them fully so there's no lingering soap. Think of it like shampooing your hair—all the soap has to come out for the bras to be completely clean. Step 6: Gently scrunch your bras or roll/press the item in a dry towel to draw out excess water (avoid wringing or twisting delicate garments). Step 7: Hang or lay it flat to dry (see our note below for more information about drying).
Machine-Wash your Bra
No matter how great your washing machine is, it’s going to wear out your bra faster than hand-washing will. But—if you’d still prefer to machine-wash your bras, there are a few things you can do to reduce wear and tear.
Tip 1. Protect your bras and other laundry by placing your bras into a mesh lingerie bag , sometimes called a delicates bag—get yours here!
Tip 2. Hook your bra straps and clasps to prevent tangling in the wash.
Tip 3. Wash your bras in a small load of laundry. This is a good rule in general—and not just for bras. When your clothes move freely, they get cleaner.
Tip 4. Use a delicate cycle. A normal cold cycle is fine if you’re washing bras with non-delicate items.
Tip 5. Be careful not to use too much detergent. Using too much detergent can leave an oily residue on clothes, and this might make your bras feel less comfortable.
(Don't) Dry your Bra
No matter how you choose to wash your bra, you should always—always—air-dry it.
The dryer will legitimately ruin your bras. The heat breaks down the elastic and stretches it out, which means you'll have to replace your bras more often. The clasps can also get bent out of shape and ripped off in the dryer. Learn from the mistakes of so many others and save yourself—and your bra— from the dryer.
Using either a foldable clothes dryer or even your shower curtain rod, drape the bra over it so it's folded in half and one cup is on each side (like shown below). Don't hang the bras by the straps, because it can stretch and deform the fabric while wet. Hanging it from the middle puts the least amount of strain on the fabric.
Keep in mind that it can sometimes take a while for a bra to dry, especially if they're padded. This can range from a few hours to a full day! Most people find that it is best to wash their bras in shifts so they always have at least one to wear.
Common Bra Care Questions
What if my straps look gray and pilled?
Mix a few tablespoons of baking soda with water to create a paste, gently massage it into the elastic straps and then spin the bra in cold water. You can also use the baking-soda paste as a pre-wash treatment to spot-treat sweat and deodorant stains!
If the straps still have pills, simply “shave” them away. Here’s how: Ask a parent to help! Once the bra is completely dry, lay it out on a flat surface and lightly run a disposable razor over the pills and fuzzies to remove them.
How often should I wash my bra?
There's no right or wrong answer here! The general rule of thumb is that you should consider washing your bra after every four to seven wears. Take into account the weather, activities you're doing, and how often you are wearing it on a weekly rotation.
Try not to wear the same bra more than two days in a row; letting the garment “rest” between wears helps preserve its shape and elasticity.
What if my bra still looks dingy and discolored after a wash?
This often happens with light colored garments. Try adding this step before washing: Fill the sink or basin with cold water and add 2 teaspoons white distilled vinegar. Soak your bra for 20 minutes then thoroughly rinse out the vinegar solution. Now proceed with washing your bra as outlined above!