How To Wash Your Bras If You Want Them To Last

A high-quality bra that actually fits properly is worth its weight in gold. And that explains why many of us are willing to pay quite a bit for one! :-) On average, a good bra should last between six months and two years, as long as you clean and care for it properly! Improper washing can reduce the lifespan of your bra dramatically, so learning how to properly care for bras is one of the best ways to protect your investment!

And that’s exactly what you’ll get from today’s post. From general bra care tips to specific washing instructions, this post is packed with everything you need to know to clean and care for any type of bra!

How To Clean & Care For Bras

Bras are a delicate item of clothing, and delicate items require gentle care! To clean high-end, lacy, and expensive bras, hand washing is nearly always the best way option. But certain basic types of bras are fine to machine-wash on a gentle cycle, like sports bras, bralettes, and bras without underwire. (You’ll find instructions for both hand-washing and machine-washing below.)

No matter which washing method you choose to use, you’ll want to use cool-to-lukewarm water and a mild detergent. And it’s easy to make a mild detergent for bras and other delicates right at home! Here’s how to do it.

How To Make A Homemade Mild Detergent For Bras

Ingredients:

1 cup hot water
1 teaspoon baby shampoo
1-2 drops essential oils (optional)

Directions:

Add the hot water, baby shampoo, and one to two drops of your favorite essential oil (if using) to a small bowl. Stir briskly until well-mixed. If using to hand wash a bra (see below), use all of the finished mixture.

How To Hand Wash A Bra

You’ll need:

Mild detergent
2 clean, dry towels

Directions:

Pour a small amount of mild detergent (either homemade or store-bought) into a sink full of lukewarm water.
Fasten all closures on the bra, then turn it inside-out and submerge it in the sudsy water. Let it soak for five minutes.
Carefully knead the garment under the water, then soak for another five minutes.
Drain the soapy water out of the sink and refill it with clean, cool water. Knead the fabric again to rinse. Drain and refill the water once more if necessary to ensure that all the detergent has been rinsed out.
Drain the sink, then gently press any excess water from the fabric of the bra. (You just want to squeeze it a bit; avoid wringing it.)
Lay the bra out on a clean, dry towel. Roll the towel up, then squeeze it gently to absorb the remaining moisture from the bra.
Remove the bra, lay it out on a second dry towel, and allow it to air dry completely.

How To Wash A Bra In A Washing Machine

You’ll need:

Zippered mesh laundry bag
Mild detergent
Clean, dry towel

Directions:

Place the bra in a zippered mesh laundry bag and zip it closed.
Place the bag in your washing machine, and add the recommended amount of a mild detergent.
Run the most gentle cycle your machine offers, then remove the bra from the laundry bag and lay it flat to dry on a dry towel.

How Often Should You Wash Your Bras?

Most lingerie experts say that you don’t have to wash your bras every single time you wear it. Instead, they recommend that you wash them after 2-4 wearings, allowing each bra at least one day of rest in between each wearing. (Though you may want to wash a bra more frequently if you’ve been sweating a lot or wearing perfumes or lotions.)