So you received lacy lingerie for Valentine’s Day. You lucky girl! But now that the festivities are over and you’ve worn the sexy set, how exactly do you wash it? Can you throw them in your washer machine with your jeans? Do you have to pain-staking hand wash every item? We’ve asked around and brought you proper washing techniques for all your unmentionables. Including the over- sized cotton panties only worn on special days.
Everyday Lingerie
Most of your everyday pieces (cotton bras and panties) can be washed in your washer machine’s gentle or hand wash cycle. “Bras, camisoles, slips, hosiery, and any lingerie with straps that can get twisted, hooks that can get caught, as well as underwire that can bend, should always be placed in mesh bags,” says Deena Drummond, Founder of Roux Maison Laundry Detergent. “Fasten clasps and bindings before placing in the bags. Launder your bras, lingerie and undergarments separately from heavier items, which may be abrasive to more delicate fabrics and damage them in the wash.” Try Roux Maison Delicate Detergent for cotton and synthetic blends.
Fine Lingerie
Fine lingerie includes your most delicate lingerie and fabrics—things made of silk and items that are lacy. First, submerge items in a warm water bath mixed with a delicate wash. (Try: Soak wash or The Laundress Delicate Wash). Next, soak for up to 30 minutes. Rinse out until soapy water is gone and then dry flat on a drying rack. Remember: wash sets together to minimize different colors fading into each other.
Quick Tips
According to The Laundress, fabric softener is only to be used on cotton and general laundering—not when washing dedicates. Additionally, hand washing lengthens the life of colored garments, so try to hand wash as much as possible.