How to wash your bras, according to laundry experts
Keep your bra in top shape with these tips.
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When it comes to washing your bras, how you do it is crucial. “Bras are made by sewing together several components. If you are not careful, any one of these components can get damaged in the wash,” says Noa Arias, founder and CEO of Bloomers Intimates. “The elastic in straps can get stretched out from high heat, the hook in the back can snag on other components and the padding can get misshapen.”
Thankfully, you can carefully wash your bra in a few ways that won’t cause damage. “If you have the time, hand wash your bras with a gentle detergent,” says Jessica Pfister, a lingerie expert and president of Komar Intimates. Prefer to use the washing machine? The experts we spoke with suggest the following tips:
Overwashing your bra can cause it to wear out more quickly, but underwashing it is a problem, too. “If you don’t wash it enough, your bra will start to collect dead skin cells, oils, and sweat, which can create bacteria,” says Pfister. Bacteria can sometimes lead to an irritation or rash.
So, how often should you wash your bra? “As often as every two to three days of wear,” says Arias. This is for hygiene purposes but also because the elastic components stretch when you wear your bra, and washing it restores the shape.” The one exception to this rule is your sports bras. These should be washed after every use, says Pfister.
You know how to wash your bra and how often. Next, you need to know what kind of soap to use. “In general, a gentle laundry detergent is best,” says Pfister. Plenty of lingerie-specific detergents are on the market, though you don’t have to go with something specifically labeled for bras. “Seek out a detergent that is free of synthetic fragrances, chlorinated bleachers and brighteners — anything that could cause irritation,” add There are several detergents on the market that are free of chemicals and fragrances and that are gentle on both your garments and your skin.
This unscented detergent made our list of the best laundry detergents. The liquid formula is free of dyes and perfumes, according to Tide. The detergent, which Tide says quickly dissolves into water, comes in a 95-ounce container and can be used for up to 68 loads of laundry, according to the brand.
One of our picks for top eco-friendly laundry detergents, Seventh Generation’s laundry packs are filled with fragrance-free detergent and come in a recyclable plastic pouch. You can drop the packs directly into your laundry machine, but the brand recommends using two packs for large loads or heavily soiled items. According to Seventh Generation, the laundry packs are made from 94% plant-based ingredients.
Pfister recommends this fragrance-free detergent for washing your bras. It is made with plant-derived and renewable ingredients and can be used to handwash items or put them in your washing machine. It can be used to wash your intimates and on sweaters, swimsuits or even baby clothes.
This detergent has a 4.7-star average rating from over 8,230 reviews on Amazon and is specifically made for delicates like your bra and other lingerie. The hypoallergenic formula is good for sensitive skin and the detergent contains no bleach or enzymes. You can use this detergent to hand or machine wash your bras.
Earth Breeze’s laundry detergent sheets, which also made our list of best laundry detergents, are available in a pack of 60 and designed for sensitive skin, according to the brand. You can tear sheets in half if you’re doing a medium load, use one sheet for a large load or use two sheets for an extra large or extra dirty load. The laundry sheets are free from fragrance and harsh chemicals and come in plastic-free, biodegradable packaging.
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training or experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed three bra experts.
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