Most women probably have multiple bras of all different styles. Normally, bras don’t come with an instruction manual. But maybe they should. Should we hand wash bras, throw them in on the gentle cycle, take them to the dry cleaner? Plus, it’s hard to know how often they should be washed. Or when it’s time to say goodbye for good. In this week’s blog, we’ll go over some bra care tips.
Washing
First of all, it’s hard to know how often a bra needs to be washed. There is a lot of different information out there. The answer is, that it depends on you and your lifestyle and regular hygiene habits. However, most experts say that a bra should be washed after it’s been worn two or three times. At the very least wash your delicates once a week. If you perspire more than average, washing more frequently is always best. On the other hand, if it’s a sports bra, definitely wash after every use. No exceptions!
How to Wash
Now that we’ve established how often you should be washing your bras, we’ll talk about the best way to wash them. If you’re able, hand washing is always best. But for those living in the real world, sometimes you just don’t have the time. If using a washing machine, make sure to set your machine to the gentle cycle. In addition, cold water is best for the material. Also, keep in mind that bras are delicate and you should never use bleach or harsh detergents on them. In fact, using too much detergent is actually a bad thing and could lead to irritation.
Bra care tips
Another handy tip is to clasp your bras before throwing them in the wash. It’s really unfortunate opening the washer to find your bra tangled and torn. Clasping the hooks before washing could prevent the shape from getting warped. Additionally, to further prevent tears or snags consider purchasing a lingerie bag. Lingerie bags can be found at a lot of retailers, or simply wash in a mesh net bag. Keep in mind, you shouldn't be overfilling your washing machine or it could damage your bras. Usually, bras are made up of synthetic materials and can pick up on any dyes. Wash them only with like colors. No matter how you decide to wash them, always hang dry your bras. High heat in the dryer could damage the shape, and possibly the functionality.
When to Say Goodbye
Over time, even proper bra care will inevitably lead to replacement. As a result, it’s important to know when to let go. Interestingly, bras have an expiration date. They say after three years your bra is no longer as supportive as when it’s brand new. If you think the bra straps are what hold everything in place, you’re not alone. Actually, the band is the most supportive part of a bra. Once the band starts to get loose, it’s time to replace it. In addition, if the bra straps aren’t tight enough they could be stretched out. If part of the underwire starts poking out, you may think you’re being resourceful by pushing it back in place. But, you’re not doing yourself any favors. If you notice any stretching or gaps, you probably need a new bra.