How to Wash Bras and Underwear

A well-designed, well-fitting, good-quality bra isn't easy to find—and it certainly isn't cheap.

Over time, bra straps stretch out, elastic bands lose their support and underwires may start poking through. While everyday wear naturally takes its toll, washing your lingerie the wrong way can shorten its lifespan much sooner than you'd expect.

The good news is that with the right washing routine, you can help your favourite bras and underwear stay supportive, comfortable and in great shape for much longer.

How Often Should You Wash Them?

Leaving them unwashed for too long allows sweat, body oils and bacteria to build up in the fabric, while washing them more often than necessary can gradually wear out the elastic and affect their shape. Underwear should be washed after every wear, while bras can usually be worn two to three times before washing. Sports bras should always be washed after every workout. 

The Best Way to Wash Bras

If your priority is making your bras last as long as possible, handwashing is still the best method.

Simply fill a basin with cool water and a small amount of gentle detergent. Let your bras soak for a few minutes before gently squeezing the fabric to remove dirt. Avoid scrubbing, twisting or wringing them, as this can stretch the elastic and distort the cups.

Once cleaned, gently press out the excess water and leave them to air dry.

It only takes a few minutes, but this gentle method helps preserve their shape, elasticity and support for much longer.

The Problem with Handwashing

As gentle as it is, handwashing isn't always practical. You have to spend extra time soaking, rinsing and squeezing out a few bras and pairs of underwear. It also takes longer for them to dry, especially during humid weather.

And if you're a little too rough while washing by hand, you can end up stretching the fabric or misshaping the cups anyway.

Can You Wash Bras in a Washing Machine?

Yes, the key is to wash them correctly.

• Fasten the bra hooks to prevent them from snagging onto other garments. 

• Place them inside a mesh lingerie bag to reduce tangling

• Use a mild detergent and set your machine's cycle to gentle or delicate.

• Avoid tumble drying – the high heat can damage the elastic, deform bra cups and shorten the lifespan of the garments.

A More Convenient Way to Wash Your Delicates

Handwashing remains the gentlest way to care for bras and underwear, but it isn't always the most practical. It is an additional household chore that is time consuming and hard to incorporate into a busy schedule, especially if there are too many items to wash by hand, but too few to justify running a full-sized washing machine.

Instead of choosing between handwashing or waiting for laundry day, you can quickly wash your everyday essentials with our PRISM+ Spin Mini Wash and Dry. It is designed specifically for the small laundry loads you would otherwise handwash or leave waiting until laundry day..

Because they're washed separately from heavier items like jeans and towels, there's less unnecessary friction on delicate fabrics and elastic. Once the wash is complete, the built-in drying function removes excess moisture, helping your clothes air dry faster without exposing them to the high heat of a tumble dryer.

Whether it's bras, underwear, socks or gym wear, the Spin Mini Washer Dryer Combo offers a smarter, more convenient way to keep your everyday essentials fresh.