How to Wash Lingerie: Easy Care Tips to Keep Your Delicates Looking New

Love your lingerie? Learn the right way to wash delicate fabrics like lace and satin to keep them soft, supportive, and long lasting.

Lingerie and sleepwear are more than just clothing—they’re an investment in comfort, confidence, and self care. Whether it’s a delicate lace bralette, a silky satin chemise, or your favorite cotton pajama set, knowing how to wash and care for these pieces properly can make all the difference in their longevity.

If you've ever pulled your favorite bra out of the wash only to find it misshapen or fraying, you know the heartbreak of improper care. The good news? Keeping your lingerie looking beautiful and feeling luxurious isn’t difficult—it just requires a little extra attention.

Here’s your ultimate guide to washing lingerie the right way so your delicate pieces stay in perfect condition for years to come.

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What You’ll Need

• Mild detergent formulated for delicate fabrics
• A clean basin or sink for handwashing
• A mesh laundry bag for machine washable pieces
• A soft towel for drying

Using these tools helps protect lingerie from unnecessary wear and damage, ensuring that each wash cycle preserves the fabric rather than deteriorating it.

 

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Step 1: Sort by Fabric and Construction

Different lingerie pieces require different care. Sorting them correctly before washing minimizes the risk of damage.

• Handwash only: Lace, satin, silk, embroidered pieces, or any lingerie with underwire, padding, or intricate detailing.
• Machine safe: Cotton sleepwear, modal bralettes, and seamless or stretchable underwear.

It is also important to separate dark colors from lighter ones to prevent color bleeding. White and pastel colored lingerie can absorb dyes from darker fabrics, leading to discoloration.

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Step 2: Handwashing Delicate Lingerie

Handwashing is the safest and most effective way to clean delicate fabrics without causing shrinkage or damage.

1. Prepare the Wash Basin

Fill a basin or sink with cool water. Hot water can weaken elastic fibers and cause delicate fabrics to lose their structure.

2. Use a Gentle Detergent

Add a small amount of mild detergent, ensuring it is well-dissolved in the water before submerging the garments.

3. Wash with Minimal Friction

Place the lingerie in the water and move it gently for one to two minutes. Avoid excessive rubbing or scrubbing, as this can cause lace to fray or stretch elastic fibers.

4. Soak and Rinse Thoroughly

Let the garments soak for ten minutes before rinsing under cool running water. Ensure that all detergent is removed to prevent irritation from residue.

5. Remove Excess Water Carefully

Press the fabric gently between your hands or against a clean towel to absorb moisture. Do not wring, twist, or stretch the fabric, as this can distort its shape.

For persistent odors, adding one teaspoon of baking soda to the rinse water can help neutralize any trapped smells.

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Step 3: Machine Washing with Proper Precautions

If machine washing lingerie, taking the correct precautions is essential to minimize damage.

1. Use a Mesh Laundry Bag

Mesh bags protect delicate pieces from tangling, stretching, or catching on other clothing.

2. Fasten Hooks and Straps

Bras and adjustable lingerie pieces should have their hooks fastened before washing to prevent them from catching on other fabrics.

3. Select the Appropriate Wash Settings

• Cycle: Use the delicate or hand wash cycle.
• Water Temperature: Always use cold water to protect elastic fibers.
• Detergent: Choose a low sudsing, mild detergent designed for delicates.

4. Avoid Washing with Heavy Fabrics

Lingerie should never be washed with jeans, towels, or heavy knits, as these can cause excessive friction and fabric strain.

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Step 4: Air Drying to Maintain Fabric Integrity

The dryer is one of the biggest culprits of fabric deterioration in lingerie. Air drying is always the best option.

Best Practices for Drying:

• Lay lingerie flat on a towel, gently reshaping the fabric to maintain its original form.
• Allow pieces to dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Direct sunlight can fade colors and weaken fibers over time.
• Avoid hanging bras or lace garments from straps, as this can cause stretching. Instead, lay them flat to retain their shape.
• Satin and lace items should be steamed lightly rather than ironed. The direct heat from an iron can damage delicate fibers.

If time is a concern, rolling lingerie in a clean, dry towel and pressing lightly can help remove excess water before air drying.

 

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Step 5: Proper Storage to Prevent Fabric Damage

Proper storage is just as important as proper washing. Storing lingerie carefully preserves its elasticity, structure, and overall appearance.

• Bras: Store bras in a drawer by stacking them with one cup inside the other. Avoid folding them in half, as this can damage the padding and wiring.
• Lace and Satin Pieces: Place delicate lingerie in breathable fabric pouches or drawers lined with soft fabric to prevent snagging.
• Sleepwear and Slips: Fold neatly and store separately from rough-textured fabrics, such as wool, to avoid pilling or damage.

For added freshness, consider placing a lavender sachet in your lingerie drawer. This helps maintain a pleasant scent while also repelling moths.

 

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Why Proper Lingerie Care Matters

Lingerie is an investment, and maintaining its quality requires careful washing, drying, and storage. Neglecting proper care can result in:

• Loss of elasticity, leading to misshapen garments
• Fabric deterioration, including fraying lace and faded satin
• Stretched bands and straps that reduce support
• Shortened lifespan, requiring frequent replacements

By following these steps, lingerie and sleepwear will retain their softness, fit, and aesthetic appeal for much longer.

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Love Your Lingerie? Treat It Right.

Your lingerie deserves the best care so it can keep making you feel amazing every day.

💫 Discover lingerie that’s easy to care for and made to last! Shop our lingerie collection now.