Taking care of your lingerie sets is often not the most glamorous task. However, it is essential if you want those lovely lace, satin, and mesh pieces to stay as fabulous as the day you got them. Considering we are rarely bothered to follow the care instructions on our everyday clothes, it's no surprise that handling delicate lingerie seems like just another chore we can easily sidestep with minimal consequence.
Aren't those 'Handle with Care' instructions just suggestions? Well, no. How long your lingerie lasts can be greatly impacted by how you wash and keep it. We are taking a recess on mistreating our delicate underthings and encourage you to follow suit.
Your lingerie collection is more than just another part of your wardrobe; it's an investment in comfort, confidence, and self-care. And hey, those beautiful, well-fitting bras and panties don't come cheap! That's why it's worth taking care of them. Proper washing and storage can extend the life of your lingerie set and ensure it continues to look and feel amazing.
But taking care of your lingerie goes beyond just making it last longer. Regularly washing your delicates helps keep them fresh and hygienic and prevents the build-up of sweat and oils. To update your lingerie drawer with some of the most loved pieces, check out ThirdLove's collection to inspire your next wash day!
The best way to wash your lingerie sets is by hand. I know, I know - it takes a little extra time and effort. But trust me, it's worth it to preserve the life and quality of your delicates. Here's how to hand-wash lingerie:
To start, fill a clean basin or sink with cool or lukewarm water. Always avoid hot water, which can cause fabrics to lose shape or color. Add a splash of gentle detergent, ideally one made specifically for delicate fabrics. Avoid harsh detergents or fabric softeners, which can be too harsh and break down the fabrics over time.
Place each piece of lingerie into the water and let it soak for a few minutes. Afterwards, gently swish each piece around in the water. Avoid scrubbing, wringing or rubbing the fabric, especially lace and underwire bras, which are prone to wear and tear. The goal here is to clean without disrupting their shape.
Once you're happy with the wash, drain the soapy water and refill the sink with clean, cool water. Rinse each piece of lingerie individually in the clean water until all the soap is gone.
Gently press down on the lingerie to extract excess water, then lay the pieces flat to air dry. Avoid wringing or twisting, as that can distort the fabric. A drying rack or clean towel works great for this.
As mentioned earlier, hand washing is always the best option, but let's be honest: sometimes life gets busy, and hand washing just isn't in the cards. Machine washing can work—as long as you proceed with caution.
Put the pieces in a mesh laundry bag before placing your lingerie in the washing machine. This will protect delicate fabrics and prevent straps from getting tangled. It's an effective trick to keep the lingerie from being damaged in the machine.
Select your machine's most gentle wash cycle—usually labelled "delicate" or "hand wash." Equally, use warm or cold water.
Just as in hand washing, choose a gentle, lingerie-friendly detergent. Avoid bleach, which can damage the fabric. A gentle detergent goes a long way with delicate pieces.
The heat of a dryer can damage the elastic of bras and warp delicate fabrics, making them lose their fit and comfort. Instead, follow the same air-drying process as you would after hand washing.
Now that your lingerie is clean, how you store it is equally as important. Consider using drawer dividers or hangers instead of tossing bras and panties into a drawer tangle. Place the bras behind each other without crushing the cups.
Sadly, even with the best care, there comes a time when each piece reaches the end of its life. Here are some signs it's time to retire old favourites.
There you have it—all the top tips on how to wash bras and other lingerie sets. While it may seem like an extra chore, the rewards are worth the effort. Equally as important, don't forget to rotate your bras and panties so that even your favourite pieces get some time off in between wears. Add some new pieces from the ThirdLove Lingerie Collection to your lingerie drawer.
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