How to Care for Your Delicate Lingerie

Sooo…now that you’re a grown up, you’re investing in nice things. You have those great pair of boots and that one amazing bag that costs more than your rent. Chances are pretty good that you’ve got some pretty underthings, too. These pretty panties can be so expensive for what basically amounts to a couple scraps of lace or silk and elastic.

We all have those special pieces of lingerie or other delicate items. The ones that hold a near and dear place in our hearts, were incredibly expensive, or that we just like the way we look in them.

Links may be commissioned.

Delicate lingerie requires special care to keep it looking beautiful and well-maintained. In this guide, we’ll share expert tips on how to wash your delicates to ensure they stay in pristine condition for as long as possible.

How to Care for Your Delicate Lingerie

Use a Mesh Laundry Bag

 To protect your delicate lingerie from getting snagged or stretched, always place them in a mesh laundry bag before washing. This will help maintain their shape and prevent damage.

Choose a Gentle Detergent

Opt for a mild detergent specifically designed for delicates or wool. Avoid using regular laundry detergent, as it can be too harsh and may damage the delicate fabrics.

Consider Using a Lingerie Wash

 Lingerie washes are specially designed detergents that are formulated to be gentle on delicate fabrics. They can help your favorite undies maintain their softness and elasticity.

Hand Wash for Best Results

For particularly delicate items, hand washing is often the best option. Fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water and a small amount of gentle detergent. Gently agitate the water to create suds, then soak the lingerie for about 10-15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and gently squeeze out excess water.

Machine Wash on Gentle Cycle

Hand washing clothes isn’t always feasible. If you prefer to use a washing machine, select the gentle cycle and use cold water. Avoid using the spin cycle or heavy agitation, as these can be too harsh. Again, use a gentle detergent and consider placing the lingerie in a mesh laundry bag.

Avoid Bleach and Fabric Softeners

These can be too harsh for delicate fabrics and can cause damage over time. Stick to gentle detergents without added bleach or fabric softeners.

Pre-treat Stains

If your lingerie has stains, pre-treat them before washing. Use a gentle stain remover or a mixture of water and mild detergent, and gently dab the stain before washing as usual.

Check the Label

Always check the care label on your lingerie for specific instructions. Some delicate items may require special care.

Separate Colors

To prevent color bleeding, wash light-colored lingerie separately from dark-colored items. And always wash reds and other bright colors separately from whites and light colors.

Air Dry Whenever Possible

 Avoid using a dryer for your delicate lingerie. Instead, air dry them flat on a clean towel to preserve their shape and prevent damage.

Drying Your Delicate Lingerie

Avoid Heat

Heat can damage delicate fabrics, so it’s best to avoid using hot water or a hot dryer. Stick to lukewarm or cold water and air drying if possible.

Use a Towel to Absorb Excess Water

After washing, gently press the lingerie between a towel to remove excess water before laying it flat to dry. Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric, as this can damage the fibers. You can also roll your items up in a towel, as long as you resist the urge to twist and wring it.

Dry Flat

 After washing, gently squeeze out excess water and reshape the lingerie. Fix your bra cups and lay it flat on a towel to dry. Avoid hanging delicates, as this can stretch out the fabric and cause weird creases.

How to Care for Your Clean Lingerie

Store Properly

After you’re done washing your delicates, store your lingerie properly to maintain its shape and quality. Avoid folding bras with molded cups, as this can deform the cups over time. Instead, stack them with the cups facing up or hang them on a hanger.

Drawer Organization

Use drawer dividers or organizers to keep your lingerie neatly organized and prevent items from getting tangled or damaged.

Hang Bras Properly

If you prefer to hang your bras, use hangers specifically designed for bras. Avoid hanging them by the straps, as this can cause them to stretch out over time.

Panty Storage

Store panties in a separate drawer or compartment to keep them organized and easily accessible. Drawer dividers are perfect for this to organize types and styles of panties, too.

Use Storage Boxes

Consider using storage boxes or containers to store your lingerie sets together, keeping them organized and preventing them from getting lost or damaged.

Avoid Overcrowding

Avoid overcrowding your lingerie drawer or storage space. This can cause items to become misshapen, snagged, and make it difficult to find what you need.

Rotate Your Lingerie

To extend the lifespan of your lingerie, rotate your pieces regularly. This helps ensure that all pieces are getting equal wear and prevents some pieces from becoming worn out faster than others. Rotating items also allows them to rest between wears and helps maintain their elasticity and shape.

Store in a Cool, Dry Place

Store your lingerie in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent damage to the fabrics.

Use Scented Sachets

Consider placing scented sachets in your lingerie drawer to keep your lingerie smelling fresh. Lavender and cedar are both popular choices, as are dried rose petals.

Check for Damage

Regularly inspect your lingerie for any signs of damage or wear. Check your lingerie for any loose threads, damaged elastic, or other signs of wear. Repair any damage before washing to prevent further deterioration and repair or replace items as needed.

By following these expert tips, you can ensure that your delicate lingerie stays looking beautiful and well-maintained, and continues to look beautiful wear after wear.