A guide on how to wash bras in washing machines

Washing bras is a chore often met with hesitation, yet it's essential for maintaining their shape and ensuring comfort. In this guide, we'll unfold the simple method of how to wash bras in a washing machine, ensuring they emerge fresh, clean, and ready to provide the support you need.

When should you wash your bra?

The regularity of washing bras swings between personal comfort and the day's exertion. If your day winds down with little to sweat about, you might stretch it to 3-5 wears before a wash. However, on a hot day or after a rigorous gym session, placing them straight into the wash would be a good call.

Different ways to care for your bras

There are a handful of ways to wash bras without damaging them. While hand washing is often deemed the safest, machine washing can also be just as gentle if done right. Let's explore the different methods to keep your bras clean and supportive.

• Opt for a detergent crafted for delicate fabrics to maintain the fabric integrity of your bras.
• Periodically check the water temperature during soaking and rinsing, ensuring it remains lukewarm and cool respectively to prevent any fabric damage.
• It's advisable to not overload the washer; give your bras plenty of space to move around.
• Place your bras in a mesh laundry bag to prevent them from getting tangled with other clothes and to provide a gentle washing environment.
• Choose a delicate cycle with cool water and mild detergent to provide a gentle wash, preserving your bras' structure.
• If your bras have underwires, check them before and after washing to ensure they haven’t become misshapen or are poking out.
• Gently reshape the bra with your hands after washing, especially the cups and straps.

Hand washing bras

Hand washing is a gentle method that helps in maintaining the form and longevity of your bras. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Soaking in lukewarm water

Fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a gentle detergent. Submerge your bras, ensuring they are fully soaked. Allow them to bask in soapy water for about 20 to 30 minutes to loosen any oils, sweat, or other residues.

Step 2: Gentle rinsing

Once soaked, hold each bra under cool running water, rinsing them gently. Ensure to rid them of all soap suds, maintaining a tender grip to preserve their form.

Step 3: Gentle drying

After rinsing, gently press your bras against the basin to remove excess water. Avoid wringing or twisting as this can distort their shape. For drying, either lay them flat on a towel or hang them by the centre gore, not the straps, to maintain their shape. Allow them to air dry naturally, away from direct sunlight which can cause fading.

Read more laundry tips here:

• How to wash towel
• How to wash coloured clothes

Machine washing your bras

Machine washing can be a time-saver as well as an energy-saver, and when done right, it can be one of the most efficient ways to care for your bras. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Preparing your bras

Fasten the hooks on your bras to prevent them from catching on other items. Place them in a mesh laundry bag to avoid tangling and snagging. It's advisable to wash bras with other delicate items to keep the load gentle.

You should also read the laundry care symbols in the bras to take good care of it.

Step 2: Washing your bras

Insert the bag in the washer and select a gentle or delicate cycle. Cool water is preferable as hot water can cause shrinking and distortions to your bras. Use a mild detergent, ensuring it’s suitable for delicate fabrics.

Step 3: Proper drying after machine wash

Once the cycle is complete, take out your bras from the bag. Hang them by the centre gore or lay them flat on a towel to air dry. Avoid using the dryer as the heat can break down elastics and cause deformations.

Additional tips for washing sports bras, foam bras, and newly-purchased bras

Caring for specialised bras, like sports bras, foam bras, and newly-purchased bras, requires a touch of extra attention beyond general bra care.

How to wash sports bras

After a workout, pre-treat any sweat stains with a mild, enzyme-based stain remover before soaking. If the sports bra contains padding, remove it if possible and wash it separately to ensure thorough cleaning.

Air-dry sports bras away from direct heat and sunlight to maintain their elasticity. Additionally, if your sports bra has reflective material for nighttime visibility, turn it inside out before washing to preserve the reflectivity.

How to wash foam bras

These require gentle handling due to their delicate foam structure. Avoid twisting or squeezing them during washing and drying, as this can damage the foam.

When machine washing, use a lingerie bag and wash with similarly textured garments to prevent the foam from getting crushed. When air-drying foam bras, lay them flat on a towel in their natural shape to prevent the foam from warping.

How to wash newly-purchased bras

It's advisable to wash them before the first wear. This removes any residual chemicals or dyes used during manufacturing, which might irritate the skin.

Hand wash newly-purchased bras separately in cold water with a gentle detergent to check for colorfastness. This initial wash also helps set the fabric's shape and elasticity.

Maintaining your bras post-washing

Preserving the life and quality of your bras doesn't stop at washing. How you handle them post-washing plays a pivotal role in ensuring they remain supportive and comfortable.

Storing your bras properly

Storing bras properly is crucial to maintaining their shape and functionality. It's best to lay them flat in a drawer or hang them. Avoid folding them as this can cause creases or bends in the moulding, especially in padded or moulded bras.

Avoiding heat: Protect your bras

Heat can break down the elastic fibres of your bras, so it's essential to keep them away from direct heat sources like radiators or the sun. Always air dry your bras in a cool, shaded area.

Experience gentle bra care with Electrolux

Delicate bra care with Electrolux washing machines

Electrolux washing machines combine stylish design with effective functionality to ensure your bras receive gentle care:

• Gentle wash cycle: Effectively cleans while preserving bra shape.
• Precise detergent dispensing system: Efficient cleaning while saving water.
• Gentle drum design: Minimizes friction, protects bra shape.
• Energy-efficient performance: Thorough cleaning while saving electricity.