Underwear is a unique wardrobe item because it comes into direct contact with intimate areas, which are particularly susceptible to abrasion and irritation. Therefore, it requires special care during washing. Improperly washing underwear, like any other item of clothing, shortens its usefulness and durability and adversely affects its appearance. Furthermore, improperly washing underwear affects our well-being during subsequent use. Below, you'll find 9 tips on how to properly care for your underwear so that it not only lasts as long as possible but is also a pleasure to wear.
How to sort underwear?
The first step to properly caring for your underwear is sorting it properly. It's best to separate your underwear into three categories:
- white,
- colorful,
- delicate.
Each of these groups requires a different approach when washing. White underwear should be washed separately from colored underwear to avoid discoloration. Otherwise, white underwear will begin to gray after just a few washes, or—worse still—will transfer dye from another garment. Delicate fabrics, such as lace or satin, should also be separated from other items. Delicate materials, such as silk, should also be included in this category. Delicate underwear requires equally gentle hand washing at low temperatures and with appropriate detergents .
Also learn how to sort clothes for washing !
What about the label recommendations?
Before starting the washing machine, it's worth checking the label. Following the manufacturer's recommendations on how to wash underwear will allow for safe cleaning (and use) of specific types of fabrics. Personally, even when the label says 40 degrees Celsius, I choose to wash at a lower temperature, which, according to scientific studies, doesn't kill significantly fewer bacteria but is less harmful to the materials and the environment (of course, this doesn't apply to bed linen, for which higher temperatures are recommended).
How to choose detergents for dirt?
When washing underwear, it's best to use gentle detergents designed specifically for underwear or children's clothing. These are often hypoallergenic, significantly reducing the risk of irritation. You can also try soap flakes. Avoid using detergents containing bleach, as they can damage the elasticity and discolor the laundry. For underwear, it's safer to avoid traditional fragrances, as they can irritate the delicate skin of the intimate area. Also, be careful with the amount of detergent – measure according to the instructions on the package. Excessive amounts can leave a light residue on the underwear, feel greasy, and make rinsing difficult.
At what temperature should I wash my underwear?
It's better to wash delicate underwear at a low temperature, ideally 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), or according to the care label instructions. High temperatures can cause the material to shrink and lose elasticity. As a general rule, white and cotton underwear can be washed at 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit), which effectively eliminates bacteria and ensures freshness. Of course, you should first check the care label . If you're unsure about the correct temperature for your underwear, choose a lower temperature rather than a higher one. Antibacterial detergents, vinegar, or baking soda (instead of high temperatures) can be used to remove bacteria and disinfect.
On our blog you will also learn how to choose the right bra size !
How to wash underwear (technique)?
Underwear is made of delicate materials, usually thinner (lower grammage) than clothing. The best way to preserve its durability is to handwash it. This gives you greater control over the washing process and ensures that the underwear won't be damaged by spinning or contact with other clothes. The best method is to fill a bowl with lukewarm water, add appropriate detergent, and then leave the underwear in the mixture for about thirty minutes. After this time, gently remove any stains, rinse the underwear thoroughly, gently squeezing out excess water (without wringing), and leave it to air dry.
Is it necessary to use laundry bags?
We change our underwear every day, so there's a lot of laundry (it's not recommended to keep stale underwear in the laundry basket for too long). Not everyone has the time or inclination to hand wash every day, BUT there is a quite effective alternative to protect underwear from mechanical damage in the washing machine, such as snagging or pilling. I'm referring to special underwear laundry bags – they cost just a few (or even a few dozen) zlotys. Choosing the right wash program, for example, 30-40 degrees and 400-600 rpm, will ensure that the washing parameters are optimized to protect delicate fabrics.
Should underwear be washed separately?
When machine washing, it's best to wash underwear separately or with delicate clothing, placing it in a separate bag. This is especially important when it comes to bras. Bras should be fastened with hooks before being thrown into the washing machine to prevent them from catching on other clothes during the spin cycle. Underwear should not be washed with heavy clothing, such as those containing buttons, zippers, etc., which can damage the underwear.
How to dry laundry?
Drying underwear in a dryer can damage its elasticity and shape. Instead, it's best to dry it flat on a towel or line. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can cause colors to fade. It's best to dry underwear flat, gently squeezing out excess water, for example, with a towel. Hang underwear slightly damp (not dripping wet!) on a clothesline/drying rack/line to dry.
Storage
After washing and drying, store your underwear in a dry and well-ventilated place. It's not recommended to leave it in plastic bags, as this can lead to condensation and mold. It's also important to keep your underwear well-organized. Designate a separate organizer for each type of underwear, making it easier to find what you're looking for. Bra organizers have dedicated compartments for each to prevent creasing the cups and wires. I can share a protip right away: you can fix wavy bra cups with the warm air of a hairdryer 💡
Finally, I'd like to add that the area where you store your underwear should also be cleaned and refreshed regularly. Dust tends to accumulate in the nooks and crannies of organizers and cabinets, so remember to thoroughly clean these areas regularly.
Remember that proper underwear care isn't just about aesthetics, but also about hygiene and comfort. By caring for your underwear according to the tips above, you'll keep it looking fresh and durable for a long time.
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