Pretty Much Everyone Is Washing Their Bras Wrong
Once upon a time, there was a girl with 30 bras in a drawer, and only one she actually wore on a daily basis.
Sound familiar? Of course it does. But chances are your trusty bra hardly ever gets washed, considering you can’t go a damn day without it. If you do wash it, it’s probably a hot mess afterwards.
Well, that’s because you’re washing it wrong. Or maybe not washing it at all, which is equally, if not more, concerning.
Unfortunately, you can’t toss your bras in one big load like you do the rest of your laundry, which is a pain. But if you want that reliable bra to last, follow these rules.
1. Hand-Wash When Possible
Just like your fave beaded top or lace bodysuit, hand-washing is the holy grail when it comes to your bras, especially the more delicate ones. It sounds like a pain in the ass, but it’s really not, especially if there are only a couple of bras that you wear on a daily basis. Just pop those suckers in the sink with some detergent, roll them around a bit, and you’re gucci.
2. Use Fabric Softener
Fabric softener will help your bra last longer, and also help it to avoid pilling, stretching, and fading, according to the experts at Downy. A Downy Ball makes it really easy to throw softener in the wash, especially if you don’t want to lug a heavy container all the way to the laundromat. But, only use softener with your standard bras, because athletic fabrics require different methods.
3. Don’t Put Bras In The Dryer
If you’ve ever thrown a bra into the dryer, you know the tangly mess that follows. It’s the shit that haunts your nightmares. Obviously, the solution would be to air-dry all your boob holsters, but not so fast. When hanging up your bras to dry, be sure to hang them up properly so they are centered. If you hang them lopsided or haphazardly, your bras could lose their shape easily.
4. Put Bras in a Mesh Bag
Don’t let your bra try to stab you with its wire. If you really have to throw it in the washing machine, at least pop it into a mesh bag. it’ll protect your fave bra from undergoing a traumatic accident. But if you have the time (like, a minute) and a sink, try to hand wash your bras. After all, can’t you spend two minutes washing the bra that’s supported you every day for the last year?
5. Treat Sports Bras Differently
Remember how we said fabric softener was great? Yeah, not for your sports bras. Fabric softener could actually ruin the smart fabrics in your athletic clothes, turning your dry-fit bra into a not-so-dry bra the next time you wear it. Also avoid dryer sheets when washing your sports bras, which will damage them in a similar way.