How to Wash Your Bras by Hand or Machine

Elevate your bra game with our easy-to-follow guide on how to wash bras, ensuring they receive the tender love and care they deserve. Unlike ordinary garments, bras are made from delicate fabrics and elastic components that demand a meticulous washing routine for prolonged durability and maintained shape.

Rather than constantly replenishing your bra collection, why not master the art of washing bras with our expert tips? In collaboration with Shapermint, your go-to source for all things underwear and shapewear, we present a quick guide on both hand and machine-washing techniques to ensure your bras stay as supportive as ever. Let’s explore how to preserve comfort, fit, and durability for your everyday bras.

How to Hand Wash Bras

Pre-treat: wet your soft towel with water and mild soap and gently dab on stains on the cup, corners, and straps of your bra.
Soak: using a mild detergent and cool water, soak your bra and leave for 30 minutes.
Rinse: remove suds by using cool water. Gently squeeze to remove excess water but never wring.
Air-Dry: lay your bra flat on a towel and gently press to squeeze out excess water, or air-dry them on a hanger. Never put your bras in a drying machine. The heat damages the elasticity.

How to Machine Wash Bras

Set The Cycle: always set your machine to a gentle/delicate cycle, use cold water and a mild detergent.
Hook: make sure that the hooks are clasped to avoid tangling and damage.
Use A Wash Bag: keep your bras safe with a Meshin’ Around Wash Bag or a Delicate Care Bra Saver.
Air-Dry: lay your bra flat on a towel and gently press to squeeze out excess water, or air dry them on a hanger. Never put your bras in a drying machine. The heat damages the elasticity.

How to Wash Your Sports Bra

Machine Wash

Set the cycle to delicate or normal, depending on the care instruction on the tag. You may use regular detergent or sports detergent (since sports bras are more prone to odor due to sweat).
If your sports bra has hooks, make sure they are clasped and place them in Meshin’ Around Wash Bag or in a Delicate Care Bra Saver.
Air-dry on a hanger or lay flat on a towel to absorb the water.

Hand Wash

Check and follow the care instructions on the tag. You may use regular detergent or sports detergent.
Rinse thoroughly and avoid too much twisting to remove excess water. Air-dry on a hanger or lay flat on a towel to absorb the water.

How To Wash Sports Bra With Padding

Machine Wash

Set your washing machine cycle to delicate or normal, depending on the care instructions provided on the tag of your sports bra.
Opt for regular detergent or sports detergent, especially if your sports bras are prone to odor due to intense workouts and sweat.
If your sports bra features hooks, make sure to clasp them before placing the bras in our Meshin’ Around Wash Bag or a Delicate Care Bra Saver. This extra step protects the hooks and prevents snagging.
Air-dry on a hanger or lay flat on a towel to absorb the water.

Hand Wash

If you prefer a more hands-on approach, follow the care instructions on the tag for hand washing.
Use regular detergent or sports detergent, ensuring a thorough but gentle cleanse.
During rinsing, avoid excessive twisting to remove excess water. Like with machine-washed bras, air-dry on a hanger or lay flat on a towel.

How To Wash Bras With Removable Pads

Bras with removable pads add versatility to your bra collection, but washing them requires a gentle touch to keep everything in shape. Follow our Shapermint-approved steps for washing bras with removable pads:

Remove the Pads: Begin by gently taking out the removable pads from your bra. This ensures a more thorough cleaning for both the bra and the pads.
Machine Wash with Care: Check the care instructions on the tag before machine washing. Set the cycle to delicate or normal based on the bra's specifications. Use regular detergent or opt for a mild, lingerie-specific detergent for added care.
Secure in a Wash Bag: To prevent any potential damage, place your bra with removable pads in our Meshin’ Around Wash Bag. This extra layer of protection shields your bra during the washing process.
Air-Dry: After the machine cycle, resist the urge to tumble dry. Air drying is the key to preserving the shape and elasticity of both the bra and the removable pads. Hang your bra on a hanger or lay it flat on a towel, allowing it to air-dry thoroughly.

Hand Washing Option

For an even gentler approach, consider hand washing your bra with removable pads. Follow the care instructions, use mild detergent, and air-dry for the best results.

How To Wash Bras In Washing Machine Without Mesh Bag

While using a mesh bag is a recommended practice for washing bras, we understand that sometimes you may find yourself without one. Fear not! Here's how to wash your bras in the machine without a mesh bag, ensuring they receive the care they deserve:

Clasp Those Hooks: Before placing your bras in the washing machine, ensure that all hooks are securely clasped. This precaution helps prevent any snagging or tangling during the wash cycle.
Choose the Right Cycle: Select a gentle cycle on your washing machine. This typically includes options like "delicate" or "hand wash." Avoid using harsh cycles that can compromise the delicate fabrics of your bras.
Separate Colors: If you're washing bras of different colors, separate them to prevent color bleeding. This step ensures that your bras maintain their original vibrancy and appearance.
Avoid Overcrowding: Resist the temptation to overcrowd the washing machine. Overloading can lead to tangling and friction between bras, potentially causing damage. Give your bras enough space to move freely within the machine.

Life Hack:

Only mild detergents are ideal for washing your bras. But if ever your run out, you can also use regular baby shampoo. Just make sure to rinse them thoroughly since shampoo creates more suds.

How to Store Your Bras

Now that you’ve learned the right way to wash your bras, it’s also a must to know how to store them to keep their shape.

Crowded drawers are not bra-friendly. Ideally, hang them up separately to avoid the cups from wrinkling or being deformed.
Folding. It’s not ideal to fold your bras especially if they are wired or padded. Set them apart in your drawer.
Use organizers or drawer dividers. Space is important for bras to retain their best shape.

Caring for your bra is caring for your money too! Prolonging our bra’s lifespan depends on how we wash, dry, and store them. Don’t throw away your money replacing bras so often. They’ll last if you give them a little extra care between washes.

Any other pro tips? Let us know! Have a friend who can use a few bra care tips? Spread the word and tag us @Shapermint!