• By Shapermint Team
How to Wash Bras: Quick Guide for Hand and Machine Washing

Table of contents

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.

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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 Hand Wash Bras

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 Machine Wash Bras

How to Protect Bras During Washing

To keep your bras looking and fitting great, follow these protection steps in your washing routine:

  • Clasp the Hooks:  Always clasp the hooks before washing to prevent tangling or snagging on other garments.

  • Use a Mesh Wash Bag: A mesh wash bag (like our Meshin’ Around Wash Bag or Delicate Care Bra Saver) keeps your bras from stretching, tearing, or warping in the machine. If you don’t have one, a pillowcase with the end tied can work in a pinch.

  • Avoid Overcrowding: Give your bras room to breathe in the washer. Overcrowding leads to friction, which wears out fabric faster.

  • Separate Colors: Wash similar colors together to prevent dye transfer, especially for whites or light tones.

  • Choose the Right Detergent:  Mild detergent is best for delicate fabrics. No harsh chemicals needed—baby shampoo works in emergencies!

How to Wash Your Sports Bra (With or Without Padding)

Whether you're washing a high-impact sports bra, a light-support bralette, or one with removable padding, the care instructions are nearly the same as for regular bras, but there are a few key differences. Sports bras tend to get sweatier, so a sports-specific detergent may help neutralize odor and bacteria more effectively. If your bra has removable pads, take them out before washing to prevent creasing or misshaping. These small tweaks help maintain performance, elasticity, and fit.

Machine Wash

  • Remove the pads (if any) and wash them separately by hand or place them in a mesh bag inside the machine.

  • Set the cycle to delicate or normal, depending on the care instructions 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.

  • Place the bra in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to reduce friction and stretching. You can use our Meshin’ Around Wash Bag or Delicate Care Bra Saver, thoughtfully crafted to protect your bra during the washing process.

  • 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.

  • Remove the pads (if any).

  • 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 Bras In a Washing Machine Without a 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:

Mild detergents are ideal for washing your bras. However, if you run out, you can also use regular baby shampoo. Just make sure to rinse thoroughly, as shampoo tends to create more suds.

How to Store Your Bras

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

  • Crowded drawers are not bra-friendly. Ideally, hang them up separately to prevent the cups from wrinkling or becoming deformed.

  • It’s best not to fold your bras, especially if they are wired or padded. Instead, set them apart in your drawer.

  • Use organizers or drawer dividers. Space is essential for bras to retain their best shape.

Caring for your bras is caring for your money, too! Prolonging your bra’s lifespan depends on how you wash, dry, and store it. Don’t waste money replacing bras frequently. They’ll last longer 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!

Looking to upgrade your collection? Enjoy 10% OFF your next bra purchase—just tap the discount code below and shop your perfect fit!

Tap to copy your code

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