How to wash a bra – Care when washing each piece

A bra is a piece that is undoubtedly present in every woman’s drawers. Used practically every day, as a piece of underwear, it also has the correct way of being washed, depending on each model. Therefore, there are techniques on how to wash a bra without leaving it all wrinkled, frayed or stained.

Most bras are made with spandex, a very fragile fabric. Therefore, these are items that require certain care when washing, which not everyone knows about and ends up ruining the bras before their normal wear and durability period, which is 6 months.

Spandex, being a specific fabric, is also sensitive to heat. So, it’s important to note that bras and dryers don’t mix, as very high temperatures will cause the spandex to break its fibers.

Therefore, the maximum temperature at which a bra or lingerie can be washed is a maximum of 40ºC (equivalent to warm water). This also prevents the bowl support irons and closing hooks from rusting. Furthermore, it is best to dry in the shade, as the sun can fade the fabric.

However, soap is also an option if you have questions about how to wash a bra. Ideally, use mild neutral soap, neutral detergent or coconut soap. However, fabric softener can be forgotten on the shelf when it comes to bras. This is because spandex can be damaged by fabric softener. Finally, don’t forget to separate the bra pieces by color, as light and dark colors can stain each other.

Frequency to wash bras

If you are unsure about how often you should wash your bra, don’t worry, as there is no fixed rule for this. In short, it all depends on how much you wear a certain item and your tendency to sweat.

So, if you sound bigger, you’ll probably want to wash your bra more often and that’s okay. It all depends on the correct way of washing so as not to damage the fabric, colors, cups and rims.

How to wash bra

There are several types of bra. However, the washing method for each of them doesn’t change much, as they are all delicate. See below how to wash the most used bra models.

Bra with bulge

Typically, women use padded bras a lot to support their breasts. They don’t require much difference in washing to other types of lingerie.

Hand wash

Firstly, the ideal is to wash this type of bra by hand, so as not to deform the cup or the cup support rings. Secondly, do not use hot water or bleach, as they can ruin the durability of the fabric and the cup.

To wash a padded bra by hand, use a bucket or tank, warm water and neutral soap. Mix the soap in the water until it creates bubbles and dip the item you want to wash in the mixture. Leave to soak for at least 20 minutes. If it is very dirty and stained, leave it for about an hour.

Then, shake the bra and change the water in the bucket or tank. Immerse the item in water several times until it rinses well.

Finally, as it is preferable to wash this type of bra by hand, do not wring it out! You can squeeze the bowl to release excess water, return the bowl to its original shape and, finally, hang it. Forget the clothes dryer if you don’t want to ruin your bulge.

How to machine wash a bra

If you really want to wash your bra in the machine, first close the hooks. Then, it is best to place the item inside a washing bag or a sphere, as this way it does not rub against other clothes.

Neutral soap is also not left out in this case, preferring a light washing machine cycle to avoid deformation of the bowl. Finally, put it to dry on the clothesline, forgetting about the dryer.

Sports bra

Known as a sports bra, this bra is the hottest spandex bra. This way, you can machine wash it, but only if the water is cold, with neutral soap. But first, remove the bulges from it so they don’t wrinkle and forget about the fabric softener so it doesn’t harm and destroy the fabric fibers.

How to wash a seamless bra

This bra should also not be machined, as its glue, which replaces the seam, can come loose more easily in the machine. Furthermore, if it has padding or foam, the same rule applies, in addition to hot water, which should also be forgotten for the same reason as glue and padding, which can deform.

Difficult? What nothing! Simply fill a sink or bucket with cold or warm water, add detergent or neutral soap and let it soak for at least 1 hour. Then rub gently and place on a towel to dry.

If the bra doesn’t have cups, you can put it in the washing machine, as long as it’s in cold water, neutral soap, with the clips closed and inside a laundry bag or sphere. Finally, let it dry, in the shade, on a towel or on a clothesline.

strapless bra

A strapless bra is not very common to wear and, therefore, is rarely washed. Therefore, it is preferable that they are washed by hand, as there is silicone in the lining that supports it and, if it is washed in the washing machine, hair will stick together and become worn out. So, follow the same tips of cold water and neutral soap.

Sutiã bralette

The bralette bra, if you don’t know it, is one that doesn’t have any type of heavy structure, that is, without underwires or cups. Therefore, they support the breasts thanks to a band that goes below the breasts throughout the entire piece. Normally, this model is very common in lace and they are very delicate for that reason.

Therefore, the bralette must be washed by hand in cold water, always closing the hooks, if any. Even so, if you are very friendly with the washing machine, use the washing bag, even though it is not that advisable.

Maternity or nursing bra

This type of bra is very variable, with several models. Therefore, moms who don’t know how to wash a nursing bra will prefer to put these items in a washing bag, throw them in the machine and run the water cold. This way, if the bra has underwires, it won’t scratch anything. If not, it can be washed by hand like the others.

How to wash bra – stains

If you notice that your bra is very stained, from dirt or sweat, and you are tempted to put it straight into the washing machine on a heavy bleach cycle, don’t do it. This can ruin the fabric of your bra.

To remove yellow stains from light-colored items, simply soak the bra for 15 minutes in water with neutral soap. Then, just rub the stain area. If it doesn’t come out, you can add a mixture of baking soda and water to the stain and repeat the soaking method as much as necessary.

How to wash a bra – accessories

There are some tricks for those who want to wash their bra in the machine at any cost, such as washing beads and the bag. However, it is important to highlight that the best ally for washing a bra is neutral or coconut soap and cold water.

Wash bag

The washing bag is very useful for those who have little time and need to wash clothes in the machine that require more care. They are made of polyester, with large or almost minimal holes. In short, certain types of bras can be washed using these bags. However, we should always pay attention to what the labels say.

Therefore, clothes and bras that require exclusive hand washing should not be placed in the washing bag inside the machine. This accessory is great for underwire bras, as the iron, if it comes loose from the piece, will not damage the machine or other clothes.

washing sphere

The washing sphere or ball is good for those who want to wash a bra in the washing machine on any cycle, because its two sphere layers protect most of the friction with other fabrics.

However, delicate clothing such as lace and embroidery should not be washed in the sphere. In short, it is good for washing the bra without deforming it, but it still doesn’t compare to the guarantee of washing the bra by hand.

Sources: Women’s Health Brasil, Home Organizer, Del Rio, Specialties, Stylight

Images: Online Tips, Mercado Livre, Pinterest, Ana Maria Braga, Elo7, Marisa, Lingerie, Lingerie Tip, Pricelandia