Hand washing a bra

Short answer: Wash the bra in lukewarm water with a little mild detergent, close the hooks first and let it dry flat. Never in the tumble dryer, because heat wears down the elastic. With a fixed routine, a bra keeps its shape for longer.

Why a bra needs special care

A bra has cups, straps, elastic and hooks, and these parts react differently to water and heat. Friction and heat hit the elastic hardest, and it is the first part to wear out. With gentle care, the bra keeps its fit and its support for longer.

Close the hooks first

An open hook snags on the lace and on everything else in the water, in the machine as well as in the sink. Close it before the garment goes in, whether you wash by hand or by machine. It takes seconds and prevents pulled threads where the hook would otherwise catch the fabric.

Water and detergent

Fill a bowl with lukewarm water, around 30 degrees, and stir in a teaspoon of mild detergent. Do not use more than you need, because residue is hard to rinse out of the cups. Let the bra lie and soak so dirt and sweat loosen by themselves before you touch it.

The wash itself

Lukewarm water, a teaspoon of mild detergent and ten minutes. Squeeze the cups gently instead of rubbing, and give extra attention to the areas against the skin where sweat and body oils collect. Avoid stretching the straps or pulling the elastic while the bra is wet and the fibres are soft.

Rinsing

Rinse thoroughly in clean lukewarm water until the suds are gone. Detergent residue can make the fabric stiff and itch against the skin. Press the water out between your palms without wringing, and take care that the cups are not folded crooked while you do it.

Drying that keeps the shape

Lay the bra flat with the cups in their natural shape. Never hang it by one strap, because the weight of the water pulls the straps out of shape. A dry towel underneath soaks up moisture and lets air reach the fabric, so it dries evenly without pressing.

Why not the tumble dryer

Heat damages the elastic in the straps and under the cups, and it cannot spring back afterwards. A bra that has been through the dryer often sits looser and supports less well. Always let it dry at room temperature, away from radiators and direct sun.

Other kinds of bra

The same method suits most models. See bamboo bra without underwire and bamboo sports bra, where straps and elastic make flat drying extra important. See also bamboo underwear for women, which can be cared for with the same simple steps.

Rotating between two

If you own two bras, alternate between them. The elastic gets time to rest between wears, and each bra wears out more slowly. Wash them after two or three wears, and make sure one is completely dry before the next is used again. It is a small habit with a big effect.

Frequently asked questions

How often should a bra be washed

After two or three wears. Alternating between two bras extends their life, because the elastic gets time to rest between each wear and each wash.

Can you wash it in the machine

Yes, in a wash bag on a gentle programme at 30 degrees. Close the hooks first, and let it dry flat afterwards, never in the tumble dryer or on a radiator.