Washing Underwear – The Temperature Guide

Short answer: Bamboo underwear is best washed at 40 degrees. That is warm enough for good hygiene on clothes worn close to the skin, and gentle enough to keep the softness and elastic. Bras and delicate items are washed at 30 degrees in a laundry bag.

The right temperature for everyday underwear

Briefs, boxers and vests in bamboo viscose come out clean at 40 degrees with a mild detergent. Modern detergents work well at low temperatures, and bamboo releases sweat and dirt easily. This applies to bamboo underwear for men as well as bamboo underwear for women.

Why not 60 degrees?

Many people are used to washing underwear at 60 degrees, but it is rarely necessary for everyday wear. High heat wears on the fibres and especially on the elastic in the waistband and legs, which loses its stretch over time. The result is underwear that fits looser and looks worn sooner.

When does a hotter wash make sense?

If there is illness in the household, it can be sensible to wash hotter or use a detergent with a disinfecting effect. Always check the care label first, as not every item can handle high temperatures. If you have questions about infections or skin problems, talk to your doctor about what is relevant for you.

Delicates: bras and lace

A bamboo bra without underwire and other delicate items are best washed at 30 degrees on a gentle cycle in a laundry bag, so straps and fabric do not get pulled out of shape. Close the hooks before the bra goes into the bag, so they do not snag the fabric.

Close zips and hook and loop fasteners

Underwear is often washed with other clothes, and zips and hook and loop fasteners can cause damage. Close them on the rest of the laundry before everything goes into the same machine. It takes a few seconds and prevents the thin fabric from getting small holes or pulled threads.

Turn it inside out

Sweat and skin oils sit on the inside of underwear. If you turn it inside out before washing, the detergent goes straight to where it does the most good. At the same time the outside is protected from friction, so the colour lasts better and the surface does not turn fuzzy as quickly.

Choose the right detergent

Use a mild liquid detergent without bleach. A colour detergent is a safe choice for both coloured and dark underwear. Dose according to the instructions and rather on the low side, because detergent residue can stay in the fabric and be felt on the skin.

Skip fabric softener

Fabric softener coats the fibres and blocks the breathability and moisture transport of bamboo. Underwear needs to carry moisture away from the skin during the day, so softener works directly against the reason you chose bamboo. Bamboo is soft enough without it.

Air dry instead of tumble drying

Elastic and fibres last much longer without the heat of a tumble dryer. Hang underwear on a drying rack, and let bras dry flat or hanging from the centre, not by the straps. Bamboo releases moisture quickly, so underwear is usually dry in a short time.

In short

Wash everyday underwear at 40 degrees and delicates at 30 degrees in a laundry bag. Use a mild detergent, skip fabric softener and let everything air dry. That gives you good hygiene and underwear that keeps its fit and softness for a long time. See also big underwear guide, complete washing guide for bamboo clothing and briefs guide.