Congrats! You are the new proud owner of some Sexy Lingerie?

So, you’ve just become the proud new owner of some very sexy lingerie, the kind with lots of lace and elastic and maybe even a little beading. The only problem is you don’t know how to take care of it. Most of us have had a little practice in our lives owning delicate clothing we unintentionally ruined: that shrunken wool sweater, torn nylons that accidentally went through the wash, or your favorite silk dress which is now a spotted mess after bleeding color in the washer. Experience tells you that there’s probably a right and a wrong way to wash your lingerie.


Have no fear, just follow these tips and the only thing you’ll have to worry about is an over zealous partner tearing them off you.

Detergent

 

Find soaps specially formulated to be gentle on your lingerie. These mild detergents will keep your delicates looking fresh: Woolite, Forever New Fabric Care Wash, Lingerie Mate, and Perky Panties.

Mesh bags

For sturdier items you wash often, such as cotton panties, invest in some mesh bags. The bags will prevent your panties from getting stretched and twisted around other clothes or the washing machine agitator. Don’t fill them too full, or your items won’t get completely clean.
You can also find bags shaped in cubes or ovals made for washing items such as bras without losing their shape. Make sure to run the washer on an intermittent or “hand wash” cycle.

Hand washing

Washing your scanties by hand is always the best option to help keep delicate items looking fresh and will prevent your bras from losing their shape. Fill a small plastic tub or a sink (make sure it’s clean and residue free) with water and the recommended amount of an appropriate detergent. Gently rub clothing with your fingertips while submersed, and agitate slightly. Do not leave in solution for more than five minutes.
Rinse well under cool water. Squeeze excess water out gently; never twist or wring clothing. Lay flat to dry on a sweater drying rack or a towel. Most items are not iron safe, so make sure to smooth them flat with your hands when you lay them out to dry.

Drying

Cotton underwear usually says it’s dryer safe, but I still lay mine flat on a towel to dry. I’ve found the elastic in the waistbands and leg openings lasts longer if I avoid exposing them to heat.

Storage

I store my delicate panties and nylons in mesh bags in my underwear drawer. They stay sorted, and I never worry about a bra hook getting caught on my lace panties or a run in my nylons. When storing bras, lay them flat with the straps tucked under the cups for support. You can stack a few at a time, but make sure not to put too much weight on them or they may flatten and lose their shape.

Tips:

  • Wash lingerie in cool water.
  • Clasp any hooks prior to washing to prevent them from tearing other clothing or breaking in the wash.
  • Use a mesh bag to wash your delicates in the washer.
  • Never twist or wring your lingerie.
  • Never dry your delicates in the dryer. Always lay them flat on a towel until dry.
  • Smooth fabric with your hands while wet to remove wrinkles.
  • Wash your bra every second or third wearing depending on fabric and soil.
  • Store bras with straps tucked in to support cups.
  • Rotate your bras. Bras need a day off after each wearing. Consistent wearing and body heat will cause a bra to lose its shape.

 

J.J. Blair

 

Creative Commons License
Congrats! You are the new proud owner of some Sexy Lingerie. by Va Va Voom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at va-va-voom.net.