How Often Should You Wash Your Bra? Experts Weigh In

It may seem reasonable to throw bras in the laundry after each use because they are in close contact with your skin. But according to lingerie experts, cleaning bras too often might not be essential and might possibly damage their lifespan.

Given this, how frequently should you actually wash your bra? And how may it be cleaned most effectively without sacrificing quality? Save laundry time and prolong the life of your favorite bras by following these professional advice.

Unexpectedly, you don't have to wash your bra after each use.

For those who hate laundry day, there is good news: washing your bra after each usage is not required and may even be counterproductive. Experts advise waiting unless it's obviously sweaty or discolored. The lifespan of your bra can be shortened by overwashing, which can degrade elastic and sensitive textiles. Rather, try to wear your bra a couple of times before washing it.

How to Determine When to Wash Your Bra

Several factors determine how often you should wash your bra. Here's how to tell if it needs to be cleaned:

The climate

Sweating more in hotter conditions can cause the bra material to deteriorate more quickly. In the heat, you might need to wash your bra more frequently.

Your Level of Activity

It is time to wash your bra if you have worn it during a vigorous workout or other strenuous activity. Cleaning your bra after every usage is recommended because vigorous activities cause more perspiration.

The size of your bra

If you fall into this category, you might need to wash your bra more regularly because larger cup sizes tend to cause more perspiration.

The Material of the Bra

Care needs vary depending on the cloth. Synthetic materials like spandex and nylon are more resilient and can tolerate more frequent washings, but fabrics like silk or lace are more sensitive and require less frequent washings.

The Sniff Test

It's definitely time to wash your bra if it begins to smell or appears unclean. Washing it before that happens is the best course of action because, even if it doesn't smell, body oils and perspiration may still be there and cause harm over time.

Advice for Increasing the Durability of Your Bras (and Surviving the Wash)

Because bras are composed of delicate fabrics, they require extra care during washing in order to keep their shape and durability. The following advice will ensure your bras remain in excellent shape:

Avoid Using the Same Bra Two Days in a Row

The secret to prolonging your bras' life is to rotate them. Having at least three bras in your rotation will allow each one to rest because wearing the same bra every day puts stress on the elastic.

In between washes, spot clean

Instead of washing the entire bra, think about spot cleaning with a little soap and water if the stain is minor. Wear and tear will be lessened as a result.

Keep Your Bras Safe While Cleaning

If you're using a washing machine, use a delicate cycle and use cold water and a mild detergent. To keep your bras from snagging, always store them in a mesh lingerie bag. Steer clear of the clothes dryer since the heat might damage sensitive materials. Instead, air-dry the bra flat after gently pressing out any extra water.

Keep an eye out for wear indicators.

Even with the right maintenance, no bra lasts forever. It's time to replace your bra if you notice any of the following symptoms: strained bands, reduced suppleness, or exposed underwires.

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