I know I can extend the life of my lingerie by following three key rules on bra washing day: (1) do it by hand (2) wash in cool water with gentle soap, and (3) always line dry. So why don't I follow them?
It’s easier to zip my dirty bras up in a mesh lingerie bag, set the dial to cold, and take them for a quick spin in the gentle cycle. I don’t toss them in the dryer because heat destroys elastic, padding, and delicate fabrics. So I can't speed up the drying time. But I hesitate mixing sweat soaked sports bras with prettier delicates. How many loads do I need to do in a day? Then I tell myself hand washing is too complicated and time-consuming.
Not anymore. I found that rinse free Soak Wash meets my diverse bra washing needs. Some days I sweat more than others. One bra might need to be laundered after every use (the sturdy sports style) while another can wait a week or two (the sexy black strapless only worn for a couple of hours). My bra wardrobe varies over the course of a day so having a flexible hand washing routine makes sense.
Here’s how I handle the once or twice week task:
First, I gather up required tools: a pair of rubber gloves (no sacrificing my manicure), a thick fluffy towel, and a plastic hanger with clips. Second, while filling my bathroom sink with cool water, I pour in a wee bit of Soak Wash. I gently submerge two or three like-colored bras under the bubbles. Then I set a timer for 15 minutes. Once the alarm goes off, I drain the sink. Nope, no need to rinse again or worry about soapy build-up. I place wet bras on an absorbent towel and gently squeeze out any excess water. Finally, I hang up my lingerie (or leave it flat) to dry. The entire process -- excluding wait time -- takes no more than 5 to 10 minutes. I never knew it could be so easy!
It’s called “intimate” apparel for good reason. I should treat my bras the same way I’d want an intimate partner to handle my breasts: with respect, tenderness, and a gentle touch. That’s living my breast life.
What’s your view? Do you hand or machine-wash your bras? What’s your routine?