How to wash padded bras

How to wash padded bras

Washing bras is a piece of cake – just throw them in the washer, and they’re done, right? Well, not exactly. Bras, and usually lingerie in general, are the most delicate garments you own, so they definitely need some special attention and care when it comes to cleaning them. Read on to find out everything you need to know about how to wash your bras or padded bras, either in the washing machine or by hand.

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5 steps on how to wash bras in the washing machine

  • 1

    Check the care label

    Checking the care label should absolutely be the first thing on your to-do list, especially in the case of padded bras. Pads can be easily damaged by your washer, so make sure you’re cautious. If the label says your bra is too delicate to handle a machine wash and should be hand washed, just skip to the next section. If the washer is a go according to the label, proceed with step 2.

  • 2

    Use a lingerie bag

    Put your bras into a lingerie bag to protect them from possible damage while in your washer. Zip the bag up completely and put it in the drum.

  • 3

    Select a gentle cycle

    Pick the most delicate program on your washer to ensure your garments are being taken care of by not only you but your washing machine as well.

  • 4

    Dose

    Add a laundry detergent based on the instructions on your pack, then start the program. Use Ariel Matic Front Load if you have a front-load machine, or Ariel Matic Top Load if you have a top-load machine, or Ariel Liquid Detergent if you prefer liquid detergents.

  • 5

    Dry

    As tempting as it may sound, don’t put your bras in the drier as it can damage them. Avoid wringing them out, too, instead use a hanger and air dry them.

6 steps on how to hand wash your bras

Hand washing your bras can lengthen their lifespan since your hands can handle them more gently than your washing machine. Yes, it can take longer, involves more effort, and isn’t always an option, but it’s definitely worth the time every now and then to keep your favourite bras for you for longer. Follow these steps and discover how to hand wash your bras effectively.

  • 1

    Check the care label

    Just as you would do when preparing to wash anything delicate, check the garment’s care label. If it says hand wash only, then avoid your washing machine to save your bras from any damage it may cause to them.

  • 2

    Fill the sink

    Make sure you have a clean sink or bucket and fill it with cold or lukewarm water. Don’t use hot water, as it may damage your garments.

  • 3

    Add detergent

    Make a solution by adding detergent to the water, like Ariel Complete Washing Powder. If you’re using washing powder, make sure you don’t use too much of it, as the residue can sit on your bra.

  • 4

    Soak

    Put your bras into the solution and let them soak for an hour before rubbing them lightly.

  • 5

    Rinse

    Gently rinse your bras under running water, then squeeze the excess water out when you’re done. Similarly to when you’re machine washing them, don’t wring your bras to keep their original shape.

  • 6

    Dry

    Put your bras onto a clean towel and press them down with another one to dry them even more before hanging them on hangers to air dry.

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Extra care tips and FAQs on how to wash bras

  • Bras are not only delicate when it comes to washing them, but also when they’re clean and you’d like to store them. It’s tempting to just throw them in the drawer or fold them to save space, however, in the long run, this can easily shorten their lifespan. Since it’s important for bras to keep their shape as long as they can, try to store them separately from other garments, and use special storage boxes, if possible. If you’re short of space, you can stack them by the cups and lay them down as if they were displayed in a shop window.

    Top tip: Make sure you’re keeping your light bras separate from your dark bras, especially after you’ve just washed them, in order to avoid an unwanted dye transfer.

  • Padded bras are extremely delicate, so machine washing them isn’t always the best idea. First of all, check your garment’s care label to see if it can handle the forces of a washing machine, then proceed accordingly. Keep in mind, though, that no matter what the care label says, washing items in the washing machine will eventually shorten their lifespan a bit.

  • It varies from person to person. If it was a hot day or you did some exercise and sweated, you should wash your bras daily to avoid infection or bad smells. Otherwise, you can wash them less frequently.

  • Hand-washing your bras is the best way to make sure they last long. It may take more time to wash them, but it’s definitely a much gentler way of cleaning them than putting them in the washing machine for a quick cycle.

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