How Often Should You Really Wash Your Bras?

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Take a moment to think about the bra you’re wearing right now: when was the last time you washed it? Hard to remember? No judgment here, promise, because we aren’t too sure either... The truth is, very few people know how often they should actually be washing their bras.

This text is a translation from Noovo Moi.

In an article published on Fusion, Philip Tierno, a microbiology professor, explained that it’s essential to wash your bra every single day (!) or at the very least, every two days. Yikes...

Between you and me, keeping up with that schedule would be pretty unmanageable. Especially considering it’s recommended to hand-wash your undergarments to keep them from losing their shape — imagine the workload!

Why do we need to wash our bras regularly?

Why should we be washing them so often? The reason is simple: sweat and oils build up in the fabric (especially under the bust), creating the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

Don’t panic, though! You definitely won’t grow a colony of alien bacteria between your breasts if you lag behind on your laundry a little.

Best practices for taking care of your bras

I worked in lingerie and swimwear boutiques for 4 years, and everyone agreed that washing your bra after wearing it 3 times was totally fine (sorry, Mr. Tierno). The only exception, of course, is sports bras, which need to be washed after every wear.

Never put your bras in the washing machine, even if you use a delicate cycle and a lingerie bag. The underwires and cups—especially if they have padding—will warp quickly in the washer. And let’s be honest, bras are expensive, so it pays to take good care of them!

To wash a load by hand, fill your bathroom sink with lukewarm water and add 1 to 2 tbsp of detergent made specifically for delicate undergarments. Regular laundry detergent is too harsh for delicates and can stretch out the fabric’s fibres. I recommend opting for a no-rinse soap, which will speed up the tedious hand-washing process.

Soak 2 to 3 bras in the water for 10 minutes, gently rubbing the areas under the bust and near the armpits, as those get the dirtiest. Don’t forget to separate your colours, just like a regular load of laundry, because nobody wants blue or red stains on a white lace bra!

Then, rinse your pieces in cold water (or skip this step if you bought a no-rinse soap). Don’t wring out your bras to get the water out; it will warp them (yeah, they’re delicate like that). Instead, lay them flat on a large towel folded in half and let them air dry for 48 hours.

And there you go! I know, I know, it’s still a bit of work. But it’s totally worth it, promise!