How Often Should You Wash Your Bra?

Ladies, let’s talk about something very important but not often discussed: bra hygiene. Bras are an essential piece of our daily wardrobe, but how often should they be cleaned? Given their close contact with our bodies, you might think they need washing after each wear. But too much washing can lead to degradation of the material. This article will help you navigate the sweet spot of bra care.

Things You Should Know About Bra Hygiene

Bras come in direct contact with our skin, meaning they’re prone to collecting sweat, skin cells, oils, and even traces of our skincare products. This can create a breeding ground for bacteria, which in turn can lead to skin irritations or even infections. Moreover, a bra that isn’t cleaned regularly may start to develop unpleasant odors.

The Role of Bra Rotation

The frequency of bra washing also depends on your bra rotation. If you wear the same bra two days in a row, the elastic doesn’t have time to reshape, which can cause your bras to lose their fit and support more quickly. Having several bras in your rotation allows each bra time to recover between wears and extends its lifespan.

How Often Should You Wash Your Bra?

The general consensus among experts is that bras should be washed after 3-4 wears. However, this is just a rule of thumb, and the ‘wear count’ can be adjusted according to your personal habits and lifestyle.

More Frequent Washing

If you fall into one of the following categories, you might need to wash your bras more frequently:

• You sweat a lot.
• You live in a hot or humid climate.
• You’ve worn your bra during a workout.
• You’ve worn your bra for a long day (over 12 hours).
• You’re currently experiencing a skin condition, such as acne or dermatitis.

Less Frequent Washing

Conversely, you may be able to stretch the time between washes if:

• You wore the bra only for a few hours.
• You didn’t sweat much while wearing the bra.
• You live in a colder climate.
• You have a large rotation of bras.

The Right Way to Wash Your Bras

When it’s time to wash your bras, doing it correctly can make a significant difference in preserving their shape, fit, and lifespan.

Hand Washing

Hand washing is the gentlest way to clean your bras. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a mild, lingerie-friendly detergent.
2. Immerse your bras, making sure all parts are underwater.
3. Gently agitate the water with your hands to distribute the soap. Let the bras soak for about 15-30 minutes.
4. After soaking, rinse your bras under clean lukewarm water until the water runs clear.
5. Gently squeeze out the excess water, but don’t wring or twist the bra, as this can distort its shape.

Machine Washing

If you must use a washing machine, ensure to follow these steps:

1. Always use a mesh lingerie bag to protect your bras.
2. Select the delicate cycle on your machine and use cold water.
3. Like with hand washing, use a gentle, lingerie-friendly detergent.
4. Once washed, reshape the bra cups and let your bras air-dry. Never put bras in the dryer as the heat can damage the elastic and shorten their lifespan.

The Bottom Line

While the guideline of washing bras every 3-4 wears is a good starting point, it’s important to adjust according to your lifestyle, bra usage, and personal comfort. Keeping your bras clean help maintain hygiene and extend the life of your bras, ensuring they support you in the best way possible.

Whether you’re a sporty gal with a penchant for high-intensity workouts, a busy professional who spends long hours at work, or someone who prioritizes comfort over everything else, remember – when in doubt, give it a wash. A clean bra is a happy bra.

Further Reading: How Often Should You Wash Your Pajamas?