The best tips for maintaining your underwear

Maximize the Durability and Comfort of Your Underwear: Essential Care Tips

Underwear is an essential part of our daily wardrobe, and proper care is crucial to extend its lifespan, ensure hygiene and maintain comfort. Here are some essential tips for taking care of your underwear and keeping them in perfect condition for as long as possible.

1. Careful sorting :

Before washing your underwear, take the time to carefully sort your items. Separate white underwear from dark colors to avoid fading from mixing dyes. Additionally, separate delicate underwear, such as lace, from more sturdy items to avoid damage during washing.

2. Follow washing instructions :

Each item of underwear has specific washing needs. Be sure to read care labels carefully for best practices. Washing instructions may vary depending on the type of fabric, the presence of elastics or details like lace or embellishments. Following these instructions can prevent shrinkage, warping or loss of color.

3. Use a laundry bag :

Laundry bags are a valuable investment in protecting your delicate underwear. Place your underwear in a laundry bag before putting it in the washing machine. This will prevent hooks and clips from getting caught on other clothing or parts of the machine, reducing the risk of tearing or stretching.

Lingerie wash bag

4. Choosing the right detergent :

Opt for a mild, hypoallergenic detergent to wash your underwear. Harsh detergents containing bleaches can damage delicate fibers and cause skin irritation. Detergents specially formulated for delicate fabrics or lingerie are generally the safest.

5. Avoid fabric softener :

Fabric softener can leave a residue on fabrics that can clog fibers and reduce their breathability. Avoid using fabric softener when washing your underwear, especially those made from synthetic materials like polyester or nylon. This will ensure that your underwear retains its original flexibility and comfort.

6. Wash in cold water :

Choose to wash your underwear in cold water. Hot water can damage elastic fibers and cause shrinkage, especially for underwear that contains spandex or elastane. Washing in cold water is gentler on fabrics and helps preserve their elasticity and shape.

7. Drying in the open air :

Avoid machine drying whenever possible. Excessive heat can damage elastic fibers and cause underwear to shrink or distort. Instead, opt for air drying by laying your underwear flat on a clean towel. Be sure to place them in the shade to avoid fading from the sun.

8. Proper storage :

To avoid distortion, gently fold your underwear rather than hanging it. Store them in a clean, dry drawer, making sure they are not crushed by other clothes. Avoid overcrowding the drawer to allow your underwear to maintain its original shape.

9. Regular replacement :

Regularly monitor the condition of your underwear. If you notice any signs of degradation such as loose elastics, worn seams or holes, it's time to replace them. Regular replacement ensures that your underwear remains comfortable, supports properly and provides adequate protection.
To read: Guide to renewing panties: freshness, comfort and hygiene

Hand wash underwear

Hand washing underwear is often recommended for delicate or fragile items, such as those made of lace, silk or embellishments. Although modern washing machines have delicate cycles suitable for underwear, hand washing provides additional control over the cleaning process, reducing the risk of damage. Here's why hand washing may be necessary and the best techniques for doing so:

1. Preservation of delicate materials:

   Underwear made of lace, silk, or with delicate details can be damaged by the harsh movements of a washing machine. Hand washing helps preserve the structure and appearance of these fragile fabrics.

2. Control over the cleaning process:

   By washing by hand, you have complete control over the water temperature, the amount of detergent used and the length of soak. This allows you to adapt the cleaning process to the specificity of each underwear.

3. Stain Removal:

   Some stains, like those caused by body oils or deodorant residue, may require pre-treatment or gentler scrubbing, which is easier to achieve when washing by hand.

Best techniques for hand washing:

1. Preparation: Fill a sink or basin with cold or lukewarm water. Add a small amount of mild detergent specially formulated for delicate fabrics.

2. Sorting: Separate underwear by color and fabric type. Avoid mixing fabrics that may fade or cling to each other.

3. Soak: Submerge the underwear in the soapy water and let it soak for about 5 to 10 minutes to loosen dirt and stains.

4. Gentle Wash: Gently rub stained or soiled areas with your hands to remove dirt. Avoid rubbing too vigorously to avoid damaging delicate fabrics.

5. Rinsing: Rinse the underwear thoroughly with clean water to remove any detergent residue. Make sure the rinse water is the same temperature as the wash water to avoid thermal shock.

6. Gentle Spin: Gently squeeze the underwear to remove excess water. Avoid twisting or wringing fabrics, which could cause them to become misshapen.

7. Drying: Spread the underwear on a clean, flat towel to air dry. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight as this may cause fading.

Common myths about washing and caring for underwear

1. Myth: Underwear should be washed after each use.

Clarification: Although it is important to maintain good hygiene, not all underwear requires washing after each wear. Underwear worn briefly and not subject to excessive sweating can be worn several times before washing, especially if worn under other clothing.

2. Myth: Hot water kills bacteria on underwear.

Clarification: Although hot water can help kill some bacteria, it does not guarantee complete disinfection. To effectively kill bacteria, it is recommended to use an appropriate disinfectant or wash the underwear at a high temperature (if the fabric allows) following the washing instructions.

3. Myth: Underwear should be washed with fabric softener to make it softer.

Clarification: Using fabric softener can actually harm the performance of underwear, especially those made from technical or elastic fabrics. Fabric softener can leave a residue on the fibers, reducing their breathability and ability to wick away moisture. It is best to refrain from doing so to preserve the quality of the underwear.

4. Myth: Tumble drying is the most effective way to dry underwear quickly.

Clarification: Although tumble drying can be convenient, it can damage the elastic fibers of underwear and lead to shrinkage or warping. Air drying is generally preferable because it is gentler on fabrics and helps preserve their shape and elasticity.

5. Myth: It is safe to iron underwear to make it smoother.

Clarification: Ironing underwear can damage delicate fibers, especially those made from synthetic or elastic materials. The heat from the iron can cause distortion, burns or permanent marks on fabrics. It is best to avoid ironing underwear to preserve its integrity.

6. Myth: Using bleach is necessary to disinfect underwear.

Clarification: Bleach can be too harsh for underwear and can damage fabrics, especially colored ones or those with elastic elements. It is best to use specific disinfectants for delicate fabrics or wash underwear at a high temperature if the fabric allows it.

7. Myth: Underwear should be dry cleaned for optimal care.

Clarification: Most underwear can be washed effectively at home with mild detergent and water, and does not need dry cleaning. Instead, follow the washing instructions provided on the garment label to ensure proper care.

By following the tips provided in this article, you can extend the life of your underwear while maintaining its quality and comfort. From choosing the right detergent to opting for hand washing to debunking common myths, every action helps keep your underwear in tip-top condition. By taking these small steps, you will ensure that your underwear continues to support you and keep you comfortable day after day.