Q&A for How to Wash a Bra

Yes. It shouldn't shrink, but it will take a bit longer than if you used higher heat.

Yes, but let the owner of the laundry room know.

It's best to hand wash lace bras, as they're delicate and you don't want the lace to unravel.

Yes, if you desperately need it to dry that quickly. It's probably not a good idea to do that on a regular basis, though.

It's optional, but you can.

It varies from place to place. "Wool wash" (of various brands) are good for bras. Despite the name, wool wash can be used for many fabrics. Woolite is a popular brand available in America.

Some machines are particularly hard on bras; so best to hand wash them, and be gentle with them.

You can wear a tank top to cover the seams, or you can buy seamless bras, or choose to wear a sports bra that's close to your skin tone.

Many women wash bras after every use. However, unless you get pretty sweaty, wearing it another day is OK.

Yes, you should. The bag is also meant to prevent the bras from making contact with the washing machine. If a hook or strap were to catch on something inside the machine, you may have to spend quite a bit of money to fix your washing machine or replace your bra.

It depends on which bra you have and how much you need to wash. Cylinder bra bags can fit 1 or 2 bras, while cone shaped bra bags can only fit 1. Cone shaped bra bags tend to be better for push up bras or bras with more foam/padding, as they don't deform the cups as much as cylinder bra does, but that also depends on how full the laundry load is.

As long as the bras are similar colors, and there are no special instructions on the tags, you can wash your bras together.

It is best to hand wash bras with underwire, as the wires will easily begin to poke through the fabric if not handled gently.

It really depends on your breasts. If you have larger ones, then a wired bra is good. If you're smaller, then a wireless bra is fine. If you're active, you might prefer a sports bra. The best thing you can do to get a comfortable bra that suits your size and body type is to go to a store like Victoria's Secret and get a fitting.

Yes, it is fine to do so. I always use regular detergent. Just make sure that the cups are reshaped afterwards.

Yes, detergent powder is appropriate for washing a bra with.

You can, but the padding in the bra as well as the fabric will deteriorate faster.

Yes because it’s pretty much the same thing but it is soap for your hair. Don’t use super strong shampoo though; only use something light like Cantu or Aunty Jackie shampoos. It’s even better if you use baby shampoo.

It's a good idea to remove them before washing, if they are easy to remove. You can then wash the padded inserts by hand and let them air dry, and toss the rest of the bra into the laundry bag to wash in the washing machine. Hand washing the pads helps retain their shape and ensures they are washed with care. If you don't like having to wash the pads separately, purchase sports bras without removable pads.

Baby detergent should be fine for washing bras, as it is delicate and easy on fabric. It will also have low or no odor, depending on the brand you use, which can be helpful if your breasts are sensitive to fragrance additives often found in detergents.