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How to Wash Your Lingerie: By Hand or Machine, A Complete Guide

Do you love your lingerie but always dread washing it? You're not alone! Between the fear of damaging delicate lace and uncertainty about the right washing program, caring for your underwear can feel like a real headache.

I get it - it's a total dilemma. Today, many of us no longer feel confident when it comes to taking care of our delicate pieces. Because if you're like me, you really care about your lingerie!

In this article, you'll learn how to wash your lingerie safely by hand or machine, extend the life of your favorite pieces, and avoid the classic mistakes so many people make.

Quick Summary: How to Wash Your Lingerie

  • Prefer hand washing with a gentle detergent.

  • If using a machine, always use a mesh laundry bag and select a delicate cycle.

  • Wash your underwear at a low temperature (30°C / 86°F).

  • Avoid the dryer to protect delicate fibers.

  • Lay flat to air dry whenever possible.

👉 Want to choose the right lingerie for you? Discover our complete guide.

Should I Wash My Underwear by Hand or Machine?

If I use the machine, will I damage my lingerie? If I wash by hand, will it be clean enough? There's a stain - how do I remove it without fading the fabric? Is washing at 30 degrees enough?

So many questions! I promise - I've asked them all myself too.

That's why I scoured the web for the best tips and tested them all - from old-fashioned grandma methods to the trendiest hacks. Here's what I really recommend to take care of your outfits and lingerie.

How to Wash Lingerie Without Damaging It

To wash your lingerie without damaging it,

  • Always prefer hand washing with a gentle detergent.

  • If you must use a machine, use a protective mesh bag and a delicate program.

  • Never exceed 30°C (86°F).

  • Always dry flat away from heat sources.

Practical Table: How to Wash Each Type of Lingerie

Type of Lingerie / Fabric Recommended Method Ideal Temperature
Lace bra Hand wash (preferably) Max 30°C (86°F)
Cotton panties Machine (delicate program) or hand wash 30-40°C (86-104°F)
Silk nightgown Hand wash only Cold water (max 30°C)
Synthetic underwear (polyester, elastane) Machine (mesh bag + delicate cycle) Max 30°C
Wireless bras Machine (mesh bag + delicate cycle) or hand wash Max 30°C
Fine lace thong Hand wash preferred Max 30°C
Thick cotton boxer Machine washable (normal cycle) Up to 40°C (104°F)
Stockings and tights Hand wash Cold water (20-30°C)

No matter the fabric, your lingerie is delicate. Whether it's made of luxurious materials like silk, lace, satin, or crêpe, or synthetic fibers like polyester or elastane - it needs careful handling.

Image: How to Wash Lingerie and Underwear

What Temperature Should You Wash Delicate Underwear At?

To preserve the softness and elasticity of your lingerie, always wash at a maximum of 30°C (86°F). Hot water weakens fibers like lace, tulle, or silk. For cotton underwear, 40°C is acceptable but be cautious to avoid premature wear.

How to Hand Wash Panties: Step-by-Step

Quick Method: Soak your panties in lukewarm soapy water, gently rub any dirty areas, rinse thoroughly, and air dry flat.

Detailed Steps:

  1. Fill a basin with lukewarm water (not hot).

  2. Add a small amount of gentle detergent or traditional Marseille soap.

  3. Soak the panties for a few minutes.

  4. Gently rub the dirty spots without twisting the fabric.

  5. Rinse well with clean, lukewarm water.

  6. Press lightly to remove excess water (no wringing).

  7. Lay flat to air dry, away from direct heat.

Tips for Machine Washing Underwear Without Damaging Lace

  • Always use a mesh laundry bag to protect delicate lace.

  • Select a delicate or lingerie cycle, at 30°C (86°F) maximum.

  • Use a gentle detergent (no bleach, no softeners).

  • Absolutely avoid tumble drying: air dry flat to maintain shape and texture.

Recommended Products for Lingerie Care

To properly care for your delicate pieces, favor:

  • A special gentle laundry detergent, free from aggressive enzymes or brighteners.

  • Traditional Marseille soap, perfect for hand washing, skin-friendly, and fiber-friendly.

🚫 Avoid using:

  • Fabric softeners

  • Regular harsh detergents

👉 Learn more about the benefits of genuine Marseille soap for lingerie care.

How to Care for Your Lingerie: Our Tips

Washing

  • Prefer hand washing for all underwear types.

  • Use gentle detergent or Marseille soap.

  • Avoid high temperatures and regular wash cycles.

Spinning

  • Do not twist your lingerie.

  • Place your lingerie inside a clean towel, roll it, and press gently.

  • Or use a clean salad spinner for fragile pieces!

Preserving Colors

  • Sort your laundry by color before washing.

  • After washing, soak your pieces for 10 minutes in water with a splash of vinegar to fix the colors.

  • 🚫 Ban bleach, chlorine products, and tumble drying.

Products to Avoid

  • Bleach ❌

  • Fabric softener ❌

  • Harsh regular detergents ❌

Drying

  • Lay flat on a drying rack.

  • Avoid direct sunlight (it dulls whites and fades colors).

  • Never tumble dry: it damages fibers and elastic materials.

How to Wash Lingerie: FAQs

How to properly wash panties?

Hand wash your panties in lukewarm water with a gentle detergent. Avoid vigorous rubbing. If machine washing, use a delicate cycle and a laundry bag.

How to wash underwear?

Underwear should be washed in cold or lukewarm water, preferably by hand. If using a machine, select a gentle cycle and use a detergent designed for delicate fabrics.

How to clean the gusset of panties?

To clean the gusset (crotch area) of cotton panties, use a gentle soap or Marseille soap. Hand wash gently and rinse thoroughly to prevent irritation.

Can you machine wash bras?

Yes, but only inside a laundry bag, using a delicate cycle and cold water (30°C max). This preserves their shape and elasticity.

How to maintain the shape and structure of your lingerie?

Hand washing is best. Whether it's synthetic or delicate cotton lace, machine washing risks damaging the structure. Always use gentle products like Marseille soap or a special delicate detergent (for example: Soak Wash by Rascol).

Image: How to Wash Lingerie Using a Laundry Net

How to keep lingerie colors bright longer

Always sort your laundry by color before washing. Try this grandma tip: after washing, soak your lingerie in a bit of vinegar water for 10 minutes. 🚫 Avoid bleach and chlorine-based products - they can cause yellowing and serious damage to fabrics.

Is it safe to machine wash lingerie?

Yes - but only if you:

  • Use a laundry bag

  • Select a delicate program (max 30°C)

  • Skip fabric softeners

  • Use a low spin (max 600 RPM)

Otherwise, the risk of damaging your lingerie increases!

How to dry lingerie?

After washing, lay your lingerie flat on a drying rack, away from direct sunlight. Never use a tumble dryer: it deforms and damages delicate fabrics. Sunlight can also yellow white fabrics and fade bright colors.

👉 For more sustainable care tips, check out this article.

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