Lingerieinfo Your lingerie is the item of clothing closest to your body. As such, it requires special care—not only to preserve its color and shape but, above all, for your intimate health. It is shocking that over 90% of women put on newly purchased lingerie without washing it first, exposing themselves to chemicals and microorganisms.
This expert guide will explain why washing before the first wear is an absolute must and provide scientifically-backed care methods that will preserve delicate fabrics and your health.
Part 1: Why You MUST Wash New Lingerie Before Wearing It (The Scientific Must-Do)
New, seemingly clean lingerie is a true „chemical and microbiological cocktail.” Here’s what your skin comes into contact with:
- Chemical Residues from Production: Fabrics are treated with azo dyes, formaldehyde (resin), phthalates, PFAS (PFOA), and other chemicals that increase colorfastness, add sheen, or have anti-wrinkle properties. These substances can cause skin irritation, contact allergies, and even hormonal disruptions.
- Microbiological Contaminants: Lingerie in stores has been tried on by dozens of people, touched, and dropped on warehouse or shop floors. Bacteria, fungi (e.g., yeast), and viruses can survive on fabric for a long time.
- Lack of Hygiene Standards: The production and logistics process is not sterile. Lingerie can come into contact with dust, dirt, and warehouse pests during transport and storage.
Putting on unwashed lingerie is a direct exposure of your delicate intimate area to this mixture. Washing is therefore not a matter of aesthetics but a fundamental hygienic requirement.
Part 2: Hand Washing Instructions – The Gold Standard of Care
Hand washing is the gentlest and most effective method, significantly extending the life of any piece of lingerie, even the most affordable.
Step 1: Preparation
- Water temperature: Use lukewarm water (max 30°C / 86°F). Hot water destroys elastic fibers (the elastic in bras) and causes colors to fade.
- Detergent: Choose a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free detergent for babies or a dedicated detergent for delicates. Why?
- Baby detergents are free from aggressive fragrances, dyes, and optical brighteners, which are common allergens.
- Their formula is designed to remove organic stains while being gentle on the skin.
- Avoid conventional powders and detergents with strong perfumes.
Step 2: The Washing Process
- Dissolve the recommended amount of detergent in a basin of water.
- Submerge the lingerie and gently agitate it for 3-5 minutes. Never rub, scrub, or wring the material, especially if it has embroidery or lace, as this causes mechanical damage.
- Treat particularly soiled areas (e.g., the gusset of panties) by gently rubbing with your fingers.
Step 3: Rinsing and Drying
- Pour out the dirty water and rinse the lingerie 2-3 times in clean, lukewarm water until all detergent residue is removed.
- To remove excess water, gently press the lingerie between your palms. Absolutely do not wring it out!
- Drying: Hang the lingerie in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight (which breaks down fibers and causes fading) and heat sources (radiators, which destroy elastane). Bras are best dried upside down, hooked by the strap – this prevents the underwires from deforming.
Part 3: Machine Washing – How to Minimize Risk?
If you must use a washing machine, adhere to these strict rules:
- Use a Protective Mesh Lingerie Bag: This is non-negotiable. It protects against abrasion and tangling.
- Cycle: Only use the delicate cycle (30°C / 86°F) with the lowest possible spin speed (max 600 RPM) or with the spin cycle disabled entirely.
- Fasten Hooks: Before putting them in the machine, fasten the bra hooks to prevent them from snagging and damaging other items.
- Detergent: As with hand washing – use a hypoallergenic liquid detergent.
What to absolutely avoid in the washing machine:
- Bleach and chlorine-based products: They break down fibers and are harsh on the skin.
- Fabric softeners: They coat the fibers of the fabric, reducing their absorbency and breathability. Using them on towels and lingerie is especially ill-advised!
- Tumble drying: The high heat melts elastane and destroys elastic, irreversibly deforming the lingerie.
Part 4: Additional Rules for Extending Lingerie Lifespan
- Frequency: Wash lingerie after every wear. Moisture and organic residue are a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
- Rotation: Do not wear the same lingerie day after day. Elastane fibers need about 24 hours to fully recover their shape.
- Storage: Do not throw lingerie into an overstuffed drawer. Store bras stacked flat, not nested inside each other, to prevent the cups from deforming. Panties can be rolled.
Summary: Health and Longevity Checklist
✅ Always wash new lingerie before the first wear.
✅ Use hypoallergenic baby detergents for washing.
✅ Hand wash in lukewarm water or machine wash in a protective bag on a delicate cycle.
✅ Never wring out and never dry in direct sunlight or on a radiator.
✅ Avoid fabric softeners and bleach.
Investing in high-quality lingerie is also an investment in the time spent on its proper care. These simple but consistently applied rules will not only protect your intimate health but will also allow you to enjoy your favorite lingerie pieces for many years, which ultimately means saving money too.
