Machine-washing bras? Ladies, some help?...?
Question:So there are very few bras that tell you they are machine washable. Mostly they say hand wash, line dry. But...are the following types of fabric machine washable or will my bras get ruined if I machine wash them?
-Nylon
-Nylon/polyester/spandex
-nylon/spandex
-nylon/cotton
-polyester
and if they have some padding in it (non-removable) will that get messed up?
Answers:
I wash mine by themselves on delicate. (Fasten them closed first or the hooks will tear the lace) Then hang them in the bathroom overnight to dry. It seems its the dryer that does the most damage.
I would hand wash them due to spandex. Nylon, cotten & polyester can go in the wash, wash cold. Good luck..
hand wash only- it really is the only way
I have always machine washed my bras, all made out of the stuff you list. I don't put them in the dryer because heat breaks down the spandex. So far so good. If you have a concern do the delicate cycle.
The new front-loading washers are unbelievably better for all your clothes, and especially things that need a little gentler treatment.
I have bras made out of all of those (except polyester) and I can tell you that I machiene-wash them all. After that, I put them on a hanger to dry (helps keep the underwire from falling out). The padding shouldn't get messed up...or at least it deosn't in mine...
I wash my bras on the delicate cycle all the time, and they last for about three or four years at least. I also use a delicate detergent.
I *do* line-dry them, though. My climate is great for line-drying, and bras dry fast outdoors (although you must make sure they are on the drying rack securely, or your underwear will blow all over the neighborhood on a windy day!). I try to dry them in the shade, too. I often dry them indoors -- as long as it's not rainy, they dry overnight.
They also have lingerie/bra "bags." They hold the shape of the bra, you zip it closed & toss it in the machine on delicate cycle. The bags are like a heavy mesh, so they protect your clothes but still allow water/soap through. They're inexpensive too, at almost any department store. I think you can put them in the dryer as well, but I take them out of the bags after the wash, hang them on a hanger, and they're dry by morning.
if you have a front loader you will be able to wash your bras without being scared that they are going to be in shreds when you open the door after they are done washing!
front loaders have no agitator but uses paddles which is less wear and tear on the clothing. also if you put your cycle on handwash on a front loader the drum will just move back and forth just like youare using your hands to wash the bras. the drum will not move in a complete circle like every other load unless you put the load on delicate which does move the drum around during a cycle. also you can lower the spin speeds in a front loader to cater to delicate washables.
if you have a top loading washer i always reccomend washing the bras on the gentle cycle where the spin speeds are low and the agitator doesnt move as much...or better yet hand wash the bras.
no matter what you do never dry your bras in commercial dryers. they get too hot and will melt the fibers (i have ran into this problem once in my life!).
Ok I have always washed mine in the machine, never had a problem, however if you are really concerned just hook them like you would if you were wearing them then wash on delicate cycle.
More Related Questions & Answers...