9 Rules For Washing Your Bras: What Your Lingerie Needs From You

It's an unparalleled relationship. You're supported, consistently, each and every day. You've probably been going steady for years, and you never have to make those oh-so-awkward parental introductions. Yes readers, we're obviously talking about the tried-and-true commitment that exists between you and your bra.

The average woman owns nine bras but only wears six of them regularly. When you compare those statistics to the number of other outfit essentials you own, it becomes clear that extending the longevity of your lingerie is probably a good idea -- especially as those undergarments can get quite pricey. Redbook Magazine reports that that women spend around $16 billion on bras each year, worldwide.

In an effort to help you increase the longevity of your lingerie, we spoke to a few experts who helped us put together a list of nine hard and fast rules to follow when it comes to bra care.

"Most of us have never been schooled in how to take care of our bras," said Susan Nethero, founder of Intimacy boutiques, myintimacy.com (aka "The Bra Whisperer").

Let us know if there are any foolproof tips we missed that you've picked up over the years!

Comments

[justbenice]

11:58 AM on 11/23/2011

Apparently I own way too many bras. I wouldn't have guessed the average number owned to be so low.

[Kathie McDonald Rost]

09:20 PM on 11/18/2011

Puh-leeze. "Wash them only with other lycra items. No jeans, etc."
I DO use a lingerie bag, but then I throw them in with everything. Air dry, of course.
Now, if every bra I saw at the store wasn't underwire, I could be happy. Torture devices!

[greenToBlue]

01:18 PM on 11/17/2011

This is #1 house chores men are more than willing to do. Let's wash them for you by hand!

[Eden Godsoe]

11:45 AM on 11/15/2011

Who knew there were 9 rules to washing your bras?! I think most women kinda forget about washing bras, as evidenced by this poll that asked women that very question.

How often do you wash your everyday bras?
http://www.skinnyscoop.com/question/q/1716
--> 47% answered "Hmm, when WAS the last time I washed them..."

On a related topic, finding a good everyday bra can be a struggle. Love this list where women suggested their fave everyday bras -

What's Your Favorite 'Everyday' Bra?
http://www.skinnyscoop.com/list/larissa/add-yours-the-perfect-everday-bra

[Fran Jaime]

12:13 PM on 11/16/2011

They forget to wash their bra? That is disgusting!

[iluvmaps]

03:24 PM on 11/21/2011

Yeah I only wash mine if they clearly need it. Maybe once a month? I'm a pretty clean person and it's not like I'm stinking them up every day... if they look discolored or start smelling like what I cooked for dinner last night, or if I sweat in them a couple times, then I'll throw them in the washer.

Stop lying ladies you know you're the same way!

[MIvoter1231]

04:59 PM on 11/21/2011

LOL Monthly sounds about right.

I only buy VS bras. And since they are so expensive (but worth it to me personally, to each their own, I like the fit and support), I only currently have TWO! I have to plan when I wash them.

You really think I wash them every other day? I do air dry, but if I it so often, I'd get caught needing one and both being to wet to wear! Give me a break!

[cyoohoos]

07:26 PM on 11/23/2011

No honey. That's like saying you wash your panties when they get discolored or start smelling like what you cooked for dinner. LOL.

I wash my underwear. I don't need stains or strange odors to motivate me to do it either.

[frank1946]

12:30 AM on 11/15/2011

Triple Distilled Water..............shaken not stirred ! The Secret Life of a Bra.

I'm Jealous already !

[mediamarv]

12:14 AM on 11/15/2011

Finally, some info I can use here on Huffpo!!

[Targa3141]

11:36 PM on 11/14/2011

Empowering. And beautiful.

I was my bras in my bath, infused with gentian, cardamom and vervain.
They are rinsed in triple-distilled water, then gently pressed to dampness on towels woven by virgins from cotton grown in Tajikistan.

Lastly, I cradle them gently while asleep. After two nights of this, they are almost dry, and ready for draping on the pomegranate bush outside my villa overlooking Lake Como until bone-dry after baking in the Lombardy sun.

They are my bras. My soul.

[MIvoter1231]

05:02 PM on 11/21/2011

That's just so beautiful. Sniff (wiping tears)

[javajosie]

02:29 PM on 11/27/2011

LOL........loved it!!

[Fancy lace]

11:19 PM on 11/14/2011

Really Disappointed with this post. No mention of using mesh bags, washing in cold water, Esp if your bras are made of delicate fabrics (silk, lace). No mention of using non-petroleum based cleaners (Woolite is actually one of the worst products to use with delicates). Those in the know recommend baby shampoo - a little goes a Long way and it's much more affordable than the fancy cleaning powders sold to gullible shoppers in high end stores. And hang to dry, ladies, hang to dry. Shape those cups before you dry (using balled socks is good to keep shape of padded bras or stack them open one on top of another).

[LateForTheSky]

11:10 PM on 11/15/2011

Most of what you said wasn't addressed really was. Did you read the article?

[Anna Roberts]

04:57 PM on 11/17/2011

I feel like I just re-read the article when I read your comment... How is this article disappointing to you? You summed it up in five sentences..

[Quest2011]

03:20 PM on 11/14/2011

"The average woman owns nine bras but only wears six of them regularly".

I own 20 bras in various sizes but only wear 4 regularly. They never fit right for more than a few months. Does anyone else have this problem?

[ladyangelnyc]

03:48 PM on 11/14/2011

Yes, but looking at their care list, I'm pretty bad about taking care of my bras apparently. I throw them in with the regular wash and dryer. I have a few that last even with my bad upkeep, I just buy good brands at TJ Maxx or Marshall's.

[Quest2011]

10:57 AM on 11/18/2011

I shop in the at TJ and Marshal too. I also do all the care suggestions give n here. The problem is that bras just don't fit right when I wear tham all day. The same size bra is different from different manufactures.

[wyndchas78]

06:27 PM on 11/14/2011

Yes! I have at least 20-25 different ones but only wear 5 on a regular basis. Most companies make each bra different. Even if it's in your size the cup could be too small or big, the band too short. Best thing to do is go to a lingerie shop and get fitted for the right size.

[Quest2011]

10:58 AM on 11/18/2011

Agree. I'm a 32F and I can't find two bras that fit alike

[ae12wrangell]

02:33 PM on 11/14/2011

Ever wonder how women made thing's work before the Bra was invented? Just imagine everything just collapsing to a woman's waist when her blouse is removed.

[Fran Jaime]

01:15 AM on 11/15/2011

Well, women used to bandage their breasts before corsets were invented. I guess that kept things in place for a while and avoided bouncing.

[ae12wrangell]

08:34 AM on 11/16/2011

And, then came the '60's. Bra burning, Woodstock, etc. Everything has changed big time. Now, a lot of women who had class in the '50's, have no class. Even a lot of my female coworker's wear no bras. I can see 2 nipple's at the end's of her to breast's. Sometime's I wonder if Victoria's Secret was worth it!

[ae12wrangell]

08:24 PM on 11/16/2011

I am not ADDING year's, but saying that a woman in her 20's -60's, and beyond, in the 1950's would use a Bra. Then came the Vietnam War, and women burned bra's, among other thing's. All I am saying is, whatever happened to common decency?
As for the corsett; Ever wonder how female Pilgrim's handled that situation? No? Neither did I wonder about it.

[AmStardust]

08:11 PM on 11/26/2011

does anyone know the bra burning thing was mostly symbolic? my aunt told me about it, she was very into feminism in the 60s

[madcityy]

01:41 PM on 11/14/2011

WOMEN READ THISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

[Dede Eagleburger]

04:05 PM on 11/14/2011

I did! it's all great advice, and applies to most clothing too, not just bras!

[ruarc]

12:10 PM on 11/14/2011

Bras are a 1 wear item, along with socks, shirts, non-jean pants and drawers. Jeans may be worn twice if you're not sweating.

[Fran Jaime]

12:20 PM on 11/16/2011

Good poin! There was another post on HP about washing jeans and someone commented that you could just freeze them to destroy odor and bacteria. This is not true! Bacteria will freeze (so will yeast) but it will continue to multiply as soon as it thaws! Washing is better.

[cyoohoos]

07:23 PM on 11/23/2011

My thought exactly. I mean if you have to be told to wash your underwear after you wear it that's sad.