The average washing machine gulps down 186 litres of water per load and releases anywhere from thousands to 12 million microplastic fibers into the environment. That's an enormous waste just to clean your underwear!
Many people think washing underwear by hand is a hassle. The truth is, throwing hand-wash-only items into the washer ranks among the most common laundry mistakes. Learning the proper hand-washing technique not only saves water and cuts down pollution but also helps your favourite garments last longer.
Your underwear stays in better shape with hand washing, and you'll avoid the excess water pollution and energy waste from machine washing. Proper underwear washing techniques are essential to keep things hygienic and make your delicates last.
This step-by-step breakdown shows you exactly how to hand wash underwear properly - from picking the right detergent to mastering drying techniques. We've got effective methods that work for everything from delicate lace and silk to everyday cotton.
What Types of Underwear Should Be Handwashed
The right way to hand wash your underwear can extend their life by a lot. You don't have to hand wash everything, but some fabrics will last much longer with this customised care.
Silk, lace, and delicate fabrics
Delicate fabrics need extra attention. You should always hand wash underwear made from silk, lace, or mesh instead of tossing them in the machine [1]. These luxury materials can easily get damaged by the harsh movement of washing machines.
Silk underwear needs special care because of its delicate fibres. Machine washing can damage these premium fabrics forever [2]. Your silk lingerie will keep its shine and last longer only if you hand wash it or get it dry cleaned [3].
Lace underwear is another type that needs gentle handling. The detailed patterns and fragile construction make these pieces easy to snag, tear, or lose shape in washing machines. Here's a simple rule - if you can see through the fabric, wash it gently by hand [4].
On top of that, it's best to hand wash underwear with embroidery or decorative elements. These pretty details can get damaged or tear off in the washing machine [1]. Hand washing lets you control how you clean these garments and keeps them looking beautiful.
Bras—especially ones with underwire, padding, or structured cups like push-ups—must be hand washed to keep their shape and support [5]. The washing machine can bend the underwire, mess up the padding, and ended up making them less comfortable and durable.
Cotton and bamboo that need special care
Cotton and bamboo underwear usually hold up better than delicate ones, but sometimes you'll just want to hand wash these too.
Cotton blends are tough, but they can shrink from heat [1]. So even these everyday pieces sometimes do better with hand washing, especially the nice ones you want to keep longer.
Bamboo underwear deserves a special mention. This eco-friendly fabric feels great and breathes well, but you need to care for it properly. Bamboo viscose underwear especially needs air drying since machine drying breaks down the fibres too fast [6].
Taking good care of bamboo underwear can make it last twice as long [7]. While bamboo can handle machine washing, using cold water on gentle cycle helps keep its softness. All the same, hand washing is the gentlest way to make these sustainable garments last.
Think over hand washing your cotton and bamboo underwear whatever:
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You see signs of wear
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It's your favourite pair
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The elastic starts stretching out
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The colours start fading from machine washing
The bottom line is that hand washing is the gentlest way to clean your underwear. This method reduces friction, protects elastic, and helps colors stay bright longer [8]. Those extra minutes you spend hand washing your delicate—or favourite—underwear will pay off with longer-lasting, better-looking garments.
Why Machine Washing Can Damage Your Underwear
You might think machine washing is the fastest way to clean underwear. But this quick fix can really damage your delicate garments. Let's learn about how washing machines can harm your underwear and when you should wash them by hand instead.
Snagging and tearing risks
Your washing machine's aggressive tumbling creates many ways for damage to occur. The biggest problem comes from other clothes in the same load. Your jeans, sweatshirts, and other heavy garments can be rough on your delicate undergarments [9].
Your delicate underwear often gets tangled with heavier items or wrapped around other clothes. Zippers, hooks, and buttons that aren't secured can catch on delicate fabrics and create holes and tears [10]. This becomes a real problem with lace, mesh, and see-through fabrics that snag easily.
Your washing machine itself might pose risks. Sharp edges can lurk in hidden screwheads on the back panel of dryers and broken drum paddles with metal hinges that catch and tear fabrics [9]. If you overfill the machine, these problems get worse because your garments can't move freely, which leads to more friction and snags [10].
Loss of elasticity and shape
Beyond the tears you can see, machine washing slowly destroys your underwear's structure. The constant movement breaks down elastic fibres, and your underwear loses its stretch and support [11].
Several things in machine washing hurt elasticity:
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Hot water exposure: Heat breaks down elastic materials faster than cold water [12]
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Harsh detergents: Strong chemicals damage delicate fibres and elastic [12]
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Overloaded machines: Too much friction wears out elastic materials [12]
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Regular cycle settings: Any setting besides gentle or delicate pulls and stretches fabric [12]
You might not notice the damage after one wash. But over time, machine-washed underwear loses its shape and becomes uncomfortable [13]. This happens even faster with underwear that contains spandex or elastane fibres - materials most modern underwear uses to stay comfortable and fit well.
Colour fading and fabric thinning
The bright colours in your favorite underwear face real threats in washing machines. Mechanical action, detergents, and water temperature work together to break the bonds between dye molecules and fabric fibers [14].
Colours fade through different ways. Clothes rubbing against each other weakens the connection between dye and fabric [14]. On top of that, harsh detergents strip away colour, leaving your underwear looking dull [15].
Water temperature plays a vital role in keeping colors bright. Research shows cold water (below 27°C) causes minimal fading. But very hot water (above 38°C) leads to much more colour loss [16].
Fabric thinning happens along with colour loss. Mechanical agitation breaks down fibres and makes the material weaker and more likely to tear [15]. Natural fibers like cotton and bamboo show wear faster after repeated machine washing.
Now that you know these risks, you can better decide which underwear needs hand washing. This extra care will help your favorite pieces last longer and keep their look and function.
What You Need to Hand Wash Underwear
The right preparation will give you better results when hand washing underwear and help your garments last longer. Getting all your supplies ready makes the whole process much easier.
Choosing the right detergent
Selecting the right detergent is crucial when hand washing underwear. Regular laundry soap won't work well - you need gentle formulas made specifically for delicate fabrics:
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Mild detergents: Products labeled for delicates or hand washing work best. Baby shampoo is surprisingly effective for silk and wool underwear [1].
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Specialised products: No-rinse formulas like Soak and Eucalan help you save time and water. Eucalan contains lanolin that strengthens woolen fibers [17].
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Proper dilution: You need less detergent than machine washing—about 17ml in 5 litres of water compared to 35ml (one capful) in a machine [18].
Careful measurement matters since too much detergent leaves soapy residue on your underwear [18]. Enzymatic detergents like Dirty Labs Hand Wash & Delicates Detergent clean deeper yet remain gentle enough for silk and wool, especially with body oils and odors [17].
Best water temperature for different fabrics
The right water temperature helps your underwear stay clean and last longer. Each fabric type needs specific care:
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Bamboo: Cold to lukewarm (maximum 30°C)
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Cotton: Warm water (30-40°C) [1]
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Wool: Cold to lukewarm (maximum 30°C) [1]
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Silk: Cold water (preferably under 30°C) [1]
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Synthetic blends: Cool to warm [1]
Lukewarm water suits most underwear types [18]. A quick colourfast test helps with silk underwear - just wet a cotton ball and dab it on different coloured areas to check if colours run [5].
Optional tools: mesh bags, towels, drying racks
A few basic tools make hand washing much easier:
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Sink or bathtub: Any clean basin does the job [1]
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Mesh washing bags: These protect delicate items and stop bra straps or hooks from catching and tearing. You can find them in small (30x40cm), medium (40x50cm), and large (50x60cm) sizes [3].
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Towels: These help remove excess water without wringing. Roll damp underwear in a clean towel to absorb moisture [19].
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Drying racks or hangers: Air drying keeps shapes better than machine drying. Your bras will keep their structure better when hung by the centre [20].
The right preparation makes hand washing underwear a simple routine. Your favourite pieces will stay clean and last longer without taking too much of your time.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hand Washing Underwear
Want to take better care of your delicates? Let's head over to the practical steps of hand washing underwear. This simple process takes just a few minutes and will make your favourite pieces last longer.
1. Fill the sink with cold or lukewarm water
Clean your sink or basin first to remove any leftover dirt or soap. The next step needs cold or lukewarm water - never hot! Lukewarm water works best for most underwear because it helps dissolve detergent. Your silk and delicate lace items need cold water to stay intact and keep their color.
2. Add gentle detergent and mix
A small amount of mild detergent will do the job. You'll need about half the amount used for machine washing - approximately 17ml in 5 liters of water. Mix the water until the detergent dissolves completely. Baby shampoo makes a great alternative for ultra-delicate fabrics.
3. Soak underwear for 15–30 minutes
Your underwear needs to be completely submerged in the soapy water. Regular underwear can soak up to 30 minutes, while bras need about 15 minutes. The soaking time helps loosen dirt, oils, and bacteria without harsh movement.
4. Gently agitate and scrub key areas
The garments need light swirling in the water after soaking. Your waistband and gusset areas need extra attention since they collect sweat and oils. Use your fingers to rub these spots gently - avoid any wringing or twisting that could stretch the fabric.
5. Rinse thoroughly with clean water
The soapy water should be drained and replaced with clean, cold water. Each piece needs a good rinse until soap bubbles disappear. You might change the water once or twice to remove all detergent. Any leftover soap can irritate your skin and damage the fabric.
6. Press out water and lay flat to dry
The fabric's elastic and structure can get damaged by wringing. A gentle press against the sink's side will remove excess water. You can also roll items in a clean towel and press down to absorb moisture. The underwear should be reshaped and either laid flat on a towel or hung on a drying rack away from sunlight or heat.
This simple process will keep your underwear fresh and shaped well. Your garments will last much longer than machine-washed ones.
How to Hand Wash Bras and Special Items
Bras and specialty underwear need different care than regular undergarments during hand washing. Learning the right techniques will help your delicate items last longer.
Extra care for underwire and padded bras
Your underwire bras need gentle care to stop the wire from warping or breaking through the fabric. Start by closing all hooks and eyes. Fill a basin with lukewarm water and mild detergent made for delicates. Let your bras soak for 10-15 minutes. Move them around with care - no twisting or wringing that could damage the wire or padding. Remember to take out the inserts from push-up bras if you can.
Tips for lace, mesh, and embellished pieces
Delicate fabrics deserve special attention. Cold water works best to keep lace and mesh underwear in good shape. Items with sequins or beading need gentle handling - press the soapy water through the fabric instead of scrubbing. Silk or chiffon pieces work well with no-rinse formulas like Soak. Items that touch your skin should still get a full rinse.
How to reshape and dry bras properly
The right drying method is vital to keep your bra's shape. Press excess water out between your hands after rinsing or pat it between clean towels. Shape the cups while they're damp, especially for padded styles. Wet fabric can stretch, so never hang bras by their straps. Lay them flat or hang them from the center gore on a drying rack away from heat sources.
Conclusion
Hand washing underwear might feel like a chore at first, but it's a simple process that brings most important benefits. Your delicate garments will definitely last longer with proper care instead of facing harsh machine washing conditions.
On top of that, it helps preserve elasticity, prevents colour fading, and protects delicate fabrics from damage. This gentle method takes just a few extra minutes and ended up saving you money by extending your favorite pieces' lifespan.
Hand washing underwear is without doubt better for our environment. You'll use less water and release fewer microplastic fibres with each wash. The techniques we've covered work perfectly for silk lingerie, lace underwear, and bamboo basics, and provide a straightforward approach to proper garment care.
The right water temperature, appropriate detergent, and gentle handling techniques make hand washing successful. Instead of tossing all your underwear into the washing machine, think over which pieces need special attention. Your underwear drawer—and the planet—will thank you for it!
Key Takeaways
Master these essential hand washing techniques to extend your underwear's lifespan while protecting the environment from microplastic pollution.
• Hand washing extends underwear life significantly compared to machine washing, which causes snagging, elasticity loss, and colour fading
• Delicate fabrics like silk, lace, and mesh should always be hand washed, while cotton and bamboo benefit from gentle care
• Use lukewarm water with mild detergent, soak for 15-30 minutes, then gently agitate without wringing or twisting
• Press out excess water instead of wringing, then reshape and lay flat to dry away from direct heat sources
• Hand washing reduces environmental impact by using less water and preventing microplastic fibre release into waterways
Taking just a few extra minutes to properly hand wash your underwear not only saves money by preserving your favourite pieces longer, but also contributes to environmental sustainability. The gentle process protects delicate fabrics while maintaining their shape, elasticity, and vibrant colors far better than machine washing.
FAQs
Q1. How often should I hand wash my underwear? For best hygiene and garment care, hand wash your underwear after each wear. However, bras can typically be washed after 2-3 wears unless they become visibly soiled or sweaty.
Q2. What's the best detergent for hand washing delicate underwear? Use a mild detergent specifically formulated for delicates. Options include Woolite, Soak, or even gentle baby shampoo for silk items. Avoid harsh chemicals and use only a small amount - about half of what you'd use for machine washing.
Q3. Can I hand wash all types of underwear together? It's best to separate underwear by colour and fabric type when hand washing. Wash delicate items like silk and lace separately from sturdier cotton pieces. Always check care labels for specific instructions.
Q4. How do I properly dry hand-washed underwear? After gently pressing out excess water, reshape the garment and lay it flat to dry on a clean towel. For bras, avoid hanging by the straps as this can cause stretching. Instead, lay them flat or hang from the center gore. Keep all items away from direct heat and sunlight while drying.
Q5. Is hand washing underwear really better than machine washing? Yes, hand washing is generally better for underwear, especially delicate items. It reduces wear and tear, prevents snagging and tearing, preserves elasticity and shape, and helps maintain colour vibrancy. While it takes a bit more time, hand washing significantly extends the lifespan of your underwear.
References
[1] - https://www.sockshop.co.uk/blog/posts/january-2022/how-to-handwash-underwear
[2] - https://angelafriedman.com/blogs/news/tips-and-tricks-for-hand-washing-your-silks?srsltid=AfmBOoq9iUohMU_eF6JLPahq1w-1I32WBC2sHEZcAfpBFHG91gNrjx6b
[3] - https://www.wellmadetools.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=4171
[4] - https://www.tommyjohn.com/blogs/news/how-to-wash-underwear?srsltid=AfmBOopFj7g8n2EDjqb5Dm2dG3NaQxvytOMbzjn5IbNFULC0ExZZ0LRN
[5] - https://wamaunderwear.com/blogs/news/hand-wash-underwear-sustainably?srsltid=AfmBOor5TUM7ExT-c4zzOaMlE0wBqCYwg2zxOroyihOn3y1UskPS0QAk
[6] - https://www.bamboounderwear.com/blogs/bamboo-blog/how-to-wash-your-undies-the-definitive-guide?srsltid=AfmBOoqJQFT36WLUbOTgNpdvFTnkmrTttJiJeR5EDDvQ9UvZVrTVsvrz
[7] - https://www.flissie.com/blogs/all-blogs/how-to-care-for-bamboo-underwear-expert-tips-to-double-their-lifespan?srsltid=AfmBOorx8qdZZ4eJLlTOv6kloFv8pd_LmEyrXyUjTRoD5xsA4yqbl8cW
[8] - https://bamboocoolapparel.com/blogs/news/the-right-way-to-care-for-your-underwear-simple-tips-youll-actually-use?srsltid=AfmBOooAOqsYFmk1QyjM9IQaXS44SHRY7_wN97NInDtsRJgWeqSuUPvN
[9] - https://www.racked.com/2016/10/14/13199212/fancy-underpants-mangled-wash
[10] - https://denverwashandfold.com/blog/heres-why-your-clothes-are-tearing-in-the-washing-machine
[11] - https://www.chums.co.uk/blog/how-to-wash-underwear?srsltid=AfmBOoqbAn8hVHJ9sU2Eb7qd27tMHd6JtKAw1fimXJVJwI92LBnXzSbO
[12] - https://www.dchica.in/blogs/blog/is-your-underwear-losing-elasticity-too-fast-a-comprehensive-guide-to-understanding-and-solving-the-issue?srsltid=AfmBOootjil-P2xpbEAg7BM658NbGP11t824Ygmb21v5IbZwrsaAQH5E
[13] - https://debriefs.co.uk/blogs/the-brief/5-cleaning-techniques-that-damage-men-s-brief-underwear
[14] - https://www.testextextile.com/colorfastness-matters-why-clothes-fade-easily-and-how-to-prevent-it/
[15] - https://www.russiankyzyl.com/blog/how-do-harsh-detergents-destroy-your-panties/?srsltid=AfmBOoqOzJ3Mt4yzIdlPkxGSt0-2h_oIkgzs6dYjJmccrzEpE341775E
[16] - https://www.bio-restore.com/blogs/news/what-are-the-best-practices-to-prevent-color-fading-in-clothes?srsltid=AfmBOort6y9WMFR_b1NvHMpwEZ5ovT6VR73K7E9RSKNFP5fdtSNMTX9F
[17] - https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-detergent-for-hand-washing-clothes/
[18] - https://www.persil.com/uk/laundry/laundry-tips/fabrics/keep-your-familys-undies-clean-with-this-guide-on-how-to-wash-underwear.html
[19] - https://www.itsbeyondmycontrol.com/best-detergent-for-delicates/
[20] - https://www.lenor.co.uk/en-gb/fabric-conditioner-tips/washing-different-fabrics/how-to-wash-lingerie
