Easy Lingerie Care
Most modern lingerie on the market today is available in a wide
range of fabrics that are much easier to care for than was once
made. However, we still need to give a little extra attention to
all of our undergarments, if we want them to remain in good
condition for a reasonable amount of time. Many manufacturers'
garment tags do state the garment can be washed and dried in a
machine but many garment tags still insist lingerie should be
handwashed only. And although it is certainly more convenient to
throw a load of clothes in the washing machine before leaving
for work in the morning, a washing machine can do serious damage
to a delicate lace trimmed camisole while it is agitating a load
of clothes for a thorough cleaning cycle.
Unfortunately, most of us are very busy people with full
schedules that do not allow for the luxury of handwashing. The
good news is we have several convenient alternatives to choose
from. Modern washing machines normally have a "delicate" cycle
alternative that will not be quite as harsh on the more delicate
lace trims of your lingerie. If you combine your delicate cycle
with cold water and a detergent meant for delicates such as
Woolite or Dreft you should have no difficulties with repeated
washings of any lingerie.
Another alternative is to use your washing machine as a soak
basin by filling it up with cold water and a delicates-friendly
detergent, letting it soak for 30 minutes or so, then simply
releasing the water out manually by skipping the other cycles of
your machine. Then refill the machine with clear water and let
soak another 30 minutes, then repeat the letting out process.
This should allow a wash/rinse that will suffice for most normal
use but certainly will not be very effective in serious stains
or odors.
The best alternative to safely clean your lingerie without
handwashing is to use a lingerie bag for your delicates. These
bags are inexpensive, readily available at most department
stores, and are made of a durable mesh that will take the abuse
of the washing machine's twisting while protecting your lingerie
safely inside. We would recommend using 1 bag per garment to
avoid tangles. Simply place your item inside the lingerie bag,
zip it up and toss it into a washing machine filled with cold
water and a mild detergent.
Worried about the dryer? An especially good idea is to hang dry
instead of using the dryer as dryers can be unpredictable in
their heat distribution and you must remember that scorching a
fine silk will permanently destroy the garment beyond repair.
However, if you prefer using your dryer, leave the item in its
lingerie bag during the drying process and use the lowest
possible heat setting you have available. If your lingerie is
made of a sheer fabric such as chiffon than no heat is really
required to dry the garment. Simply use the air fluff feature to
"blow-dry" your lingerie dry as it tumbles safely in the
lingerie bag. Eventually you will come across a tag that states
the evil "dry cleaning only" recommendation and we certainly do
not wish to dismiss this recommendation as somebody must know
what they are talking about for the manufacturer to put that on
the tag. However, it must also be recognized that lingerie is a
very personal item that you may not always want to take to the
local dry cleaning store. Fortunately for us, today we have
products such as Dryell that imitate the dry cleaning products
right in our own home. These products are effective, inexpensive
and easy to use.
While we must recommend you always check the manufacturer's
label before washing, drying or dry cleaning any item for their
fabric specific recommendations we hope these few suggestions
will help extend the life of your lingerie and help you to care
for it stress free.