Luxury lingerie deserves a little special care and attention. This how-to guide is packed with tips on how to properly care for your luxury lingerie, from washing and drying to storage and handling so that your best lingerie continues to look and feel as luxurious as the day you purchased it.
Hand Washing Techniques
When you consult the care labels on your lingerie, you’ll see that in almost all cases, hand-washing is recommended rather than machine-washing.
Machine-washing delicate lingerie not only reduces the lifespan of your garments but it can actually outright damage them. For example, putting bras in the washing machine can result in trims like lace fraying and even underwires coming out.
Hand washing is by far the safest and best method for cleaning your luxury lingerie, such as bras but it’s something many people might not have much experience with.
When it comes to hand washing, it’s best to use lukewarm rather than hot water – this is kinder to the material and also to your skin! You want to gently agitate the fabric but without resorting to squeezing, wringing or vigorously rubbing or stretching. Gentle circular motions work well to release dirt, sweat and odours from the fabric.
Choosing the Right Detergent
Using a gentle, lingerie-specific detergent is crucial to avoid damaging delicate fabrics. Harsh chemicals found in regular detergents can weaken fibres and dull colours so stick to mild laundry detergents or soap flakes and always be sure to rinse well after washing.
You should also take care of your hands when hand washing items, as detergents can irritate skin. You might want to wear gloves or rinse well and apply a moisturiser afterwards.
Proper Drying Methods
You should avoid putting your lingerie in the tumble dryer, as high heat can damage delicate materials and underwear can become tangled or snagged on one another, for example, lace knickers can easily be plucked or even torn by bra fastenings.
Instead, lay your lingerie flat on a towel or hang it over an airer to air dry, reshaping the items as needed. Bear in mind that heat damages elastic so if you’re ever ironing delicates, avoid using high temperatures or steam.
Handling with Care
Always handle your lingerie with clean, dry hands to avoid transferring dirt or oils from makeup or lotions onto the fabric. Be mindful of delicate lace and embellishments when putting on or taking off items. People often forget about the potential damage that can be caused by long nails, and jewellery such as necklaces and rings, which might snag on thin or delicate material like lace.
Storing Your Lingerie
You should store your lingerie in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight which can fade colours over time.
Use drawer dividers or padded hangers to maintain the shape of your pieces and prevent tangling.
Special Care for Different Fabrics
Certain fabric types, such as silk, lace, and satin require specific care routines so always check the care labels on your lingerie before washing and follow any specific instructions.
Being mindful of the needs of the material will help you to maintain the quality and appearance of your lingerie, so that it continues to look and feel fantastic when you wear it.
