How often should you wash your bra? Here's what experts recommend.
Bras have been worn for millennia, including by some ancient Greeks. Although they aren’t made from bands of leather or even ribbon and handkerchiefs anymore, bras are still delicate — and often expensive — garments. If not taken care of properly, you’ll be spending time and a lot of money replacing them.
The best way to prolong the life of your bras is by learning how to take care of them, which includes keeping them clean. But how often are you supposed to wash them? And when is it time to get rid of a bra? Experts break it down.
Should you wash your bras as often as your underwear?
That depends, say experts. Unlike underwear, which you should wash after every single use, how often you wash a bra depends on several factors. One is how often you wear it. Dr. Geeta Yadav, a dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology, tells Yahoo Life that washing your bra weekly is the bare minimum to avoid a musty and dirty undergarment.
Ra’el Cohen, the co-founder and chief creative officer of the bra company ThirdLove, generally recommends washing your bra after two or three wears “unless you’re really exerting yourself,” she tells Yahoo Life.
Speaking of, another factor to consider is how much you sweat. Both experts agree that any bra you have been active in, such as sports bras, should be cleaned after every use. Similarly, if it’s hot out and you’re sweating, consider washing your bra after that as well.
What happens if you don't wash your bras enough?
Sometimes the sniff test is not enough to know whether a bra is dirty. Leaving a bra unwashed for too long invites bacteria to thrive and multiply in the built-up dirt, sweat and sebum, warns Yadav. “It’s especially important to keep your sports bras clean, as damp and sweaty fabric is a breeding ground for bacteria.”
Dirt and germs can be a source of irritation and may cause breakouts called acne mechanica. This type of acne can occur in areas where the bra touches your skin, including the breasts, back and ribcage. If you are experiencing a rash or breakout, Yadav advises taking a break from bras or wearing a soft cotton bralette until your skin recovers. “You’ll want to wash the area using cool water and a gentle cleanser, like Cetaphil,” she says. “If you’re dealing with breakouts, try a salicylic body wash like those from Neutrogena to help clear the skin.” Applying a cortisone cream or aloe vera afterward can help soothe and relieve any irritation.
What are the best ways to wash your bras?
All bra brands recommend handwashing the garments to avoid ruining the shape of your bra cups and the elasticity in the band. If you decide to go this route, Cohen says, mild laundry detergent or dish soap with cold water is effective in cleaning off the dirt. After scrubbing and rinsing the bra, you should either lay it flat on a towel or hang it to dry.
However, even though handwashing is preferred, it’s not the worst thing in the world to use a washing machine. “Most modern women are so busy, and it’s unrealistic to expect them to handwash every bra,” notes Cohen. “As long as you take a couple of extra steps when washing them in the washer, your bras will be OK.”
The first precaution to take is to clasp the bra hook at the back and put the bra in a protective mesh wash bag. From there, wash it in cold water with a gentle detergent on the delicate cycle. You don’t want to put your bras in with jeans or other heavy items. Instead, mix the mesh wash bag with softer apparel such as T-shirts and underwear.
How to extend the life of your bras
Never put your bras in the dryer, says Cohen. “There are a number of reasons, but the main one is that almost all bras have spandex in the fabric,” she explains. “Heat will melt the fiber and make it lose its elasticity over time.”
Repeated dryer use can cause bras to stretch out and leave the underwire in bras bent and distorted.
Another way to help your bras last longer is to take a break between wearing the same bra twice. Because most bras are made with spandex fiber, a “rest” allows them time to return to their natural form. “If you buy a bra and wear it five days in a row, you’ll notice it’ll keep stretching, and it might never go back to that original new bra feeling,” notes Cohen.
Both experts recommend having several everyday bras to rotate through the week. “I’d recommend five to seven bras you absolutely love with different end uses, like some T-shirt bras, a strapless bra, a wireless for the weekend and a lace bra,” says Cohen. Not only will they last longer, but if you have a variety of bras, you also won’t have to wash them as often.
When is it time to replace your bra?
No bra, even your favorite go-to, lasts forever. Experts say there is no set timeline on when to get rid of a bra, and that it depends on how often you wear it.
If you are wearing a T-shirt bra every day, for example, Cohen recommends replacing it every six months. But if you’re rotating that with a couple of other bras, you can probably get away with keeping the T-shirt bra for another year or two.
How well you take care of your bras will also dictate how long they last. Cohen warns that if you’re putting your bras in the dryer, they will probably need to be replaced before six months.
Unsure whether you should throw out your bra? Cohen recommends doing a quick inspection of the following, which can signal it’s time to get rid of a bra:
The underwire is dingy or is exposed
The cups are misshapen
Hair-like elastic threads are coming loose
The straps don’t stay up as before
The bra is lumpy or shapeless
How it feels when you wear your bra also matters. Is the underwire poking you? Is the bra rubbing against your skin in a weird way? Do you avoid wearing the bra because it’s uncomfortable? “Pay attention to how your bra feels at the end of the day,” advises Cohen. “That will often indicate whether it’s time to replace it or not.”
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