Knowing how to wash lingerie properly can help delicate fabrics, elastic and decorative details stay in better condition for longer.

Lingerie often uses materials and construction that need more care than everyday clothing, including lace, mesh, embroidery, elastic straps and lightweight fabrics. That does not mean lingerie has to be difficult to clean, but it does mean the same washing method will not work for every piece.

The most important rule is simple: always check the garment's care label first.

From there, you can decide whether hand washing or machine washing is the better option.

How Often Should You Wash Lingerie?

There is no single washing schedule that applies to every type of lingerie.

How often a piece needs washing depends on factors such as:

• how long it was worn;
• whether it was worn directly against the skin;
• the fabric;
• the garment's construction;
• activity and perspiration;
• the manufacturer's care instructions.

Items worn directly against the body generally need more frequent cleaning than pieces worn briefly or over another garment.

Instead of relying on one rule for every item, use the care label and the condition of the garment as your guide.

How to Hand Wash Lingerie

For many delicate pieces, hand washing lingerie is one of the gentlest cleaning methods.

This is particularly useful for garments with lace, embroidery, sheer mesh, decorative straps or delicate elastic.

Step 1: Check the care label

Before washing anything, read the care instructions attached to the garment.

If the label says dry clean only or provides specific temperature instructions, follow those directions instead of using a general washing method.

Step 2: Separate colors

Separate light and dark garments before washing.

This is especially important when washing a new item for the first time, as some fabrics may release excess dye.

Step 3: Fill a basin with cool or lukewarm water

Use clean water at the temperature recommended on the care label.

Very hot water can be unsuitable for some delicate fabrics and elastic components, so avoid automatically using the same temperature you would use for ordinary laundry.

Step 4: Add a small amount of suitable detergent

Use a detergent appropriate for delicate garments.

More detergent does not necessarily mean cleaner lingerie. Too much can make rinsing more difficult and may leave residue in the fabric.

Step 5: Gently wash the garment

Place the lingerie in the water and move it gently through the solution.

Avoid aggressive rubbing, twisting or scrubbing, especially around:

• lace;
• embroidery;
• mesh;
• straps;
• hooks;
• decorative trims.

If one area needs extra attention, work carefully rather than rubbing the entire garment vigorously.

Step 6: Rinse thoroughly

Drain the wash water and rinse the garment until detergent has been removed.

Handle the piece gently while rinsing.

Step 7: Remove excess water without wringing

Avoid twisting delicate lingerie tightly to remove water.

Instead, gently press out excess moisture.

For some garments, placing the item flat on a clean towel and carefully pressing the towel around it can help absorb additional water.

Step 8: Let it air dry

Unless the care label specifically allows another method, air drying is generally a safer option for delicate lingerie.

Lay the garment flat or position it according to its construction so that straps and elastic are not unnecessarily stretched.

---

Can You Wash Lingerie in a Washing Machine?

Some lingerie can be machine washed, but not every piece should be.

The care label should make this decision.

If machine washing is permitted, a few precautions can reduce unnecessary friction and tangling.

Use a lingerie wash bag

A mesh laundry bag helps keep delicate garments separated from heavier clothing and reduces the chance of straps, hooks or trims becoming caught on other items.

Fasten hooks before placing bras or similar garments into the bag when appropriate.

Choose a gentle cycle

If the garment label allows machine washing, use an appropriate delicate or gentle program.

The exact temperature and cycle should still follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Wash with similar lightweight items

Avoid washing delicate lingerie together with heavy garments such as:

• jeans;
• towels;
• jackets;
• garments with exposed zippers or rough hardware.

Heavy fabrics can create considerably more friction during washing.

Avoid automatically using the dryer

Heat and tumbling may not be suitable for some lingerie fabrics, elastic or decorative elements.

Check the care label before tumble drying.

When in doubt, air drying is the more cautious option.

---

How to Wash Lace Lingerie

Lace is used across many types of lingerie, from bras and panties to babydolls, bodysuits and sets.

Because lace construction varies, there is no universal washing method for every lace garment.

The care label should always come first.

For pieces that allow hand washing, use gentle handling and avoid stretching, twisting or rubbing the lace aggressively.

Pay extra attention to areas where lace is combined with:

• mesh;
• embroidery;
• elastic;
• underwire;
• hooks;
• decorative hardware.

Different materials on the same garment may react differently to washing.

Internal link: Lace Lingerie Collection

Can You Wash Lace in the Washing Machine?

Sometimes—but only when the garment's care instructions allow it.

If machine washing is permitted, placing the item inside a mesh laundry bag and using an appropriate delicate cycle can help reduce friction.

However, particularly delicate or highly detailed lace garments may require hand washing instead.

The material alone should not be used to decide. Always check the individual product's instructions.

---

How to Wash Mesh Lingerie

Mesh can look lightweight and simple, but fine mesh may still be vulnerable to snagging or stretching.

When cleaning mesh lingerie:

• check the label first;
• keep it away from rough hardware;
• avoid vigorous rubbing;
• do not twist the fabric aggressively;
• use a wash bag if machine washing is permitted.

If the garment combines mesh with embroidery, lace or decorative straps, treat the most delicate part of the garment as an important factor when choosing a washing method.

Internal link: Mesh Lingerie Collection

---

How to Care for Embroidered and Strappy Lingerie

Detailed lingerie often requires extra attention because the garment contains more than one type of material or construction.

Embroidered lingerie

Avoid scrubbing directly over decorative stitching.

Raised embroidery can catch on rough fabrics or hardware, so separating it from heavier clothing is particularly useful.

Strappy lingerie

Before washing, make sure straps are not tangled.

If the piece can be machine washed, placing it in a separate laundry bag helps prevent long decorative straps from becoming caught around other garments.

Internal links:
Embroidered Lingerie Collection
Strappy Lingerie Collection

---

What Detergent Should You Use for Lingerie?

Choose a detergent that is suitable for the garment and its fabric.

A detergent made for delicate clothing can be useful for many lingerie pieces, but the product instructions and garment care label still take priority.

Avoid assuming that stronger detergent or a larger quantity will provide better cleaning.

For delicate garments, gentle washing and thorough rinsing are usually more important than using excessive detergent.

---

How to Dry Lingerie

Washing is only half of proper lingerie care.

Drying can also affect elastic, shape and delicate details.

After washing:

1. gently remove excess water;
2. reshape the garment if necessary;
3. lay it flat or dry it in the manner recommended by the care label;
4. avoid pulling on straps while the garment is wet;
5. keep delicate items away from rough surfaces that could snag the fabric.

Do not use high heat unless the care instructions specifically permit it.

---

How to Store Lingerie After Washing

Make sure lingerie is completely dry before storing it.

Try to keep delicate garments away from items with sharp hooks, exposed zippers or rough decoration that may catch on lace or mesh.

Structured pieces should be stored in a way that does not unnecessarily crush or distort their shape.

For long straps or garter details, arranging them carefully before storage can also prevent tangling.

---

Common Lingerie Washing Mistakes

A few simple habits can cause unnecessary wear over time.

Ignoring the care label

Two pieces that look similar may use different materials or construction.

Always follow the instructions for the individual garment.

Washing lingerie with heavy clothing

Jeans, towels and clothing with metal hardware can create more friction than delicate lingerie is designed to handle.

Wringing delicate fabrics

Twisting wet lingerie can place unnecessary stress on fabric, stitching and elastic.

Using excessive heat

Not every fabric or elastic component responds well to high temperatures.

Follow the care label when choosing wash and drying temperatures.

Using too much detergent

Excess detergent can be difficult to rinse completely from delicate fabrics.

Use an appropriate amount for the washing method and product.

---

Hand Washing vs Machine Washing Lingerie

There is no need to choose one method for every piece in your wardrobe.

Hand washing can be particularly useful for very delicate garments, detailed lace, embroidery and pieces that may tangle easily.

Machine washing can be convenient when the care label specifically allows it, particularly when garments are protected in a laundry bag and washed on an appropriate cycle.

The safest decision is always based on the garment itself rather than a single rule for all lingerie.

---

A Simple Lingerie Care Routine

For an easy routine:

Before washing:
Read the label, separate colors and check for delicate details.

During washing:
Use gentle handling, an appropriate detergent and the recommended water temperature.

After washing:
Do not aggressively wring the garment. Reshape it and dry it according to its care instructions.

Before storing:
Make sure it is completely dry and keep delicate fabrics away from anything that could snag them.

Taking a little extra care during washing can help preserve the appearance and construction of your lingerie.

Explore CALYPHIA's lingerie collection to discover different fabrics, silhouettes and styles.

Internal link: All Lingerie Collection

---

FAQ

What is the best way to wash lingerie?

The best method depends on the garment's care label. Many delicate pieces can benefit from gentle hand washing, while some lingerie can be machine washed using an appropriate delicate cycle and laundry bag.

How do you hand wash lingerie?

Use water at the temperature recommended on the care label, add an appropriate amount of delicate detergent, wash gently without twisting or scrubbing, rinse thoroughly and air dry according to the garment instructions.

Can lingerie go in the washing machine?

Some lingerie can. Check the care label first. If machine washing is allowed, use an appropriate delicate cycle and consider placing the garment in a mesh laundry bag.

Can you wash lace lingerie in the washing machine?

Some lace lingerie is machine washable, while other pieces require hand washing. The correct method depends on the individual garment and its care instructions.

Should you put lingerie in the dryer?

Only if the garment's care label permits tumble drying. Delicate fabrics, elastic and decorative details may be sensitive to heat, so air drying is often the more cautious option.

How should lingerie be stored?

Store lingerie only after it is fully dry. Keep delicate lace, mesh and embroidery away from rough hardware that may snag the fabric, and avoid crushing structured garments.