Washing underwear seems like an everyday task at first, but are you doing it the best way? Although following your fabric care label is always a safe bet, there are some tips and tricks we can give you to get the best possible laundry results every time you wash. Read on to find out all you need to know about how to wash your underwear in a washing machine, by hand, and how to care for underwear made from delicate fabrics.
Do you need to wash underwear separately from other clothes?
Ideally, you should wash your underwear separately to make sure other, tougher items in your wash don’t damage the fabrics. However, we understand that it’s not always possible, as you don’t always have enough underwear for a separate load. If that’s the case, you can always try to protect your delicate underwear by not washing them with heavier fabrics like denim jeans or jackets.
How to hand wash underwear
Hand washing your underwear is the safest way to get them clean. So, if you have the time, this is how you do it:
1
Check label
Find your underwear’s wash care label, and see if your item needs special care when washing.
2
Pre-treat
If you have stained underwear, then before washing, pour Ariel Liquid Detergent on the stain directly, and gently rub it in with your finger. Then, leave it for a few minutes.
3
Wash
Fill the sink or a bucket with lukewarm or warm water according to your fabric care label’s instructions on water temperature, add Ariel Liquid Detergent to it, and gently wash your underwear in the solution.
4
Rinse
Immerse your garments in cold water, and rinse them to get rid of the detergent.
5
Dry
Gently squeeze your underwear to get rid of excess water, and lay them out to dry.
Step-by-step guide on how to wash underwear in a washing machine
If you decide to wash your underwear in a washing machine, here are the steps you should follow:
1
Check label
Check the instructions on your fabric care label to see if your item can be washed in a washing machine.
2
Pre-treat
In case of any stains on your garments, you can use Ariel Liquid Detergent to pre-treat them. Pour it directly on the stain, rub it in with your fingers, and let it sit for a few minutes.
3
Wash
Wash your underwear on a gentle cycle to protect the fabric.
4
Dry
As soon as the cycle is finished, take your items out, and lay them out to dry.
How to wash underwear to kill bacteria
To make sure you kill all the potential bacteria on your underwear, always wash on the highest temperature recommended by the item’s fabric care label. Alternatively, if your garment allows, you can iron your underwear after washing and drying them.
Extra tips for washing cotton, silk, and lace underwear
If you don’t have the time to wash your cotton, silk, or lace underwear by hand, and you opt for a machine wash, there are still steps you can take to protect the fabric of your garments. Washing them on a gentle cycle is always a great first step, as this is designed specifically for delicate items. However, you can further protect your garments by putting them in a mesh bag before tossing them into the washer.
How often should you wash underwear?
You should definitely wash your underpants, panties, socks, and undershirts after every use to keep them hygienic. However, you can wear bras 3-4 times before needing to wash them. This is because bras are very delicate, and washing them too often can shorten their lifespan. There is one thing all these items have in common, though—you should definitely wash all types of underwear before wearing it, if they’re newly bought.