BRA CARE
Love your bras- so they can love you back. A simple guide to caring for your garments from Sweetheart Boutique.
Why Bra Care Matters
Your bras are an investment in your comfort and confidence. With the right care, they’ll last longer, fit better, and keep their shape and support. Improper washing, on the other hand, can lead to sagging, stretching, or even painful poking wires.
Handwashing (Our Favorite):
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STEP 1:
Fill a clean basin or sink with cool water. Submerge your bra and let it soak for 10–15 minutes to loosen any oils or buildup. This gentle start helps preserve the fabric and elastic.
Pro Tip: Wash light and dark colors separately—especially for first washes—to prevent color bleeding or transfer. Delicate dyes can run, even on lingerie.
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STEP 2:
Add a small amount of lingerie-safe detergent. Gently agitate the bra in the water using your hands. Do not scrub, wring, or twist. Focus on any areas like the band or underarm for a light massage.
Pro Tip: Stubborn spots? Use your fingertips to lightly press or massage those areas—no scrubbing or twisting!
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STEP 3:
Rinse thoroughly in cool water until the soap is gone. Lay flat on a towel or hang by the center gore or band—use caution when hanging by the straps, this may lead to the unwanted stretching or cup distortion.
Pro Tip: Avoid direct sun and never tumble dry.
Machine Washing (When You Really Have To):
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STEP 1:
Before placing your bra in a lingerie bag or the wash, always clasp the hooks in the back.
Why it matters:
- Prevents Snagging: Hooking the bra protects both your bra and other delicates in the wash from getting caught or tangled in the hooks.
- Preserves Shape: When left open, hooks can pull on the mesh or lace of the bra itself, causing tears or stretched fabric.
- Keeps It Tidy: A closed bra maintains its natural form in the bag and minimizes twisting, which protects underwire and padding.
Pro Tip: If you’ve ever pulled out a bra with a shredded strap or caught lace—it probably wasn’t hooked before the cycle!
- Prevents Snagging: Hooking the bra protects both your bra and other delicates in the wash from getting caught or tangled in the hooks.
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STEP 2:
After hooking your bra closed, place it in a mesh lingerie wash bag before putting it in the machine.
Why it matters:
- The bag acts as a protective barrier, shielding your bra from zippers, buttons, and rough fabrics that can damage delicate materials.
- A lingerie bag helps bras hold their structure and reduces the chance of cups folding, wires bending, or straps getting twisted.
- No more digging for a lost bra tangled in your sheets or leggings—bags keep everything in place during the wash.
Pro Tip: Only place one or two bras per bag to avoid overcrowding. Always zip or secure the bag before placing it in the machine.
- The bag acts as a protective barrier, shielding your bra from zippers, buttons, and rough fabrics that can damage delicate materials.
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STEP 3:
Once your bras are bagged and prepped, it’s time to start the cycle—with care.
Here’s how:
- Choose the delicate or hand wash setting on your machine. These use minimal agitation, which is essential for preserving delicate fabrics and elastic.
- Always use cold water. Heat can weaken elastic, fade colors, and damage lace or mesh details.
- Use a gentle, lingerie-safe detergent. Avoid bleach, fabric softeners, or harsh chemicals—they break down delicate materials and can leave irritating residue.
- Use a low or slow spin cycle to minimize stretching, warping, or pulling on straps and cups.
Why it matters: A typical wash cycle is too aggressive for lingerie. Even if your bra is protected in a bag, the wrong settings can shorten its lifespan or leave it looking worn out before its time.
- Choose the delicate or hand wash setting on your machine. These use minimal agitation, which is essential for preserving delicate fabrics and elastic.
DON'T DO IT!
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NO WRINGING OR TWISTING
Twisting stretches the elastic, warps underwire, and can permanently damage the shape of the cups. Instead, gently press out excess water with a towel, then lay flat or hang by the band to dry.
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NO BLEACH
Bleach might seem like a quick fix for stains or odor, but it's far too harsh for delicate lingerie fabrics. It breaks down elastic, weakens fibers, and can cause yellowing or discoloration—especially on light-colored or lace bras. Stick to a gentle, lingerie-safe detergent to preserve softness and stretch.
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NO HEAT
Heat is one of the biggest enemies of bra longevity. The high temperatures in dryers can melt or warp underwire, shrink fabrics, and destroy elastic memory. Even a low-heat setting can cause damage over time. Always air dry your bras flat or hang them by the band to keep their shape and support intact.
Think of your bras like friendships—handle with care, give them space, and they’ll support you for years to come.
Need More Help?
Still unsure about washing that specialty piece? Reach out anytime—we’re happy to walk you through it in-store or online.