Your luxury lingerie articles deserve to be treated in the gentlest way possible, so we recommend hand washing over machine washing. Even if the care label permits machine washing, it is best to wash delicates by hands. Fine lingerie is made of delicate tulles, laces and silks, and is often decorated with beads and intricate ornaments. Machine washing can be too harsh for these elements. Prolonged exposure to detergent during machine cycles can damage fine fabrics over time, not to mention the risk of mechanical damage from twisting, pulling and exposed hardware.
Even though we don’t recommend washing particularly fine pieces in a machine, we don’t rule it out. Most lingerie can be machine washed but there is no hard and fast rule as not all machines are the same. It is a matter of trust. Do you trust your washing machine with your delicate intimates?
General Rules
Whether washing by hands or in a machine, there are some general rules to remember:
1. Wash your lingerie in lukewarm water (around 30°C or 86°F). Hot water damages elastic threads and can shrink the garments.
2. Use mild liquid specifically formulated for washing these types of products. Regular detergents contain harsh chemicals that can weaken delicate fabrics.
3. Never use chlorine bleach on lingerie. It will make synthetic components turn yellow. Use oxygen-based stain remover instead, if you must.
4. Wash whites, bright and dark colours separately. If you are hand washing, wash whites first, then brights, and lastly darks. Do not wash your lingerie together with outer clothing.
5. Line dry or lay flat your lingerie in shade. Never tumble dry your lingerie as heat destroys elastic. For the same reason, avoid direct sunlight.
6. Hang your padded bras by the middle parts or upside down but never by one side as it can deform the shape. Do not fold cups of moulded bras.
7. Do not iron your lingerie. To remove creases, use hair dryer.
8. Never trust your man with laundering your delicates (unless you want to hold him accountable for the disaster).
Hand Washing
1. Remove all detachable embellishments from your lingerie.
2. Fill washing tub or bathroom sink with water, add detergent and mix well until it is evenly dissolved.
3. Immerse the garment in the water and gently squeeze it a few times to let the solution penetrate through the fibres. Leave it to soak for about 10 to15 minutes (this can be done while you are showering).
4. Check elastic bands, straps and other hard working parts for stains and perspiration build-ups. If necessary, apply more detergent or soap to the affected areas and gently rub the fabric against itself.
5. Gently squeeze the garment several times to get the soap foam in and out until clean. Do not rub delicate fabrics. Do not squeeze moulded bra cups.
6 Rinse with cold water thoroughly to remove the detergent residue. Gently squeeze the water out. Do not twist or wring the garment. Pat with clean dry towel to remove excess water.
Machine Washing
1. Prepare the garments by removing detachable pieces and fastening all hooks to prevent tangling.
2. Place them in laundry bags made from fine mesh to protect against mechanical damage. It is better to place garments into separate small bags than in one large.
3. Wash on the most delicate cycle with slower spin speed.
4. Remove immediately and hang to dry.