Lingerie expert reveals how often you should really be washing your bra – and the best cleaning method to prevent damage
- Georgina Bibby says taking care of your bras will have them lasting longer
- READ MORE: What happens to your body if you’re wearing a badly fitted bra
How to treat your bras is a topic that has long divided the nation – but if you’re torn between washing them every day, wearing them for the long haul, or even how best to clean then, we’ve got an expert offering advice.
Georgina Bibby, a lingerie tech expert at UK clothing store Next, has revealed how often you should wash your bras as well as how to store them, adding that a little ‘TLC’ will have them lasting longer.
She also takes into account that all bra wearers are different and can live varied lifestyles.
She explains: ‘It will depend on the wearer and your everyday activities but washing your bra after every two to three wears is a good general rule to go by.
‘As well as maintaining your bras, you should also be looking at replacing the old ones. The general rule of thumb is to replace bras after about 180 wears’.
Georgina Bibby, a lingerie tech expert at UK clothing store Next, has revealed how often you should wash your bras as well as how to store them (stock image)
Georgina also revealed how to keep your lingerie safe in the wash, saying: ‘Many bras are made from delicate material and can also snag other garments if washed in a big load.
‘When washing your bra, be sure to clasp it and use a mesh garment bag to cushion the bra and keep it from twisting and tangling in your washing machine’.
‘Washing it on a gentle cycle with cold water, avoiding the dryer, and resorting to air drying and storing them flat instead of rolling them up will ensure the bra keeps its shape and quality’.
But for some, after coming home from a long, hard day – cleaning a bra is probably furthest from their minds.
Georgina says the average age of a women’s bra is 5.5 years, while a whopping 1million UK women own a bra that’s more than 20 years old (stock image)
Last year, Australian influencer Renee Hogan sparked a furious debate when she revealed that she only washed her bra once a week.
Meanwhile elsewhere, one unknown woman ignited a fiery debate online after revealing she wore her bras ‘many, many times’ before putting them in the wash – adding that her undergarments ‘never seemed obviously dirty’, nor did they keep ‘any kind of scent’.
These women’s habits could be seen by some as a move to save money, but whatever the reason may be, Georgina suggests the practice could cost you your bra in the long run.
‘Showing your bra a little tender loving care means you’ll be able to enjoy it for much longer’ says Georgina.
However it will be hard to twist the arms of a ‘nation of bra hoarders’. She explained: ‘Our research shows that we’re a nation of bra hoarders.
‘The average age of a women’s bra is 5.5 years, and a whopping 1 million UK women own a bra that’s more than 20 years old’.
Keep a lookout for tell-tale signs that your bra is overused, including the back band being stretched out, cups being stretched out, damaged fabric, visible elastic threads and general discomfort when wearing.
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