Let’s be real, you might be the only one seeing your underwear, or at least, it's not often seen by others but if you're honest they're kind of looking a bit on the 'manky' side. Your favourite bra is now grey instead of its original white colour, your previously pretty lace undies are sporting some questionable stains and no matter how much you wash your very expensive body suit, it's just won't return to its former shape...we’ve all been there!
When you've invested in quality lingerie and nice underwear you want to feel comfortable, confident and know it looks good - so why ruin it by being a bit lazy about looking after it? Lingerie is beautiful, but expensive, and it's definitely not meant to be disposable. With a little know-how and a few simple steps, you can keep your intimates looking fabulous and lasting way longer.
Why Lingerie Needs Special Care
To begin with, remember what your lingerie is made from really matters. Fabrics like lace, silk, satin, bamboo, mesh, and fine cotton are so pretty but they are also prone to:
- Losing elasticity
- Fraying or fading
- Holding onto body oils, perfume, fake tan, & sweat stains
So, using the right products and care techniques makes a world of difference. A intricate lace bra or high-end underwear set can make you feel amazing, but it deserves better, actually YOU deserve better, than a harsh supermarket detergent which will render it useless and potentially irritate your skin in sensitive places.
Step 1: First Remove Stains - Targeting the Straps, Bands & Gussets
Your intimates often retain the most sweat, oil, and product build-up, particularly in areas like straps and gussets. So start by pre-treating these spots before washing. You want to see that the stains are completely removed before moving to the next stage.
Important: Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals. When choosing a stain remover, take a moment to carefully read the ingredients, as many of them have ingredients which are way too harsh and will probably cause permanent damage to the delicate fibres in lingerie.
We recommend Stain Savvy, which is a plant-based stain remover bar that uses D-limonene and Australian Lemon Myrtle. It’s gentle enough for lace, silk, and satin, but also powerful enough to handle stubborn marks.
How to use it:
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Wet the bar and lather directly onto problem areas
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Gently work it in by hand or use a stain brush with soft bristles (like our Artisan Mini Stain Brush)
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For the ultimate setup, the Bon Savvy Stain Removal Kit includes Stain Savvy (stain removal bars), the Mini Stain Brush which is perfect for delicate items, as well as another stain removal brush for all your laundry needs
Step 2: Use a Lingerie-Safe Wash (Not Supermarket Detergent)
Unfortunately, not all detergents are going to suit your underwear, quality intimates and lingerie. In reality, most supermarket detergents are far too harsh because they often contain:
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Synthetic fragrances
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Brighteners
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Heavy surfactants
All of these can strip fibres, weaken elasticity, fade your fabric colour and irritate sensitive skin.
Instead, opt for a gentle, plant-based detergent that's designed to effectively cleanse and preserve and protect your items.
Bon Savvy’s expert formulations are:
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Toxin-free & naturally derived
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Hypoallergenic (great for sensitive skin & intimate areas)
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Low foaming and ultra-concentrated (just 1-2 capfuls per wash)
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Lightly scented with subtle, naturally derived “glamour wash” fragrances
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Proudly made in Australia
Choose your lingerie wash based on fabric:
For luxury lace & high-end sets:
Try the Luxury Lingerie Wash
Scented with our signature "Number 4" fragrance and available in a 500ml bottle. Or, for added luxury, buy the Noir Box Set that includes a 250ml matte glass bottle of our Luxury Lingerie Wash paired with our Number 4 fragrance delicates spray.
For silk, satin, or ultra-delicates:
Use Silk Savvy: a silk-specific formulation that's ideal for silk, lace, satin and fine fabrics and is scented with our sophisticated naturally derived "Soie" fragrance designed to support sensitive fibres and skin.
For everyday wear (cotton, bamboo, mesh):
Our Delicates Wash is a go-to for daily bras and underwear. Vegan, biodegradable, and beautiful experience to use.
Step 3: Hand Washing vs. Machine Washing
We know you don't want to hear this (especially if you love the convenience of throwing your bras straight into the washing machine), but hand washing is the best way to wash your lingerie and intimates for their longevity.
How to hand wash properly:
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First remove stains as outlined above, then fill a clean basin with cold water
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Add 1-2 capfuls of your chosen Bon Savvy wash
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Gently swirl and agitate garments, soak 5-10 minutes, rinse gently
✨ Reminder: More detergent is not better. Excess suds can get caught in lace and damage fibres. If using Bon Savvy, our formulas are already designed to be concentrated (so you only need to use a little bit) and low-foaming. But if you're using another brand be mindful to not use too much detergent.
If you must machine wash:
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Ensure you choose the 'delicate' setting on your washing machine
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Use cold water only
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Place items in a lingerie or delicate laundry bag (for protection)
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Use only a small amount of laundry detergent.
Step 4: Air Dry Gently
Avoid using tumble dryers, they're a fast track to:
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Sagging straps
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Warped underwires
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Damaged lace
Instead:
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Gently press out water with a clean towel
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Lay flat or hang from the centre gore (not the straps)
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Dry in the shade, never in direct sun (to protect colour and delicate fabrics)
💡 If tumble drying is absolutely necessary, again be sure to use the 'delicate' setting and place items in a bra bag/delicate laundry bag.
Your Top 5 Lingerie Washing Questions — Answered
1. Is it okay to wash bras in the washing machine?
Yes, but only on a gentle cycle with cold water, inside a delicate laundry bag, and using a lingerie-safe wash.
2. How often should I wash a bra? Every 1-3 wears depending on use. Sports bras? Every time.
3. Why do my bras get ruined in the wash? Rough settings, hot water, supermarket detergents, and tumble drying are usually to blame.
4. Can I put bras in the dryer? Technically yes, but really, it's not recommended. Heat will damage the elastic and delicate fibres. But if you have to use the dryer then try to ensure you use a delicates setting and pop your delicate items into a protective laundry bag.
5. How do I make my bras last longer?
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Pre-treat stains, use Stain Savvy or another plant-based non-chemical stain remover
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Wash with a lingerie safe gentle detergent (Luxury Lingerie Wash, Silk Savvy, or Delicates Wash)
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Avoid the dryer and air dry whenever possible
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Rotate bras between wears
Ready to Upgrade Your Lingerie Laundry Routine?
✨ Explore the Bon Savvy essentials for beautiful care:
