Brassieres, whether we like it or not, don’t get as much attention as underpants when it comes to washing. And it’s usually the “sniff test” that determines whether a bra goes in the trash or is re-strapped. However, it turns out that women may not be laundering bras as frequently as they should, which could lead to issues.
If you don’t wash your bra frequently enough, it may become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Bacteria and yeast thrive in damp environments, such as the area under your breasts.
The growth of these bacteria is aided by the mixture of sweat and oil from the skin, which finally accumulate within the bra’s fibres.
The bacteria build-up might irritate the skin.
Acne isn’t just for the face; a soiled brassiere can trigger breakouts around the breasts, especially in people with sensitive skin.
When there is persistent friction between filthy clothes and sweaty skin, it can cause nipple chafing.
However, according to one doctor, the chances of getting a serious illness from an unwashed bra are low if you wash your skin often and maintain basic hygiene.
Dirty bra odours can creep through your clothes.
Keeping bras out of the laundry, like shirts, will result in unpleasant odours. And this foul stench can readily seep through your outerwear.
Some experts recommend using vinegar to eliminate lingering odours that won’t go away after washing.
The temperature at which the clothes are washed is also crucial. Cotton and synthetic bras should be washed in warm water, whereas silk and blended bras should be washed in cold water.
Sweat and deodorant stains can degrade the fabric of your brassiere.
Sweat mixed with oils, dirt, and creams results in yellow lines along the sides of your bra. Depending on whether you’re more acidic or basic, your body chemistry can also affect discolouration.
Using stain removers or gently washing them off with a toothbrush are two options for removing these markings.
Fine white lines, which are mineral salts that occur from human sweat, may appear on darker coloured bras. It’s time to wash your underwear if you see these small stains.
Women should wash their bras every 2-3 “wears” as a general guideline.
To begin, we must define the term “wear.” According to one dermatologist, a few hours of modest sweating may not be considered one full wear, but several hours of severe sweating can easily be considered two to three wears.
Another expert suggests that the oiliness of your skin and the frequency with which you sweat are crucial aspects to consider when selecting how often to wash your bra.
Bonus: Here are some suggestions on “bra care.”
- Alternate between bras. Overusing a cherished item can cause it to lose its shape, and bras need to be rested as well so that the cups and straps can relax.
- To avoid getting tangled with other garments, fasten the strap before washing or store the bra in a mesh bag.
- To keep the suppleness of your underwear, use the gentlest cycle on your washing machine.
- When drying the cups, make sure they’re in their original form.
- Brassieres should not be dried in the dryer since the heat and vibration can cause them to lose their “stretchy” characteristics.
When was the last time you washed your bra? What additional underwear habits do you believe should be freely discussed?
