FACTORS AFFECTING BRA WASH FREQUENCY

Naturally occurring perspiration, oils and dead skin cells, as well as perfumes and moisturisers, emissions from medications or treatments and seepage from incisions can leave a residue on the skin.

Friction between the bra and skin results in these >residues building-up in the fibres. Research suggests washing after 2-3 wears can remove residues before they degrade fibre elasticity, but this can vary with bra type and skin condition.

A sports bra might be washed after every wear, a fashion bra worn every third day might be washed once a week, and an evening wear bra might only be worn and washed once a month.

Skin can vary. It may be dry or oily, prone to perspiration or have changing emissions because of menstrual cycle, menopause or medications. Seasonal change and/or being active can also change the amount of skin residue.

HAND OR MACHINE WASH?

Always check the label.

Hand washing is usually specified. To use this option, fill a basin with cool water (max 30 deg Celsius), add a gentle detergent and mix, immerse bras, gently swirl, soak 10-20 minutes, rinse thoroughly then gently shake off excess water.

Machine washing is usually not specified but is commonly used. This option can affect the warranty. The following suggestions can minimise washing harm.

CHOICE Magazine research on bra washing suggested using a bra bag significantly reduces harm.

Close the back clasps, wash with similar coloured delicate garments. Do not over fill the bra bag or overload the machine so the garments wash more effectively and contact between garments is reduced.

Use a delicate machine wash setting with shorter wash and spin time, reduced spin dry speed and 30-degree Celsius water temperature.

Use delicate label washing powders or liquids because they do not have the enzymes, brighteners and bleaching agents that can degrade fibre elasticity.

Do not use bleach or fabric softener because they can degrade fibre elasticity.

AIR DRYING IS THE ONLY WAY

Do not tumble dry because heat degrades fibre elasticity. Air drying takes a bit longer but preserves fabric performance and aesthetics but must be done indoors or in a fully shaded outdoor location.

If the bra is wet from hand washing, do not wring dry. Gently shake off excess water. Reshape the cup if it is a moulded or shaped cup bra. Drape the bra over a rail at the centre strap (material between the cups) without using pegs or lay them on a towel on a flat surface until the bra and any padding is dry.

STORING RESTS THE BRA

Research suggests that leaving a bra to ‘rest’ for a couple of days allows the fibres to regain the shape and elasticity that is part of achieving a good fit.

Do not hang bras from the end of the band because this does not allow the band to relax.

Do not fold moulded or shaped cup bras in half because this can create crease lines or affect the shape of the cup. Lay out straight with the bra band folded behind and then nestled into each other to protect the shape of the cup and reduce the risk of the cup developing crease lines.

To store a soft form bra, fold the strap and band into the back of each cup, fold the back of the cups together, and then loosely stack together.