Wash, Dry, Replace?

Wash, Dry, Replace?

When you buy a bra, it has that bright and new feeling. You want it to always look as beautiful as it did the day you brought it home from the store. Unfortunately, unless you take care of your bra, you will find your bra needs to be replaced sooner rather than later. Many people just toss the bra in the washer and dryer, thinking this is going to be okay. Yes, you have heard before that you should be hand washing and line-drying your bras, but you don't have time to do that and want an easy solution to the bra care problem.

The heat from the dryer is really bad for your bra. If you have an entirely cotton bra, it can even shrink a little, making it more likely for underwires to poke through, no matter how reinforced the bra is. There is never a good time to put a bra in the dryer. But if you still want to save time, you can get away with washing your bra in the washing machine. Here are a few tips to clean your favorite bras more quickly than the somewhat overwhelming hand wash, line dry theory.

1. If you toss your bra in the washing machine, make sure you switch your washer to the "delicate" cycle.
2. Hook the back clasps on the bra. It prevents twisting and makes it less likely for the underwire to get twisted in the bra. Consider tightening the shoulder straps as well so there is less to get tangled around another bra or piece of clothing in the washing machine.
3. Set the rinse for cool or cold. This can make the elastic in the bra snap back to its original shape as long as the bra isn't too old.
4. Do not put your bras in the dryer. No, really. It ruins the bra. Hang it up to dry in your laundry room, or in the bathroom, or somewhere else. Leave the back clasped and fix the cups before hanging up to dry.