GETTING your smalls clean is not a little task.
Debate has often raged about how often you should be cleaning your bra – and whether it should go in the machine.
The experts reveal how often you should be washing your undiesCredit: PeopleImages
Janine gives her tips
The general consensus is that hand-washing is the best way to get these undergarments freshened up.
And now an expert has revealed her cheap way of getting all the pesky sweat stains off, without ruining the shape and delicate fabric.
Janine Dutton, owner of Belle Lingerie , said: “When it comes to washing your bras, the ideal method is by hand every three to wears.”
Classic white bras can lose their whiteness over time, particularly when they come into contact with body oils, sweat and lotions on a regular basis.
They can also become discoloured as the dye from other clothes can transfer onto them.
This can leave your white bras looking a little more muddy and grey, than bright and white.
White bras are perfect for wearing under sheer or pale clothing and can help you avoid unsightly lines under your tops and dresses.
With this in mind, it’s essential to keep your white bras looking fresh and new for as long as possible.
You can wash most bras in the washing machine too, but make sure to check the label first.
But here are the four methods Janine recommends to keep your bra bright and in the best order.
The Cold Water Method
Cold water is recommended when you hand wash your bra as this avoids any damage.
Janine says: “It’s essential to make sure that the water is cold, as hot water can cause your bras to shrink and can wear down the material.
“Your bras are extremely delicate, so when washing them by hand, ensure you soak gently and thoroughly wash them with mild soap.
“Never use harsh soaps, chemicals or solvents such as fabric softener or bleach as this can cause damage to the fibres of your bras. Carefully rinse until the water runs clear and air dries your bras for the best result.”
The expert said you can also add one tablespoon of baking soda – which you can pick up in Asda for 65p – to a cold water wash for your white bras. This can help to remove any yellow stains around the armpits, remove odours and increase the overall whiteness of your bras. Whether you choose to hand wash or machine wash, the cold water method will get your white bras sparkling again.
The Soak Method: Lift Winter Build-Up and Restore Brightness
Soaking your white bras before you wash them allows the lemon juice, distilled vinegar or baking soda to really loosen and dissolve those grungy bra stains, making them easier to remove in the wash.
Janine added: “A good soak allows the product to fully saturate your bras and get to work.
“If you’re using white vinegar or baking soda, it’s essential to soak your bras afterwards too. This will remove any remnants or odours of these household products, so your bras come out bright, white and smelling fresh.
Lemons can also be used to remove stainsCredit: anmbph
The Lemon Juice Method
Lemons are a household ingredient that can be used for more than adding flavour to your food and drinks.
Janine says: “Lemon juice contains citric acid, which can naturally break down stains, making it the perfect ingredient to use when you want to whiten and add a little zest back into your wardrobe.
“Lemon juice can be used in your washing machine and it’s perfect for soaking in cold water overnight to achieve the best result for your bras.”
The expert says you should cover the stain with one tablespoon of baking soda and rub lemon juice over the baking soda. Work the juice into the fabric and let the treatment sit for 20 minutes. Rinse with cold water and wash normally.
This powerful stain remover will brighten your white bras and unlike bleach, it’s gentle on delicate fabric and colour-safe when diluted. This lemon juice method will help turn your white bras back to their former glory.
The White Vinegar Method
White vinegar is a well-known household product that will help a discoloured white bra look as good as new.
The expert explained: “The mild acid within the vinegar acts as a deodoriser and whitener for greying clothes. Its acidic nature helps to neutralise the alkaline stains, and with its antibacterial and anti-limescale properties, you’ll keep your white bra white.
“White bras can lose their sparkle after many washes and it can be tricky to keep them looking ‘clean’. Often, people turn to bleach when their whites turn dreary, but bleach is a harsh substance that can irritate the eyes, lungs and skin.
“If you use bleach on your white bras it can turn them slightly yellow and wear down the delicate fabric on the bra straps and cups. So instead of using bleach, try a cup full of distilled white vinegar in a cold water wash to brighten your whites.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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