How to Care for Your Underwear: Washing, Drying & Fabric Maintenance Tips
Taking proper care of your underwear helps maintain its softness, elasticity, and vibrant colours. Whether you prefer hand washing or using a washing machine, following the right steps ensures your underwear stays fresh and lasts longer. Here’s everything you need to know about washing and maintaining your underwear.
Table of content
Washing Underwear: Top Tips How to Wash Underwear - Tips for washing underwear in the sink How to Wash Underwear in a Washing Machine Should you Wash Underwear Separately? Should You Wash New Underwear Before Wearing It? How to Wash Underwear Sustainably? Conclusion Frequently Asked Questions Related Blogs
Washing Underwear: Top Tips
Underwear is in close contact with your skin daily, so regular washing is essential. To keep your underwear in top condition, follow these general care tips:
- Wash at 30°C - This is the ideal temperature for most underwear, preventing fabric damage while still ensuring cleanliness.
- Use a gentle detergent - Harsh detergents can weaken elastic and fade colours over time.
- Avoid fabric softeners - They can break down the elastic fibres, reducing the lifespan of your underwear.
- Air dry whenever possible - High heat can damage delicate fabrics and cause shrinkage.
- Separate your laundry - Washing underwear separately or in a mesh laundry bag prevents tangling and fabric damage.
- Always turn your boxers inside out before machine washing - this protects the waistband and outer surface.
How to Hand Wash Underwear - Tips for washing underwear in the sink
Hand washing is a great way to extend the life of delicate underwear, especially for seamless styles, lace and silk pieces.
- Fill a basin with lukewarm water - Avoid hot water, as it can weaken elastic fibres.
- Add a mild detergent - A small amount is enough to clean effectively.
- Soak for a few minutes - Let the underwear sit to break down any dirt and oils.
- Gently rub and rinse - Lightly work the fabric with your hands, then rinse with clean water.
- Press out excess water - Avoid twisting or wringing, as this can damage the fabric.
- Lay flat or hang to dry - Keep them away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent fading or shrinkage.
How to Wash Underwear in a Washing Machine
If you prefer machine washing, follow these steps to keep your underwear in excellent condition:
Step 1: Sort Your Laundry
Separate your underwear by colour and fabric type to prevent colour bleeding and ensure delicate materials are washed properly. Use a mesh laundry bag for extra protection, especially for lace or seamless underwear.
Step 2: Choose the Right Cycle and Temperature
- Select a gentle or delicate cycle - This prevents excessive agitation, which can wear out fabric.
- Wash at 30°C - Lukewarm water is best for most underwear, preserving elasticity and preventing shrinkage.
- Avoid bleach and harsh detergents - These can weaken fibres and fade colours.
Step 3: Air Dry or Use Low Heat
- Air drying is best - Hang or lay your underwear flat in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
- Tumble drying is not recommended for seamless underwear - High heat can weaken the bonds that keep seamless designs intact.
Should You Wash Underwear Separately?
For hygiene reasons, it’s best to wash underwear separately from other clothing, especially items like towels or heavily soiled garments. If washing with other clothes, use a mesh laundry bag to protect delicate fabrics and prevent tangling.
Should You Wash New Underwear Before Wearing It?
Yes - always wash new underwear before wearing it for the first time. Even though it may look clean straight out of the packaging, underwear can pick up dust, dyes, or residues during the manufacturing and shipping process. Since boxer shorts come into close contact with sensitive skin, it’s important to prioritise underwear hygiene from day one.
We recommend giving your new boxers a gentle wash before their first wear. Washing new underwear not only protects your skin but also softens the fabric for maximum comfort.
To keep your underwear in top condition and reduce environmental impact, opt for a cool or 30°C wash cycle and air dry when possible. It’s a simple step that keeps things clean — and helps extend the life of your boxer shorts.
How to Wash Underwear Sustainably
Looking after your underwear doesn’t have to cost the earth. With a few small changes, you can keep your boxers fresh while reducing your environmental impact.
Here’s how to wash your underwear sustainably:
- Lower the temperature: Washing at 30°C uses significantly less energy and is gentler on fabrics
- Skip the tumble dryer: Air drying saves electricity and helps your boxers last longer
- Wash full loads: Maximise each cycle to reduce water and energy usage
- Choose eco-friendly detergent: Go for non-toxic, biodegradable formulas when possible
By making these habits part of your routine, you’ll protect your boxers - and the planet.
Conclusion
Taking a little extra care when washing your underwear helps maintain softness, shape, and colour. Whether you hand wash or machine wash, the right routine makes all the difference.
Remember, for fresh, long-lasting underwear:
Wash at 30°C with a gentle detergent
Avoid fabric softener to preserve elasticity
Air dry instead of using high heat
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I wash my underwear?
Underwear should be washed after every wear to maintain hygiene and freshness.
Can I put my underwear in the dryer?
While some cotton underwear can handle low heat, seamless and delicate styles should always be air-dried to prevent damage.
Should I wash new underwear before wearing it?
Yes, it’s a good idea to wash new underwear before wearing it to remove any manufacturing residues and ensure cleanliness.
What detergent is best for washing underwear?
A mild, fragrance-free detergent is best to prevent irritation and protect delicate fabrics.
Can I wash underwear with other clothes?
You can, but it’s best to use a mesh laundry bag to prevent stretching and damage. Washing underwear separately is ideal for hygiene reasons.
How do I prevent my underwear from losing its shape?
Avoid high heat when washing and drying and never wring out your underwear. Instead, press gently to remove excess water and lay flat to dry.
Should I wash coloured underwear separately from whites?
Yes — it’s best to wash dark, bright, and white underwear separately. This helps prevent colour transfer and keeps whites looking crisp and clean.
Can underwear colours run in the wash?
Yes, especially new or brightly dyed underwear. To avoid colour bleeding, wash similar colours together and avoid hot water cycles.
How do I stop my underwear from fading or bleeding colour?
Wash on a cold or 30°C cycle , use a gentle detergent , and turn underwear inside out. Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals, and air dry when possible.
Can I wash patterned underwear with plain underwear?
Yes, but match them by colour group (e.g. wash light prints with light colours). This helps prevent darker dyes from transferring to lighter fabrics.
Should I use colour catcher sheets when washing underwear?
You can — colour catcher sheets help trap loose dyes during the wash and can be useful if you’re washing mixed colours in one load.
Is it safe to wash red underwear with other colours?
Red underwear is notorious for bleeding dye, especially when new. Wash it separately for the first few washes, or with similar shades like dark pinks or maroons.
Why did my underwear change colour after washing?
It’s likely due to colour bleeding from other items or exposure to hot water. Always follow care instructions, separate colours, and wash at low temperatures to avoid this.
Should you wash underwear separately?
It’s best to wash underwear separately from other clothing where possible. This helps reduce fabric friction, prevents delicate fabrics from snagging on zippers or buttons, and limits the spread of bacteria between garments.
Is washing underwear in a machine safe?
Yes — washing underwear in a machine is completely safe. For extra hygiene, you can occasionally run an empty hot cycle with detergent to clean the machine itself.
What temperature should you wash underwear?
Cold or low-temperature washes are recommended. Hot water can set stains, fade colours, and weaken the fabric, so a gentle cycle at 30°C usually works best.
How do you remove stains from underwear?
Pre-treat stains before washing by applying a stain remover or a little mild dish soap to the area. Leave it for around 10 minutes, then wash as normal on a gentle cycle.
How to wash OddBalls underwear?
For best results, wash OddBalls underwear by hand or on a delicate machine cycle at 30°C. Avoid fabric softener, which can damage elasticity, and always air dry rather than using high heat to help your underwear last longer.
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Ready to level up your underwear care routine?