07/11/2019 bracatuS (2739 articles)
Some hygiene experts recommend putting your jeans in the freezer overnight instead of washing them to kill bacteria. Briefs and sportswear need to be washed after each wear, but pajamas need to be washed once a week. Stella McCartney believes that suits do not need to be washed at all - just give the dirt time to dry, and then you can shake it off.
The British edition of the Daily Mail published the opinion of the famous fashion designer Stella McCartney and the recommendations of hygiene experts regarding the frequency of washing underwear, tights and clothes. Other people's experience and advice may seem absurd, and their arguments may seem subjective, but at the same time interesting.
When you're late for work and find your laundry drawer empty, you remember that you forgot to do the laundry. All that remains is to remove the worn bra from the basket with dirty laundry and put it on. Or should you not do this?
In an interview with the Daily Mail, designer Stella McCartney drove a wedge between hygiene and fashion experts by saying she doesn't change her bra every day and that frequent washing can damage clothes. McCartney, known for her concern for the environment, said:
I'm incredibly hygienic myself, but I'm not really a fan of dry brushing or any kind of cleaning at all.
So, is wearing the same bra constantly for two days in a row the height of sloppiness? Or is this a sign of optimal clothing care? And in general, how often should you wash clothes and linen?
How often should you wash your panties?
Briefs need to be washed after each wear
All experts agreed that panties need to be washed daily. This is explained by close contact with the groin area and the presence of Staphylococcus aureus on the skin, which, when cut or bitten, can cause a so-called staphylococcal infection.
Microbiologist Dr Katie Laird from De Montfort University says many bacteria live on our skin without causing harm, but under certain conditions can cause illness, so even with the most careful hygiene, underwear does not remain clean.
My research has shown that some microorganisms survive after a 40-degree wash, so if you work in a hospital, kindergarten, or veterinary clinic where you often encounter sick people, children or animals, I would recommend washing clothes at 60 degrees, but 40 degrees is probably enough for underpants.
Kathy Laird
How often should you wash your bras?
Bras should be washed after every three wears
Contrary to the opinion of Stella McCartney, Dr. Laird recommends washing bras every day, as they come into contact with the underarm area, which contains sweat glands and creates a favorable environment for Staphylococcus aureus to live.
I would wash clothes that come in direct contact with the skin every day.
Kathy Laird
Dr. Laird emphasized that this issue relates more to the area of personal hygiene than to disease prevention.
Chartered environmental health practitioner Dr Lisa Ackerley echoes Stella McCartney's sentiments:
“She's probably right that you don't need to wash your bra every day,” Ackerley said, but added that “there's no rule of thumb. It depends on the weather, how much you sweat, and how much tolerance you (and your friends) have.” A 40 degree machine wash should be sufficient.
Equipment for washing bras
You can make it easier to care for your laundry and protect it from damage using special designs. They prevent damage to the material, the formation of pellets, and breakage of bones. The devices protect bras from deformation, twisting and dents.
Bra washing container
The capsule with ball-shaped holes is designed for machine wash. It is made of durable plastic and consists of two connected hemispheres. Prevents the bra from deformation, loss of underwires, sewing elements and decor, and tangling with other things in the drum. In addition, the device protects the car itself from damage and scratches.
The method of application is quite simple: you need to place the bra inside and click the lock. After this, send the ball into the drum and activate the program.
Containers for washing are also available, consisting of two separate spheres of different diameters. Cups are placed on the outside of the small ball, then it is placed inside the large one. The structure is closed and sent to the drum with other laundry.
Net for washing clothes
The bags are produced in the form of a soft cylinder that closes with a zipper. Cases come in different diameters, so you need to pay attention to this parameter.
Also popular are mesh bags, which have two compartments for cups. Thanks to this, the bra does not deform during washing. Plus, the dense fabric sides of the mesh protect it from the pressure of other things.
How often should you wash jeans?
Jeans do not need to be washed (but some do it after every two wears)
The following opinion is not at all the ultimate truth, but nevertheless it deserves attention, since it was expressed by a person who can be considered an expert in the field of jeans. Levi's CEO and President Chip Berg noted in 2014 that he never washed his favorite pair of jeans, which were already 10 years old.
“If you talk to real denim fans, they will all agree that you should never wash your jeans,” said Chip Berg.
According to John Reid, managing director of clothing retailer Garment Quarter, washing jeans changes the structure of the material:
Denim jeans should never be washed with other laundry due to the dyeing process of the former.
Instead of regular washing, Reed recommends a cold water rinse with a few capfuls of white vinegar to get rid of stains and odors. Other experts recommend putting jeans in the freezer overnight to kill bacteria, but Julia Dee, director of Total Wardrobe Care, a company dedicated to keeping clothes in optimal condition, isn't sure this is a wise idea:
This can make the fiber brittle. I think jeans should be washed after every two wears. This makes them softer and more attractive.
How often should you wash suits?
Costumes do not need to be washed
Stella McCartney said that tailored suits should not be washed at all, but should be allowed to dry before being shaken or brushed. However, it is recommended to clean a tailored Hockerty suit after every two or three wears.
Opinion of successful designer Stella McCartney:
The rule of a tailored suit is to not clean it at all. You let the dirt dry and clean it out.
Those who wear regular ready-to-wear suits and spend whole days in them need to do something about the dirt that accumulates from traveling on public transport and sitting in stuffy offices.
Cleaning a suit requires visiting a dry cleaner, since if you put it in a regular washing machine, the shoulder pads and the backup inner lining will become deformed. In reality, the frequency with which men should clean their suits and how often they actually do it vary greatly.
Julia Dee believes that men should have three pairs of trousers per jacket, rather than the usual two, and clean them after every 8 wears.
I don't think many men clean their suits more than twice a year because it causes them to wear out faster.
I hate to say it, but the crotch of men's trousers becomes especially attractive to moths because moths fly specifically to "organic marks."
Because of their proximity to the neck (especially when worn with a tie) and contact with hair oil, shirts should be washed at 40 degrees after each wear, Julia says.
How to bleach a synthetic bra at home
Special bleaches will help restore the shining appearance of your laundry. They should not contain chlorine or other aggressive substances that can corrode the threads. Products with active oxygen are best suited for this purpose. The method of use and dosage are indicated on the package, so all that remains is to carefully follow the instructions.
In addition to ready-made products, you can use home methods for whitening things made of synthetic material:
- Prepare a solution of 3 liters of water and 6 tbsp. l. peroxide or ammonia. Soak the bra for 2 hours, then wash with bleach.
- Dilute 2 tbsp in 2 liters of water. l. peroxide. Leave the laundry for 20-30 minutes, after bleaching, rinse and put it in the machine.
- Dissolve 5-6 aspirin tablets in 3 liters of water. Soak the bra for 7 hours.
Advice! To speed up the process, you can bleach with effervescent tablets. The released bubbles will quickly penetrate the fibers and begin to work.
How often should you wash your hosiery?
Tights, stockings, socks and other hosiery require daily washing
Tights and other tights should be changed every day, as absorbed sweat facilitates the spread of fungal infections.
In fact, the presence of foot odor is associated not only with the frequency of changing socks, but also with the shoes you wear. Sweat actually becomes trapped inside the shoes, and the bacteria that decompose it have more time to do their “fragrant” business, and if the feet belong to someone who is experiencing a hormonal explosion (teenagers, pregnant women), the situation is much worse.
Despite the fact that the cause of the smell lies in shoes, socks and tights need to be changed every day. Sock knitwear acts as an absorbent sponge or sanitary pad, which takes away at least part of the food from bacteria. In addition, the humid environment inside shoes can provoke the development of fungus.
Lizzie Tipping, owner of the sock company Popasox, recommends washing your socks at 60 degrees to kill more bacteria.
Recommendations for reducing odor usually include keeping your feet clean, not sharing your shoes with anyone, and changing your socks regularly to avoid moisture buildup.
How often should you wash sportswear?
Sportswear needs to be washed after every use.
Sports leggings Michi: chic and comfort
Sportswear made from Lycra should be washed in cold water, as warm water can cause loss of elasticity.
Have you ever wondered why it can be difficult to get rid of sweat odors in your workout clothes? According to Mary Johnson, science communications manager for Procter & Gamble, 70% of the dirt on our clothes comes from invisible body secretions: sweat, exfoliated skin cells, salt and a waxy fat called sebum. All this penetrates deeply into the tissue and seems to be trapped.
This problem is aggravated in sportswear, which in its structure has channels to remove moisture and evaporation.
Skin secretions can become trapped in these grooves, making removal even more difficult. This is why odors are a common problem with sports fabrics. They say you should let your workout clothes dry before washing them to make them easier to clean, and soaking them in white wine vinegar can break down sweat stains.
Preparing for washing
Before you put your bra in the wash, you need to do a number of things:
- Carefully study the product label, which contains information on caring for the item of clothing. The label usually indicates the composition of the fabric and the permitted procedures: methods of washing, ironing and dry cleaning. If there is no tag, then you should evaluate the product yourself: its color, fabric (natural or synthetic), design.
- Assess the condition of the fittings: fasteners, fasteners, bones, hooks, decorative elements, stripes. Fragile parts must be sewn on before washing to prevent them from coming off. It is better to remove or cut off massive jewelry.
- Remove the removable push-up bra from your bra, if you have one.
- If there are stains, heavy dirt, or stains, you need to start cleaning the product by removing them.
How often should you wash your pajamas?
Pajamas should be washed at least twice a week
Pajamas should be changed at least twice a week, but this depends on whether you bathe before bed. Few of us put on fresh pajamas every night, but perhaps we should, especially for those who are prone to hot flashes or night sweats.
Dr Laird, whose research showed that bacteria can remain on clothes for 21 days if they are not cleaned, says:
Technically, you're wearing your pajamas for several hours, even though they're not in close contact with your skin.
Dr. Ackerley adds that pajama pants should be changed more often, but how often depends on whether you bathe before bed:
If you wash yourself before putting on your pajamas and don't go to the toilet at night, your night clothes can stay clean for two to three days.
How to dry?
Bras do not wring out or twist. Such items should be dried on a horizontal surface. You should forget about ironing altogether.
Drying on a radiator or in direct sunlight is unacceptable.
Do not use an automatic dryer for drying your bra, since exposure to high temperatures can destroy elastic fabrics, cause the item to curl or quickly become unusable.
It is best to dry your bra using the usual methods:
- Placed on a wire rack.
- Hanging it on a coat hook.
- On a clothesline, pinned in the middle with a clothespin. Do not hang by the straps as they will stretch.
- Lay it out on a waterproof surface (this could be a table).
How to dry your bra faster, read our article “Various ways to quickly dry clothes after washing.”
How often should you wash cashmere clothes?
Cashmere should be washed no more often than after every 6 wears
Julia Dee says she washes her favorite cashmere jumper after six wears to remove body odor and keep it clean and unattractive to moths (moths' main food source is keratin, which is what natural fabrics are made of).
Sweat, particles of skin and hair are the dream of every moth.
Shelagh Cronan, clothing technologist at Pure Collection, says cashmere should first be combed in one direction to get the lint in place, then run over with a roller to remove lint, then turned inside out and immersed in a bowl of cool water. Other wool items are also safest to hand wash at 30°C or lower.
Which wash do you prefer?
The washing machine changed the life of housewives. Washing in a machine does not require any effort. However, you shouldn’t wash one bra in a machine; a large amount of laundry is loaded into the drum at once. It is advisable that it be color-matched. A bra with wires will not be damaged when machine washed, provided that all clasps and wires are securely fastened. Therefore, a bra without voluminous decor or gel push-up can be easily washed in the machine. When choosing a program, you should select a gentle mode with a water temperature of no higher than 40°C.
Products with complex decor are best washed by hand. Gentle processing and a gentle detergent will not damage complex jewelry or spoil the shape of the cups. Beads, appliques, lace inserts will remain in place.
How often should you wash silk clothes?
Silk should be washed after every 3-4 wears
According to Julia Dee, silk is so delicate that washing it - even by hand - risks ruining the garment.
Due to the nature of the fabric structure, water can cause the threads to move relative to each other. Silk items may shrink in size, their color may change, and even steam and water may stain.
Most likely, washing light silk will not harm it, but it is better to do it as rarely as possible. A lot depends on whether you're dancing all night, dining casually, or on the go, but unless your silk clothing is smelly or dirty, I'd suggest leaving it alone.
Detergents for washing bras
The selection of detergent depends on the type of fabric, color, and chosen washing method. Most manufacturers characterize the type of material as delicate. Therefore, when washing a bra, it is recommended to choose special powders or gels for washing underwear or clothes made of delicate fabrics, without aggressive chemicals and alcohol.
If your bra is snow-white or black, it is better to use products designed for these shades. In other cases, you should give preference to a universal powder or gel.
Since the laundry is directly adjacent to the body, it is necessary to pay attention to the natural composition of the detergent and its hypoallergenicity. The powder or gel should dissolve well in water and be completely washed out of the fabric fibers. An excellent choice would be washing powders made from natural ingredients, eco-gels, and gentle detergents for washing children's clothes.
The most delicate detergent compositions that are suitable for caring for underwear:
- Meine Liebe gels for washing delicate, silk, woolen fabrics / dark and black fabrics / colored fabrics and synthetics / universal;
- Sinergetic gels for delicate fabrics / white linen / black linen / children's linen / universal;
- Laundry gels “Laska” wool and silk / white restoration effect / black restoration effect;
- Frosch balms and gels for washing wool and delicate fabrics.
All of the products listed can be used for washing in a machine and in a basin, following the instructions on the packaging.
DIY underwear detergent
An alternative to store-bought powder or gel is a homemade laundry detergent. To prepare it you will need:
- 1 tbsp hot water;
- 1 tsp. baby shampoo or liquid soap;
- 2-3 drops of any essential oil for aroma.
All ingredients are mixed to create a detergent suitable for delicate fabrics. A glass of mixture is enough for a basin of water.
How often should you wash regular clothes?
Regular everyday clothing should be washed after 1-8 wears
T-shirts, Dee says, should be washed every day, especially if you wear them for gardening, housework or any other activity that might produce sweat.
Dr Ackerley says knowing when to wash a cotton dress or wool jumper is "a matter of common sense", but it's important to remember that "an open wound can become infected from dirty clothing".
If you wear the same jeans again, they will become oily from natural waste and can rub the hair follicles, which subsequently leads to ingrown hairs. Dirty clothes also chafe your skin.
Ackerley relies on his own sense of smell:
If your clothes start to smell, it may be time to throw them in the wash.
Too often the silk stockings we give to women tie us up hand and foot.
