Coming clean

Hand wash your La Perla, really
“In this crazy world we live in, no one really has the time to wash their underpinnings by hand,” says Ali Salaverria, a designer for the lingerie brand Eberjey. But she suggests reserving special treatment for fine fabrics like lace and mesh since Whirlpools and Maytags can mangle their gossamer fibers.

Machine age
Happily, per Salaverria you can tote everyday cotton pieces to your Laundromat, but steer clear of harsh detergents since they can dim colors’ brightness and cause pilling. Bras should always be cleaned after two to three wears and undergarments after every use. Gwen Whiting and Lindsey Wieber, the duo behind cleaning products line the Laundress, stress the importance of using the delicate cycle and a small mesh bag for bras to prevent their fabric from being destroyed.

Dryer=Death
“A dryer on a high setting can exceed 120 degrees, which will damage delicate silks and shrink elastic waistbands,” advise Whiting and Wieber. The pair advocate skipping the machine and laying your unmentionables on a rack or towel overnight, saving you quarters and energy. Guys, if you want to prevent your boxers and briefs from becoming holey, dry them on medium heat until they’re a little more than halfway done followed by a bit of airing out per the Laundress ladies. —Rachel LeWinter

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