Having spent your hard earned money on your beautiful lingerie, then the last thing you want to do is see it ruined after the first wash. Unlike other clothing lingerie is very different when it comes to washing.

Babydoll's and Chemises cannot be treated the same way as Jeans and Shirts and just be thrown into the washing machine on a normal cycle and left. The result would be a trip to your nearest lingerie store to replace the item.

Women's Lingerie will not last for ever but by following some simple guidelines your Camisoles and Teddies will last longer and keep their shape.

Lingerie today comes in fabrics and materials that make caring for the item easier than in days gone by. Most of the underwear sold today will come with manufacturers tags recommending how to care for your Satin Babydoll or your Lace Bustier. These recommendations should be followed if the lingerie is to last.

The tags will separate your lingerie into different washes, dry clean only, hand wash and machine wash. Make sure you always read the label as to the type of wash as mistakes can be very costly. So let's look at the different types of cleaning.

Dry clean only
This is probably the easiest option as the garment can only be cleaned at a specialist shop. This could cause a problem as lingerie is a very private item and not everybody would be happy to take their Teddy or garter Set into a shop to be cleaned. There are products available that can be used at home and imitate the dry cleaning process for those not willing to use a dry cleaning shop.

Machine Wash
The modern washing machine is a time saving invention but it can cause major damage to your delicate underwear if the instructions are not followed.
Always wash your lingerie in cold water and use a detergent specially recommend for delicates never use bleach. Never wash dark and light colors together. Finally combine this with the delicate cycle on your washing machine and your lingerie should have no problems with repeated washes.

However as I have mentioned before Babydolls, Chemises, Camisoles and Bustiers can be delicate items with lace trims, ribbons, hooks and eyes that need to be cared for. Just putting these items into a washing machine even if you follow the instructions above could result in damage. To avoid this put your lingerie into a lingerie bag for extra protection (this is a mesh bag that allows soap and water in, but stops your lingerie being stretched, and can be purchased from most department stores). Only put one item per bag as this will stop the lingerie becoming entangled. Also always make sure all the hooks and eyes and buttons are fastened, and that zippers are closed and ribbons and drawstrings are tied.

Hand Wash
Hand washing is the alternative to the machine wash. Again the principle is the same, always wash in cold water and use a delicates detergent. Soak the lingerie in a bowl filled with cold water and detergent for about 30 minutes then drain and refill the bowl with clean water and no detergent, leave for another 30 minutes then drain the water. This should be sufficient for most washes; however for stains or odours this process can be repeated. Never wring out your lingerie as this could effect the shape.

Drying
Again due to the fabrics used in your lingerie it is always best to hang dry or flat dry your garments. Dryers can cause un-repairable damage to your silk Chemise or satin Babydoll. If you have to use a dryer then leave the lingerie in the lingerie bag and set the dryer at its lowest possible setting. You will find that sheer fabrics such as mesh or Chiffon require no heat to dry.

So by taking a little care and reading the tags on your lingerie, your Babydolls, Chemises, Teddies, Camisoles and Bustiers should look as good as new wash after wash.