Experts explains exactly how often you should be washing your bras
When it comes to how often you should be washing your bras, it turns out there is a sweet spot – the Goldilocks of timing that ensures your bras stay reasonably clean and don't become so dirty you develop nasty skin conditions.
Dermatologist Annie Gonzalez says it's all about how much you sweat.
"If you're wearing something for a few hours, and not sweating, it's probably okay to wait two-four wears before washing. Or, after a full day's use," she tells Brightly Eco.
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Dermatologist Annie Gonzalez says it all depends on how much you sweat. Universal Pictures/This is 40
"If you're working from home, it's probably okay to wait after three-four wears before washing your clothes," she adds, adding that more intimate items such as underwear and socks should be laundered after every use because they are the items most exposed to skin and sweat.
Except bras, which she says can go three or four wears before being washed, unless you've sweated while wearing them.
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She says bras can go three or four wears without washing, depending. Getty
"If you wear a bra too many times without washing it, microorganisms, fungi, yeast, and bacteria begin to grow on the bra," she explains. "This can cause an infection or rash, which can cause the skin to become itchy and red," the expert says.
"Oil can also grow on an unwashed bra, which can trigger an acne breakout under your breasts, or along your ribcage."
She says wearing unwashed bras can cause 'infection or rash, which can cause the skin to become itchy'. Instagram
Reducing the number of times you wash your bras can also increase their lifespan, with the addition of a wash bag – a small cloth bag you place your intimate items in before placing them in the laundry – further preserving the lifespan of your favourite bras.
Sports bras, however, have different rules.
Sports bras have different rules due to activities undertaken while waring them. Getty Images/iStockphoto
"It really all comes down to personal preference really as well as the intensity of the exercise you're undertaking," Phoebe Parsons, Active Living Ambassador for crop-top power brand Lorna Jane, tells 9Honey.
"But as a general rule of thumb, we recommend you wash sports bras after every wear to help ensure you get the longest life out of your garment possible."
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