Lingerie expert reveals how often you should wash your bra – and the best cleaning method to prevent damage

How to treat your bras is a topic that has long divided the nation – but if you’re torn between washing them every day, wearing them for extended periods, or even how best to clean them, we’ve got an expert to advise.

Georgina Bibby, a lingerie technology expert at British clothing retailer Next, has revealed how often you should wash your bras and how to store them, adding that a little ‘TLC’ will make them last longer.

She also takes into account that all bra wearers are different and can lead varied lifestyles.

She explains, “It depends on the wearer and your daily routine, but it’s a good general rule to wash your bra after every two or three wears.

‘In addition to maintaining your bras, you should also look at replacing the old ones. The general rule of thumb is to replace bras after about 180 wears’.

Georgina also revealed how to keep your lingerie safe in the wash, saying, “A lot of bras are made of delicate material and can also snag on other garments if washed in a large load.

“When you wash your bra, make sure you clip it on and use a mesh garment bag to catch the bra and prevent it from twisting and tangling in your washing machine.”

‘Washing on a gentle cycle with cold water, avoiding the dryer and resorting to air drying and storing them flat rather than rolled up will help the bra retain its shape and quality’.

But for some, after coming home from a long, hard day, cleaning a bra is probably the furthest thing from their minds.

Georgina says the average age of a women’s bra is 5.5 years old, with a staggering 1 million UK women owning a bra over the age of 20 (stock image)

Last year, Australian influencer Renee Hogan sparked a furious debate when she revealed that she only washes her bra once a week.

Meanwhile, an unidentified woman sparked a fiery debate online after revealing that she wore her bras “many, many times” before putting them in the wash – adding that her underwear “never seemed patently dirty” nor “held any odor” . ‘.

These women’s habits might be seen by some as an attempt to save money, but whatever the reason, Georgina suggests the practice could cost you your bra in the long run.

“Giving your bra a little tender, loving care can help you enjoy it much longer,” says Georgina.

However, it will be hard to twist the arms of a “nation of bra hoarders.” She explained, “Our research shows that we are a nation of bra hoarders.

The average age of a women’s bra is 5.5 years old and as many as 1 million British women have a bra that is over 20 years old.

Look for signs that your bra is being overused, such as a stretched back band, stretched cups, damaged fabric, visible elastic threads, and general discomfort when worn.