How to Wash Lingerie After a Filthy Night, Without Wrecking the Good Stuff

That outfit's had a very big night. It was peeled off you, thrown across the room and has spent the morning hanging off the lamp. It smells like sex and it's got lube on it. Now it needs a wash, and a hot cycle with your jeans and a towel will destroy it in one go.

For washable lace, mesh and most delicate lingerie, a gentle hand wash in cool water's best. The outfit can have a filthy evening. The washing doesn't need to get rough.

Separate your colours and fasten the hooks

Keep pale pieces away from strong colours, especially when something's new. Do up hooks so they don't catch on the lace. Give hosiery and fine net their own space, away from buckles and any embellishment. Check the care label first, as some pieces, like the Opulence Pearl Teddy, specifically need to be hand washed separately in cold water.

Hand wash with a light touch

Use a clean basin, cool water and a small amount of mild detergent suited to delicates. Move the fabric gently through the water, and lightly work the areas that need attention. You know the ones. Rinse in fresh cool water until the detergent's all gone, supporting the wet garment as you lift it.

Press out the water, don't wring

Gently squeeze out the water without twisting. Lay it on a clean towel, roll it up and press. This is especially useful for those little strappy pieces that turn into a knot if you so much as look at them.

Let it air dry, with support

Lay delicate pieces flat on a clean, dry towel, away from direct heat and sun. Hanging a wet garment from its narrowest straps can stretch them, so support its body. Putting lingerie in the dryer's a very quick way of owning a much smaller piece of lingerie.

Can it go in the machine?

Only pieces made for machine washing belong in there. A cold delicate cycle and a mesh wash bag are the safest bet, if the label allows it. Fasten hooks, leave some room in the bag and keep rough fabrics and exposed zips out of the load.

Put it away ready to wear

Let every part dry before it goes in the drawer. Keep shaped bras supported, fold bodystockings loosely, and keep net away from anything that could snag it. A soft bag like a Fun Factory Toybag keeps your best pieces safe.

For help with those different styles, try our corset, bustier and basque guide and bodystocking guide. That's the routine: gentle wash, proper rinse, supported drying and a little space in the drawer. Then it's ready to go back on the lamp.