How Do You Wash Lace and Silk Lingerie?

You spent good money on that lace set, so please do not throw it in a boil wash with your gym kit. Delicate lingerie is not high maintenance, it just has a couple of rules. Follow these and your favourite pieces will love you back for years.

The short version

Hand wash in cool water with a gentle detergent, never wring or tumble dry, and lay flat or hang to dry away from radiators. That is ninety percent of it. Now the details.

How to hand wash lingerie

Fill a clean sink or bowl with cool to lukewarm water and a small amount of gentle detergent. Pop your pieces in, swish softly, and let them soak for a few minutes. Work any suds through with your fingers, do not scrub or twist. Rinse in clean cool water until it runs clear.

Lace, silk and satin, the delicate darlings

Lace snags, so wash it inside a mesh bag if you are nervous, and keep the hooks fastened so they do not catch. Silk and satin hate heat and harsh detergents, so cool water and a mild wash only. Your gorgeous Me Seduce Arielle lace set and any silky piece like the Royal Affair chemise will thank you for the gentle touch.

Drying without the drama

Never tumble dry delicates, the heat wrecks the stretch and the shine. Roll the piece in a clean towel and press to soak up the water, then lay it flat or hang it somewhere airy. Keep it off the radiator, direct heat is not its friend.

Quick answers

Can I machine wash lingerie?

Only sturdy cotton pieces, on a cold delicate cycle in a mesh bag. When in doubt, hands win.

How often should I wash it?

After every wear for anything close to the skin, and air pieces between wears to keep them fresh.

How do I store it?

Lay sets flat and never crush lace under a pile. A little drawer love goes a long way.

Treat them well, wear them often

Look after your lingerie and it stays as tempting as the day you bought it. Gentle wash, no heat, and back in the drawer ready for the next occasion, planned or otherwise.