Top 5 Best Lingerie Detergents
Our Review Of The Best Lingerie Detergents on the Market.
(This post was originally published on July 5th 2018 and updated on October 6th 2023)
Following our previous article,How To Wash Your Lingerie, we have compiled a list of our five best lingerie detergents that are great for washing your underwear. We understand that most of you may not have the time, nor the desire to handwash your intimate apparel, never mind spending money on buying a separate detergent, but let us explain why this is necessary.
Lingerie is more than just clothing; it's a second skin that deserves special care. Regular detergents can be harsh on your delicate undergarments, potentially causing irritation to your skin and shortening their lifespan. To preserve the quality and shape of your lingerie, we recommend hand washing in warm or lukewarm water with a gentle detergent. If you're pressed for time, you can opt for machine washing on a delicate cycle, but only with the right detergent.
Take a look at our article, How to Wash Your Lingerie in 4 Easy Steps,, for a more detailed guide on how to wash your lingerie and keep them in good condition for longer.
What is the best detergent for washing bras and delicates?
Lingerie and bras require gentle cleansers that lift soils while preserving soft fabrics. Harsh detergents can damage delicates over time, so we recommend specialty formulas like The Laundress Delicate Wash, Soak Lacey, and Forever New Lingerie Wash that are designed specifically for intimates. Check out our full list of recommendations below.
How should I wash silk, lace, and satin lingerie?
The best practice is to hand wash silk, lace, and satin delicates in warm or lukewarm water using a mild detergent. You can also use a lingerie bag on the delicate cycle in the washing machine with cool water and a gentle wash. Avoid hot water and harsh detergents.
Will regular laundry detergent damage my lingerie?
Yes, regular laundry detergent can damage delicate lingerie fabrics over time, causing them to lose softness, shape, and color vibrancy. They contain harsher chemicals and fragrances that can also irritate the skin. Specialty lingerie detergents are a better choice.
So if you love lingerie as much as we do and wish to care for them so they last longer, we recommend using the following detergents:
1. The Lab Co. Delicates Laundry Detergent Wash, 500ml
The Lab Co. laundry wash is a favorite with us, fragranced with Geranium Leaf and Vanilla. This highly concentrated, super-gentle laundry detergent removes body oils, perspiration, and tough stains while cleaning and preserving delicate fabrics. It's the best way to keep your lingerie lovely for longer and make it smell amazing too. $11.00
2. Clothes Doctor No.4 Delicates and Silk Eco Wash, 500ml
If you prefer a lingerie detergent that is more eco-friendly, then the Clothes Doctor range may be right up your street. The Clothes Doctor Eco wash liquid is plant-based with no additional chemicals. All products originate from ecological factories, are against animal testing, and have minimal effect on aquatic life, making it great for vegans. This detergent does have a slight sandalwood and bergamot fragrance, Waterlily & Honeydew, but it is natural and water-based. £22
3. The Laundress Delicate Wash 475ml
A herbal and citrus blend of rich amber, bergamot, lavender, and musk. Highly concentrated—up to 32 washes. 100% natural allergen-free detergent, made with renewable resources. Biodegradable and cruelty-free. £22.00.
4. Soak Wash - Lacey 12fl oz
Lacey combines spring blossoms with sweet bergamot creating a light yet alluring fragrance. Soak is perfect for your laciest lingerie, softest sweaters, baby clothes, quilts, swimwear, workout wear, and all the laundry you love. Love it. Wear it. Soak it. Choose from Lacey, Fig, Yuzu, Scentless, Celebration, or Pineapple Grove. £16.50
5. Eucalan - Delicate Lingerie Wash 32 fl oz
Eucalan stands out as a concentrated, ecological detergent that has earned its place among our top picks for lingerie care. Enriched with lanolin, renowned for its exceptional softening properties, this detergent is designed with delicate fabrics in mind. £19
A Delicate Scented Hand Wash
ou can get really creative here by soaking your intimates in your favorite hand wash. We wouldn’t recommend doing this with your more expensive lingerie, but with your everyday delicates, when you’re stuck in a rut and need a backup. Anything that is delicately scented and mild will do. A great option if you don't have a delicate laundry detergent readily available, you can get hand wash from your local drugstore, or if you are a little bougie like us, use something a little more luxurious. You have options, ladies, and they all work well.
Taking care of your lingerie is a small but significant investment in your comfort and confidence. By choosing the right detergent from our carefully curated list or experimenting with a delicately scented hand wash, you can ensure that your intimate apparel remains as beautiful and comfortable as the day you bought it.
For more information about maintaining the quality of your lingerie, subscribe to Olyinka Magazine. Our Lingerie Section provides useful tips on how to wash, store, and style your intimates. Subscribe here and be a part of our community.
Happy washing!
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