Quick answer

Hand-wash your lingerie in cool water with a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser, then air-dry flat away from direct heat. Avoid bleach, fabric softener, and the washing machine for most delicate fabrics.

Why hand-washing is best for delicate fabrics

Machine washing can snag lace, stretch elastic, and fade colors faster. Even a gentle cycle creates friction that weakens fine mesh, silk, or embroidered panels. Hand-washing gives you full control over water temperature and agitation, which helps preserve the shape and texture of your lingerie for dozens more wears.

Choosing the right cleanser

Standard laundry detergents often contain enzymes, brighteners, or harsh surfactants that break down delicate fibers and cause irritation. A specialized lingerie wash or a mild, pH-balanced intimate wash is safer. The Coquette Lingerie Wash is formulated with goji, acai, and green tea to gently cleanse without stripping the fabric, and a capful goes a long way in a basin of lukewarm water.

Step-by-step lingerie washing routine

  1. Prepare the wash basin: Fill a clean basin or sink with cool or lukewarm water (never hot). Add one capful of a gentle lingerie wash like Coquette Lingerie Wash and swirl to dissolve. Hot water can shrink elastic and set stains. Always use cool or lukewarm water.
  2. Soak and gently agitate: Submerge your lingerie and let it soak for 5–10 minutes. Gently swirl the fabric with your hands—do not rub, wring, or scrub. Focus on areas that need cleaning, like the gusset or underband. Rubbing or twisting can distort lace and stretch out elastics. Let the soak do the work.
  3. Rinse thoroughly: Drain the soapy water and refill the basin with clean cool water. Swish the lingerie gently to remove all detergent. Repeat if needed until no suds remain. Residual detergent can cause skin irritation and attract dirt. Rinse until the water runs clear.
  4. Remove excess water without wringing: Lift the lingerie out of the water and gently press it against the side of the basin to release moisture. Roll the piece in a clean, dry towel and press to absorb more water. Never twist or wring. Twisting damages the elastic and fabric structure. The towel-roll method is gentler and faster.
  5. Air-dry flat away from heat: Lay the lingerie flat on a drying rack or a clean towel, reshaping it to its original form. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from radiators or dryers. Never hang wet lingerie by the straps. Hanging by straps stretches them out. Sunlight and heat fade colors and break down elastic fibers.

Product recommendations for lingerie care

  • Coquette - Lingerie Wash - 8.5 oz: Coquette Lingerie Wash is formulated with goji, acai, and green tea to gently cleanse delicates. Using a dedicated lingerie wash instead of regular detergent helps preserve fabric elasticity and color while leaving a subtle, fresh scent.

    Coquette - Lingerie Wash - 8.5 oz

    Coquette - Lingerie Wash - 8.5 oz

  • Dynamo - Intimate Body Wipes: Dynamo Body Wipes are pH-balanced and made without harsh ingredients, infused with aloe, chamomile, cucumber, and vitamin E. For quick freshening between full washes, these wipes offer a gentle, no-rinse option that won't damage delicate fabric or irritate skin.

    Dynamo - Intimate Body Wipes

    Dynamo - Intimate Body Wipes