How to Wash Underwear, Silk, and Lace: The Gentle Guide to Caring for Your Delicates
Your most delicate garments deserve precious care. Whether it's your favorite silk blouse, that vintage lace dress, or everyday underwear, knowing how to properly wash these fabrics can extend their life dramatically—and keep them looking (and feeling) like new.
Most conventional laundry formulas contain harsh enzymes, optical brighteners, and synthetic fragrances that can break down delicate fibers over time. That's where biochemistry (and Dirty Labs) comes in.
Step-by-Step: How to Wash Your Delicates
Read the Care Label
Before anything else, check the garment's care label. Some silk and lace items are genuinely dry-clean-only, though many can be hand-washed or machine-washed on a gentle cycle. When in doubt, err on the side of caution.
Sort Strategically
Separate your delicates by color—light and dark—to prevent bleeding. Keep heavily soiled items separate from lightly worn pieces, and always wash underwear separately from other delicates if possible.
Choose the Right Detergent
Conventional detergents are formulated for durability, not delicacy. Dirty Labs' Bio Enzyme Hand Wash & Delicates detergent is specifically engineered with delicacy in mind. Our biobased cleaning technology works at the molecular level to lift dirt and oils without harsh chemicals, dyes, or surfactants that can strip and degrade fabrics. That means your silk stays silky, your lace stays intact, and your underwear's elastic doesn't give up after three washes.
Hand Washing: The Gold Standard
For the most precious items, hand washing is ideal: Fill a clean basin with cool water (never hot—heat damages silk and elastic) Add a small amount of detergent—about half a capful for Dirty Labs Submerge your garment and gently agitate the water with your hands Let soak for 10-15 minutes Rinse thoroughly with cool water until all detergent is removed Never wring or twist—gently press out excess water instead
Machine Washing: When You're Short on Time
Yes, you can machine-wash delicates. Here's how to do it safely:
1. Use a mesh laundry bag to protect items from snagging (we made you one!)
2. Select the delicate or hand-wash cycle
3. Use cold water only (our laundry detergents are all optimized for cold water)
4. Add the appropriate amount of detergent (for Dirty Labs, that's about one ounce per regular load)
5. Skip the fabric softener—it leaves residue that can attract dirt and break down elastic fibers
Drying Delicates the Right Way
The dryer is the enemy of delicate fabrics. High heat breaks down elastic, shrinks silk, and can melt synthetic lace. Instead:
• Lay silk and lace items flat on a clean towel to air dry
• For all underwear, hang dry away from direct sunlight
• Don’t use clothespins—the pressure can leave marks
• Reshape items while damp to maintain their original form
Special Considerations for Each Fabric
Silk: Avoid prolonged soaking, which can weaken fibers. If ironing is needed, do so while the garment is still slightly damp, on the lowest setting, and always on the reverse side.
Lace: Turn lace items inside out before washing to protect the decorative side. If the lace has embellishments like beads or sequins, hand washing is non-negotiable.
Underwear: Wash after every wear to remove bacteria, oils, and sweat. Elastic waistbands and straps will last longer when washed in cold water with a gentle detergent.
Why Bio Based Matters for Delicates
We use advanced green chemistry to create formulas that's tough on stains but gentle on fibers. The biobased ingredients biodegrade cleanly, there are no optical brighteners to damage fabrics over time, and the low-sudsing formula rinses completely clean—meaning no residue buildup that can make fabrics feel stiff or look dingy.
Plus, the concentrated formula means you use less per load, which is better for your garments, your wallet, and the planet.
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