Washing underwear: tips for proper temperature and care

Washing underwear: here's how to do it right

Washing underwear seems simple, but there are some important points you should not skip. Not only to keep your clothes looking nice longer, but also to remove bacteria and ensure your hygiene. In this blog you will read all about underwear washing, including temperature, drying and maintenance.

Wash new underwear first

New underpants or briefs often contain chemical residues from the manufacturing process. Therefore, it is always wise to wash new underwear first before wearing them. This removes any residue and ensures your underwear is fresh and soft from the first use.

Check out our range of men's and women's underwear:

• Men's underwear
• Ladies underwear

How often should you wash underwear?

Underwear comes into direct contact with your skin, making it a breeding ground for bacteria and sweat. It is recommended to wash underwear after each day's wear. The same goes for socks: they come in contact with your feet and shoes and can quickly harbor bacteria.

At how many degrees do you wash underwear?

The right underwear washing temperature is crucial. This prevents shrinkage, color loss and ensures that bacteria are killed effectively. Here's an overview:

• Underwear wash at 30 degrees - suitable for delicate fabrics and durable fabrics such as TENCEL™ Modal and Mellowood. Less energy consumption, but less effective against bacteria. However, TENCEL™ fabric has anti-bacterial properties.
• Underwear washing at 40 degrees - the most commonly used temperature for daily washing, safe for most fabrics and effective against bacteria.
• Underwear wash at 60 degrees - ondergoed wassen op 60 graden wordt afgeraden voor delicate stoffen zoals TENCEL™ Modal en Mellowood. De hoge temperatuur tast de natuurlijke antibacteriële werking van de vezels aan. Daarnaast verkort het de levensduur van het ondergoed aanzienlijk.
  

Tip: always read Undiemeister's washing instructions for the right temperature for your underwear.

Underwear in the dryer

Not all underwear can go in the dryer. Over-drying can damage elastic and fabrics, causing your underwear to wear faster. A safe approach is:

• Dry only at low temperature.
• Slips and boxer shorts made of TENCEL™ Modal or organic cotton prefer air drying.
• Avoid drying together with heavy towels to prevent wear.

More on combining your laundry: Washing underwear with towels

Why is it important to wash underwear sufficiently and at the right temperature?

Maintaining underwear properly extends the life of your clothes and ensures hygienic results. Insufficient washing can lead to bacterial growth, unpleasant odors and skin irritations. Choosing the right temperature and wash cycle will keep your underwear nice and clean longer.

Find out how durable boxer shorts last three years: Why boxer shorts that last three years are more durable

Washing Undiemeister underwear

At Undiemeister, we strive for durable and comfortable underwear. Our materials such as Mellowood and TENCEL™ Modal are gentle on the skin and environmentally friendly. Yet the basic rules for washing underwear remain the same: right temperature, appropriate wash cycle and careful drying.

Check out our range:

• Men's boxer briefs
• Ladies briefs

Frequently asked questions about washing underwear

Which wash program is best for underwear?
Choose a fine wash program or a program for delicate fabrics. This prevents shrinkage and damage to elastic and fabric.

Can you wash underwear at 30 degrees?
Yes, this is actually sufficient for antibacterial fabrics such as Mellowood. Thanks to the natural antibacterial properties of TENCEL™ Modal, bacteria are effectively eliminated even at 30 degrees. What’s more, this helps to preserve the quality and lifespan of your underwear.

Why wash underwear at 60 degrees?
60 degrees is ideal for effectively removing bacteria and dust mites, but is not recommended for delicate fabrics such as TENCEL™ Modal and Mellowood. The high temperature compromises the fibres’ natural antibacterial properties. It also significantly shortens the lifespan of the underwear.