When it comes to laundry, you know which of your clothes need special treatment, such as hand washing or a gentle cycle in the machine. But it’s worth a mention to give your unmentionables some special treatment. Most panties, bras, shapewear and other undergarments say to hand wash, but many can be thrown into the washer with the right care and cycle. For example, a good bra should last at least two years, but you’ll get less out of it if you wash harshly. Bras shouldn’t go directly into the washer – the hooks can get caught on the washer’s machinery and straps can get twisted. That adds up to more wear and tear, which means replacing them more often. Instead, try a fine mesh bag, available at container stores and places like Target, that won’t allow hooks to get caught or straps to get tangled. Before laundering, take out any removable padding and cinch hooks together to keep them from getting bent. Don’t dry bras – the heat from the dryer can wear out elastic faster. Instead, either hang or lay flat to dry.

Most underwear can be washed in a light load in the washer – if they’re your everyday cotton or synthetic material, then it’s best to wash them in hot water to kill any germs, including E. coli, that may linger in them. Swimwear should be washed either in the lingerie bag on cold and hung to dry, or washed by hand. An easy way to get the chlorine and salt out of swimwear is to wear it into the shower after you get home from the beach or pool. Rinse the suit thoroughly under the shower and hang to dry. Shapewear can be put in the washing machine on a gentle, cold cycle and dried on low in the dryer. Treat shapewear that has underwires or hooks as you would a bra, putting it in the mesh bag before washing. If your delicates have appliqués, crystals, fine lace or other embellishments, then it’s best to launder them by hand.