It is very important that you read the label indicating the proper cleaning process appropriate for that lingerie. Some very delicate types of lingerie may even require dry cleaning. Most of the time, lingerie is best washed by hands because of the material these are usually made of such as laces, ribbons and fabrics that make it prone to easy tear. If you have to use the washing machine for it, you have to have it under easy cycle wash. One should bear in mind that lingerie that is harshly washed or very often machine washed will not last for a long time.

A mild detergent should be used when washing lingerie because it protects the color from fading or from bleeding away. The lingerie should be delicately rubbed and should be washed using lukewarm water. Those with ribbons and laces will tear if washed harshly. If your lingerie is padded or wired, it shouldn't stay too long in the washing machine should you machine wash it. There is a strong possibility for the pads to get destroyed as well as for the wires to be detangled rendering the lingerie practically unusable. Lingerie should never be put in a drying machine but instead left to hang dry in the open to help maintain the material's quality.

Cotton is one of the materials that are difficult to maintain. If a mild detergent is not used, the cotton shrinks, can sometimes get distorted and lose its shape. The color easily fades away in cotton. Lukewarm water and not hot water should be used in washing cotton for hot water can damage its material and color. It should also be dried hung or flat. There is a strong tendency for cotton to shrink when dried using drying machines so it suggested to iron cotton when you want to get rid of the creases and the wrinkles.

Satin, silk and synthetic materials are delicate so they need to be dry cleaned. Dry cleaning not only protects the material but it helps preserve the color as well. If you are daring enough to wash satin or silk at home, you should only use a very mild detergent. Cold water should only be used to protect the color and it should be soaked for about 20 minutes or so in the cold water with the mild detergent to remove the dirt. Rub gently the stains to remove them and it should be flat dried. Iron gently on minimal heat.