How to wash lace lingerie without damaging it

Lace lingerie fails early for one of three reasons: the wrong detergent, water that is too hot, or wringing rather than pressing. None of these are difficult to avoid once you know what to look for. This guide covers hand-washing, machine-washing on a delicate cycle, and storage.

Hand-washing: the safest method ¶

Fill a basin with cool water, no warmer than 30 degrees Celsius. Add a small amount of pH-neutral delicate wash, about half a teaspoon for a single piece. Submerge the garment and move it gently through the water for about two minutes. Do not scrub or stretch the lace.

Rinse in clean cool water until the water runs clear. To remove excess water, lay the piece flat on a clean dry towel, place another towel on top, and press firmly. Do not wring or twist. The lace structure is interlocked, not knitted, and wringing can break individual threads at the interlocking points.

• Water temperature: 30 degrees maximum
• Detergent: pH-neutral, half a teaspoon per piece
• Rinsing: until water runs clear
• Drying: press in a towel, lay flat to reshape
• Storage: flat or rolled, not folded

Machine-washing: when it is acceptable ¶

A delicate cycle at 30 degrees with a mesh laundry bag is acceptable for Calais-Caudry lace pieces that do not have hand-finished details. The mesh bag prevents the lace from catching on the drum or on other garments. Use the same pH-neutral detergent.

Do not machine-wash pieces with hand-stitched embellishments, satin ribbon trim, or silk-charmeuse panels. The agitation of a machine cycle, even a delicate one, will fray the ribbon edges and distort the bias-cut silk.

Storage between wears ¶

Store lace bras flat in a drawer, cups facing up, not folded in half. Folding a moulded or structured cup in half creates a crease that does not come out. If you are storing a piece for a longer period, wrap it in acid-free tissue and keep it away from direct light, which yellows ivory lace over time.

The Lace Care Kit we sell includes a mesh bag and a 100ml bottle of pH-neutral wash, enough for about thirty hand-washes. It is a practical addition to any order if you do not already have a suitable detergent at home.