It’s no secret that washing your underwear on a regular basis is kind of important. That being said, there’s nothing worse than discovering that after a few washes, the undies that fit perfectly, were nice and soft, were perfectly comfortable, and were brightly colored, discovering that they’re all but ruined. The colors have run, the leg openings are stretched, the waistband is frayed, and the fabric is pilled and scratchy. Talk about a major bummer.
But what gives? Why did your underwear turn into nothing more than a rag? Well, it’s the classic case of improper washing, and it’s the top reason why men and women alike complain about the fit of their undies. While everyone knows that their skivvies need to be washed after each wear, most people don’t stop to think about how they are washing them. They just toss them into the washing machine and dryer along with the rest of their laundry, and therein lies the problem.
In order to ensure that your undies are thoroughly clean while also maintaining their fit, comfort, and color, you really do need to take the time to ensure that you’re washing them properly – and that includes making sure you are washing them at the correct temperature. Why? Keep on reading to find out how temperature impacts your undies and what temperature they should be washed in.
Why Regularly Washing Your Undies is Important
Before we jump in and discuss the temperature that you should be washing your underwear in, let’s take a minute to review why regularly laundering your underpants is vital in the first place.
Boxers, briefs, tighty whities, bikinis, boy shorts, hipsters, thongs; no matter what style of underwear you prefer, it’s safe to say that they’re one of the most important garments you wear, after all, they provide your bits and pieces with protection and privacy. A lot of dirt, debris, sweat, and fluids that accumulate down there, and all of that “muck” collects in the fibers of the fabric. Combine all of that “muck” with the warmth that the nether regions generate, and your undies are the ideal environment for bacteria and fungi growth.
Re-wear your undies without washing them and your delicate privates will be exposed to all of that ickiness. Not only will you feel (and smell) gross, but you could be putting your comfort and health at risk. According to health professionals, wearing dirty underwear increases the risk of developing a whole host of issues, including skin problems, like rashes, pimples, and cysts, as well as infections, such as yeast, urinary tract, bladder, and kidney infections.
In order to reduce the risk of the above-mentioned problems, washing your undies each time you wear them is an absolute must.
Why Temperature Matters
Now that you have a deeper understanding of just how important washing your undies regularly is, let’s take a look at the importance of the temperature that they’re laundered in.
The temperature of the water that you wash your clothes in – including your underwear – impacts their cleanliness, as well as the fabric that it’s made of. Hot water will kill more of the bacteria and fungi that get trapped in the fibers, which is absolutely a plus; however, there’s a downside to washing in hot water: they can be damaged. Hot water can shrink the material, wear out the elastic, bleed and/or run the colors, and can make your once perfect undies saggy, tight, and downright uncomfortable.
In order to reduce the risk of damage that can occur when you wash your underwear in hot water, the solution seems pretty obvious: wash them in cold water. While yes, cold water will preserve the fabric, the shape, and the comfort of your undies, which is certainly good, there’s just one problem; they may not come as clean as you want them to. The dirt, debris, bacteria, and fungi that are trapped in the fibers of your undies may not come loose, and in fact, can become even more deeply embedded into the fabric, which means that you may not be doing your private bits any favors when you wash them in water that is too cold.
What’s the Best Temperature to Wash Underwear?
Is there a happy medium? What temperature should you wash your underwear to not only ensure that they’re thoroughly clean, but to also preserve the color, fit, and comfort? It depends who you ask.
According to some experts, underwear should be washed in water that is no cooler than 80 degrees F. This temperature will effectively kill the bacteria and fungi that collects in the crotch, reducing your risk of developing potential health issues. However, high temperatures can damage the delicate fabrics that your panties or briefs are made of, stretching out the fibers and degrading the elastic, leaving you with undies that are stretched out, too tight, dulled, and uncomfortable.
In order to avoid the above-mentioned issues, some experts suggest washing underwear in water that is no warmer than 40 degrees F. They claim that this temperature will kill the germs, and it will also prevent the breakdown and preserve the quality of the material, thereby preserving the fit and comfort of the underwear. With that said, however, some argue that 40 degrees F is too cold to effectively kill the bacteria, yeast, and any other germs that get trapped in your undergarments.
What’s the Solution?
In order to avoid damaging your underwear and preserve their comfort and fit, while also ensuring that they are thoroughly cleaned and safe to wear, we have a few suggestions. We recommend that you wash your undies in water that is no warmer than 40 degrees F, and in order to effectively get rid of that ick, we suggest using an antibacterial laundry detergent and applying an antibacterial spray directly to your undies before tossing them into the machine.
By using these techniques, you can make sure that your briefs, boxers, bikinis, boy shorts, thongs – or whatever style of underwear you wear – are thoroughly cleaned and comfortable to wear.
