Special lingerie is a luxurious treat. And as such, can be very expensive. Which means you don’t want to wash fine knickers and brasseries in the washing machine — a sure fire way to shred them to bits (unless, uh, that’s the look you’re going for).
Here are some of the best washes I’ve found — in a range of prices — to keep your delicates looking just that.
Dirt Cheap – Johnson and Johnson Baby Shampoo – $5 for 20 oz
A sales woman at Agent Provocateur once confessed to me that she used Johnson and Johnson Baby Shampoo to wash her pricey delicates. While it may not offer a sweet scent, it gently cleans without the slightest possibility of skin irritation. It also costs less than a cup of coffee.
Oldie But Goodie – Forever New – $15 for 32 oz
Since it’s been around since 1975, Forever New is the trusty standby when it comes to washing lingerie and swimwear. It leaves no soapsuds behind — only a light, signature scent. My mother has been using it for years to preserve bathing suits, hosiery and lingerie.
Justifiable – Soak – $16 for 14 oz
This product is getting up there in the price category, but it has some definite perks. First, it is available in 5 varieties – citrus, aquae, celebration, flora and scentless. All delightful. Second, there is no rinsing involved. As the name suggests all you have to do is soak items for 15 minutes and lay flat to dry. Voila! Time before money, my friends.
Cream of the Crop – Le Blanc Silk and Lingerie Wash – $29 for 16 oz
Le Blanc is another classic company for washing specialty items from linen tablecloths to silk underthings. This wash is fantastic because it truly keeps the shape and sheen of delicates using its signature “Shapetex” technology. The next perk is the incredibly classic feminine scent – Silk Petals. I would buy it based on the name of the scent alone. It also comes in a fragrance- free variety. But really, what’s the point of that?
Forget Eating – Santa Maria Novella Detergente Intimo – $35 for 8 oz
You’ve likely heard of Santa Maria Novella, the Florence-based perfumery, because of their decadent candles, bath salts and yes, intimates wash. Food is no longer a priority once you learn of their delicacies. And this wash is kind of like champagne – once you have Veuve, nothing ever compares. The saleswoman at the store on Melrose Place informed me that once it arrives from Italy it sells out within the week. FYI – next shipment arrives August 10th. Yes, I have already reserved two bottles and no I will not be eating in a restaurant for the next month.
