Dirty Laundry: Bras, Panties, Nylons, and More!

PaShortly after my eighteenth birthday, I left the comforts of home to embark on a new journey in life. The journey of freedom, independence, and self-sufficiency. The journey into the so-called "real world" I grew up hearing about. With help from college dormmates, roommates , and occasional care packages from Mom and Grandma, I made it out in one piece. My clothes, however, did not.

My attire became the sacrificial lambs in my quest for independence. Everything from Victoria's Secret bras and panties to nylons, thigh highs, and "dry clean only" interview suits found their way in the "even too warped for Goodwill" pile. Throw it all in together, wash in the warm cycle, spin dry, and hope for the best was my motto. Afterall, a $1.50 was too much for a nearly impoverished co-ed to spend on a cycle of intimate apparel.

Seven years later, no more richer but boo coos wiser, I learned the error of my ways. If I wanted to wear that sexy bra paired with the lacey thong-thong-thong-thong-thong, I needed to invest in my laundry so that I didn't need to invest in new intimate wear altogether.

First, I purchased my own washer and dryer. While I was quite broke I was able to find one that I could buy under warranty for roughly $500 and made that purchase on a credit card. While debt is never good, I saved in laundry expenses over the years and nearly broke even up to this point. More importantly, I saved my pretty underwear! It is a debt well worth it in my mind. I am no longer afraid to devote a handful of clothes to the delicate cycle.

For those equally as clueless as I, the following will be a quick guide for all your most delicate (and satiny) needs:

1. Invest in a mesh bag with a zipper. These can be found at your local Target, Wal-Mart, and sometimes even Dollar Tree.

2. Gently place your undergarments inside. Be sure to snap your brassieres (and another other intimate outfits) together. Doing this will prevent them from snagging and stretching.

3. Wash in cold water on the most delicate cycle.

4. DO NOT dry in a dryer. This takes some planning on your part as you will not be able to get sexy sexy the day you want your intimates washed. If it is an absolute emergency, you may dry on air fluff (within the bag) but the bumping and banging is just not advisable for your these clothing items and should be saved for other occasions.

5. When air-drying, be lay them out flat. This is more beneficial than hanging as there is little room for distortion. If you do decide to hang, be sure the way you hang your items does not pull or tug on anything.

6. For other apparel, invest in Dryell (it really does work!) and follow the directions.

7. Remember, most damage comes from the dryer. Afterall, that's where the socks go missing. When in doubt about any garmet, use air fluff or lay flat to dry!

Of course, the best way to avoid all the complications of the world of laundry is to buy durable clothes. Go commando and don't give underwear a second thought! Sexy and sensible!