How often you should wash your bra – and one crucial mistake to avoid

Well, funnily enough, the frequency with which you should clean your bra depends on how many times it's been worn.

According to Elle 's Julie Kerr, some women have plenty of the clothing items, while others have a handful of favourites that they regularly rotate.

But simply, bras should be washed every three-to-six wearings, the lifestyle writer says, and should be interchanged so the elastic can 'rest'. So don't wear the same bra consecutively, if you can avoid doing so.

As you're well aware, bras cover an 'intimate' area. They pick up sweat and bacteria. There are some other things you should know about bras. If indeed you wear them. (Why're you reading this if not?).

Big mistakes

A common misconception with the undergarment is the belief that they require hand-washing. This is completely false.

Julie explains that you can absolutely machine wash bras – unless they're especially expensive and delicate. Most regular items from the high street are okay in the washing machine.

If you do, it's best to wash on a gentle cycle, in cold water, with the bras in a zipped up laundry bag, so they don't get damaged. Mild detergent is advisable.

Although, in truth, they'll certainly wear out quicker. It's all a case of how much time you have.

If you opt to sink wash, there's a set of rules to abide. Julie reveals these in full, but to summarise...

• Fill the sink about a third- to half-way up with cool water;

• Add a small amount of detergent

• Put the bras into the wash water and make sure they're covered

• Allow them to soak for 5-10 minutes

• Drain the wash water, wipe any soap residue from the sink and refill it with cool, clean water to rinse the bras, repeating at least two times to get rid of suds

• Gently squeeze water from the bras, being very careful not to wring the fabric

• Air dry the bra either by laying it flat or hanging it by the centre