Top 5 Best Lingerie Detergents
Our Review Of The Best Lingerie Detergents on the Market.
(This post was originally published on July 5th 2018 and updated on June 19th 2025)
Following our popular guide on How To Wash Your Lingerie, we've curated a list of the five best detergents specifically for caring for your delicate intimates. We know finding extra time (or budget) for handwashing with a special soap might feel like a chore, but let us explain why it's essential.
Lingerie is more than just clothing; it's a second skin deserving of special care. Regular detergents contain harsh chemicals that can damage delicate fabrics, cause skin irritation, and drastically shorten the lifespan of your favorite pieces. To preserve their quality, shape, and comfort, hand washing in warm or lukewarm water with a gentle, specialty detergent is highly recommended. If you're short on time, machine washing on a delicate cycle can be an option, but only if you use the right detergent and follow care instructions.
What is the best detergent for washing bras and delicates?
Lingerie and bras require cleansers that lift soils while preserving soft fabrics. Harsh detergents cause damage over time. We recommend specialty formulas designed for intimates, like The Laundress Delicate Wash, Soak Lacey, and Eucalan - Delicate Lingerie Wash. These gentle giants effectively clean without compromising your delicate items.
How should I wash silk, lace, and satin lingerie?
The best practice is to hand wash silk, lace, and satin delicates in warm or lukewarm water using a mild detergent. Avoid hot water and harsh detergents at all costs. For machine washing (use cautiously!), place items in a mesh laundry bag, select the delicate cycle, use cool water, and add a gentle wash detergent We generally advise against machine wash for high-end or specialty lingerie and always check the fabric care label first!
Will regular laundry detergent damage my lingerie?
Yes. Regular laundry detergent will damage delicate lingerie fabrics over time. It causes loss of softness, shape distortion, and fading of colors. The harsher chemicals and fragrances can also irritate sensitive skin. Specialty silk & lingerie wash detergents are the necessary, gentler choice.
So if you love lingerie as much as we do and wish to care for them so they last longer, we recommend using the following detergents:
1. The Lab Co. Delicates Laundry Detergent Wash, 500ml
The Lab Co. laundry wash is a favorite with us, fragranced with Geranium Leaf and Vanilla. This highly concentrated, super-gentle laundry detergent removes body oils, perspiration, and tough stains while cleaning and preserving delicate fabrics. It's the best way to keep your lingerie lovely for longer and make it smell amazing too. $11.00
2. Clothes Doctor No.4 Delicates and Silk Eco Wash, 500ml
If you prefer a lingerie detergent that is more eco-friendly, then the Clothes Doctor range may be right up your street. The Clothes Doctor Eco wash liquid is plant-based with no additional chemicals. All products originate from ecological factories, are against animal testing, and have minimal effect on aquatic life, making it great for vegans. This detergent does have a slight sandalwood and bergamot fragrance, Waterlily & Honeydew, but it is natural and water-based. £22
3. The Laundress Delicate Wash 475ml
A herbal and citrus blend of rich amber, bergamot, lavender, and musk. Highly concentrated—up to 32 washes. 100% natural allergen-free detergent, made with renewable resources. Biodegradable and cruelty-free. £22.00.
4. Soak Wash - Lacey 12fl oz
Lacey combines spring blossoms with sweet bergamot creating a light yet alluring fragrance. Soak is perfect for your laciest lingerie, softest sweaters, baby clothes, quilts, swimwear, workout wear, and all the laundry you love. Love it. Wear it. Soak it. Choose from Lacey, Fig, Yuzu, Scentless, Celebration, or Pineapple Grove. £16.50
5. Eucalan - Delicate Lingerie Wash 32 fl oz
Eucalan stands out as a concentrated, ecological detergent that has earned its place among our top picks for lingerie care. Enriched with lanolin, renowned for its exceptional softening properties, this detergent is designed with delicate fabrics in mind. £19
The Bottom Line
Taking care of your lingerie is a small but significant investment in your comfort, confidence, and the longevity of your pieces. By choosing the right detergent from our carefully curated list above, you ensure your intimate apparel stays as beautiful, soft, and supportive as the day you bought it.
For more information on maintaining the quality of your lingerie, subscribe to Olyinka Magazine. Also, check out our Lingerie Section, which provides useful tips on how to wash, store, and style your intimates. Subscribe here and become part of our lingerie-loving community.
Happy (and gentle) washing!
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