Washing men's underwear in the machine, step by step

Short answer: Wash underwear at a low temperature on a gentle program in a wash bag, use a suitable amount of mild detergent, avoid fabric softener and a hard spin, and let it dry in the air. Always follow the care label. Here is the process step by step, so bamboo underwear for men keeps its shape.

Step 1, read the care label

Start by reading the label in each piece. It gives the temperature, program and drying advice, and it always comes first. If there are different instructions in the same wash, choose the mildest. That is the safest route when you wash several kinds of clothes at once.

Step 2, sort the laundry

Separate the underwear from heavy, coarse clothes such as jeans, towels and work clothes, which can wear on it. Sort by colour as well. It is best to wash underwear with other light clothes of the same kind. That reduces friction, and the laundry gets more room in the drum.

Step 3, use a wash bag

Put bamboo boxer briefs and other fine underwear in a wash bag. The bag protects against zips and pulling in the drum and keeps the laundry together. Do not fill it completely, so the water can rinse properly through. It is a small habit that makes a big difference to how long the elastic lasts.

Step 4, choose temperature and program

Choose a low temperature and a gentle program if the label allows it. Wet viscose is more delicate than dry, so gentle treatment is worth prioritising. A lower temperature strains both fabric and elastic less and helps the underwear keep its shape and softness.

Step 5, detergent and softener

Use a mild detergent in the amount that suits the load and the water hardness. Too much can stay in the fabric and make it stiff. Skip fabric softener if the care label advises against it, because it can leave a film on the fabric and take away some of the softness you want to keep.

Step 6, the spin

Choose a low spin speed and do not wring the underwear out after washing. A hard spin stretches the elastic and pulls on the fabric. Lift the laundry out of the machine by hand instead of pulling on it, and shake it out so it is ready to hang up.

Step 7, drying in the air

Hang the underwear up as soon as the wash is done and let it dry in the air, away from radiators and direct sun. A tumble dryer quickly takes the tension out of the elastic. Socks can hang by the toes, and socks for men dry well on a rack.

Step 8, put it away and keep watch

When the underwear is dry, put it in the drawer without pressing it together. Keep an eye on the elastic and the seams over time and replace them when worn. The same simple steps apply to your long sleeve models, which you can wash together with the underwear.

Frequently asked questions

What temperature should I wash underwear at?

Follow the care label in each piece. A low temperature is usually the gentlest for viscose and elastic and helps the underwear keep its shape.

Should I use fabric softener?

It is often advised against for viscose and elastic, since it can leave a film on the fabric. Follow the care label, and do not use more detergent than needed.

How often should underwear be washed?

Wash it after every wear. Underwear sits close to the skin and picks up sweat and skin residue, so regular washing is part of good care.

You can find the full range at Copenhagen Bamboo.