How to Clean and Store Lingerie Detergent Safely

Quick answer

Use a mild, enzyme-free lingerie detergent and always hand wash in cool water. Never wring or twist delicate fabrics. Air dry flat away from direct heat, and store pieces flat or hung by the center band to avoid stretching elastic.

Step-by-step lingerie care routine

1. Step 1: Pre-treat stains gently: Dab a drop of lingerie detergent directly on any stain (like body oils or makeup). Let it sit for 5 minutes, then rinse with cool water. Do not rub or scrub—this can distort the fabric weave. Common mistake: using hot water or bleach on stains. Always use cool water and a gentle detergent.
2. Step 2: Hand wash in cool water: Fill a basin with cool water and add a small amount of lingerie detergent. Submerge the piece and gently swish it for 2–3 minutes. Pay extra attention to areas that contact skin, like the gusset of a thong or the elastic band of a suspender. Checkpoint: Never wring, twist, or scrub. Rinse thoroughly until no suds remain.
3. Step 3: Remove excess water without twisting: Lift the piece out of the water and press it gently between two clean, dry towels. Roll the towel to absorb moisture, then unroll and lay the lingerie flat on a drying rack or another dry towel. Common mistake: hanging wet lingerie by the straps. The weight of water stretches elastic permanently. Always dry flat.
4. Step 4: Air dry away from heat and sunlight: Place the piece on a mesh drying rack or a clean towel in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. Avoid radiators, hair dryers, or tumble dryers—heat degrades elastic and can warp metal components. Checkpoint: For items with gold plated details like the Syra Panel Garters, ensure they are completely dry before storing to prevent tarnishing.
5. Step 5: Store properly to maintain shape: Fold suspender belts and thongs flat in a drawer, or hang them by the center waistband (not by the straps or garter clips). For garters, lay them flat or hang them by the ring component. Avoid overcrowding—elastic needs room to relax. Common mistake: hanging by clips or hooks. This stretches the elastic and can bend metal components. Store flat or by the waistband only.

Products that benefit from proper care

• Zenna Harness Suspender: A luxurious, wearable suspender belt crafted from soft wide band and satin elastic, finished with Zenna's signature 24k gold plated chain component. Four adjustable suspender straps attach via bespoke swan hooks and can be removed entirely to wear the belt as a sleek waist accessory. The gold plated chain and swan hooks require gentle handling to avoid tarnishing. Hand washing with a mild lingerie detergent and drying flat prevents damage to both metal and elastic.
• Signature Layered Mesh Thong: A comfortable soft sheer mesh thong with layered front overlay panel connected by a 24k gold plated branded component. The soft wide band elastic hip straps adjust to ensure a personalised fit. The sheer mesh and adjustable elastic straps are prone to snagging and stretching. Using a lingerie detergent and storing flat or hanging by the center band preserves the fit and prevents the gold component from scratching.