How to Clean and Store Strap Garters
By Bordelle | Published: 2026-10-29
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to clean and store your strap garters properly to keep them looking new and lasting longer.
Quick answer
Hand wash your strap garters in cool water with mild detergent, air dry away from heat, and store them flat or hanging to prevent stretching and metal tarnishing.
Why care matters for strap garters
Strap garters combine delicate satin, elastic, and metal components. Each material needs different care to avoid damage. The elastic can lose stretch if washed in hot water or dried in a machine. The satin may snag or fray, and the metal rings can tarnish if exposed to moisture or harsh chemicals.
Bordelle's Signature Wide Strap Garters, for instance, use 24k gold plated rings. Gold plating is beautiful but can wear off if rubbed against rough surfaces or cleaned with abrasive products. Adjustable straps also rely on small metal hardware that can corrode if not dried properly.
When to clean vs. when to replace
If your garters have visible dirt, sweat, or odor, a gentle wash can restore them. But if the elastic is permanently stretched out, the satin is torn, or the metal rings are corroded, replacement is the better option. Washing won't fix structural damage.
Check the elastic every few wears. If it no longer holds tension, the garter won't stay in place and may slip off stockings. That's a sign to retire the pair.
Diagnosis & care steps
- Symptom: Garters look dull or have a slight odor: Likely cause: Build-up of body oils, sweat, or perfume on the satin and elastic. Corrective action: Hand wash in cool water (max 30°C) with a few drops of mild lingerie detergent. Gently swish for 2 minutes, rinse with cool water, and press out excess moisture with a towel. Do not wring or twist. If odor persists after washing, the elastic may be absorbing smells. Consider a vinegar soak (1 part white vinegar to 4 parts water) for 10 minutes, then rinse again.
- Symptom: Metal rings look tarnished or discolored: Likely cause: Exposure to moisture, chlorine, or harsh chemicals. Corrective action: Buff the rings gently with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use jewelry cleaner or polish. For stubborn spots, a damp cloth with a tiny amount of mild soap, then dry immediately with a separate cloth. If tarnish does not lift with gentle buffing, the plating may have worn off. At this point, replacement is the better option to avoid irritation from exposed base metal.
- Symptom: Elastic feels loose or garters slip off stockings: Likely cause: Elastic fatigue from heat damage, overstretching, or age. Corrective action: Check the elastic for visible damage. If still intact, try adjusting the straps to a tighter setting. If the elastic is permanently stretched, washing will not restore it. Stop using the garters if the elastic cannot hold stockings securely. Replace them to prevent wardrobe malfunctions.
Product care note
- Signature Wide Strap Garters (Pair): Satin and soft wide band elastic lingerie garter set designed as the perfect bondage accessory to wear with suspender styles. Fully adjustable straps ensure a personalised fit, whilst the 24k gold plated rings and width of elastic ensure ease when attaching to any suspender style. The satin and elastic require gentle handling, and the gold plated rings need careful drying and storage to maintain their finish.
Signature Wide Strap Garters (Pair)
