How to Wash Your Nursing Bras Without Damaging Them
By Simple Wishes | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: Tips & Care
Learn the right way to wash nursing bras so they last longer. Step-by-step care tips for fabric, fasteners, and fit.
Quick Answer
Wash your nursing bras by hand in cool water with a gentle detergent, or use a mesh bag on a delicate cycle. Never wring or twist the cups. Lay flat to dry away from direct heat. These simple habits keep elastics, clasps, and fabric in good shape for months.
Why Nursing Bras Need Special Care
Nursing bras have more moving parts than a regular bra: adjustable straps, nursing clips, and stretchy fabric that needs to hold up through repeated feedings. Harsh washing can weaken the elastic, damage the clips, or cause pilling on soft modal or cotton blends. A little extra attention during laundry pays off in fit and comfort.
The materials also matter. For example, the Juliette Ribbed Long Sleeve Pajama Set uses TENCEL™ Modal, a fabric that stays soft only if you avoid high heat and strong agitation. The same principle applies to most nursing bras—gentle care preserves the stretch and drape.
What You’ll Need
A mild, fragrance-free detergent (baby-safe or delicates wash works well), a sink or basin for hand washing, a mesh lingerie bag for machine washing, and a clean towel for drying. Avoid fabric softener and bleach—they coat fibers and break down elastic.
Step-by-Step: How to Wash Your Nursing Bras
- Step 1: Fasten all hooks and clasps: Clip the nursing clasps and hook the back closure before washing. This stops the hardware from snagging on other fabric or catching on the mesh bag. Common mistake: leaving clasps open can bend or break the plastic tabs.
- Step 2: Hand wash or use a mesh bag: Fill a sink with cool water and add a small squirt of gentle detergent. Submerge the bra and gently squeeze—never scrub or twist. For machine washing, place the bra in a mesh lingerie bag and select the delicate cycle with cold water. Checkpoint: if the water turns colored, rinse immediately and use cooler water next time.
- Step 3: Rinse thoroughly without wringing: Drain the soapy water and refill with cool clean water. Press the bra gently to push out suds. Repeat until no bubbles remain. Do not wring or twist the cups—that distorts the foam or padding. Residual detergent can irritate sensitive skin, so rinse until the water runs clear.
- Step 4: Press out excess water with a towel: Lay the bra flat on a clean, dry towel. Roll the towel up like a jelly roll and press gently to absorb moisture. Then unroll and reshape the cups and straps. Never hang a wet nursing bra by the straps—gravity stretches them out.
- Step 5: Lay flat to air dry: Place the bra on a drying rack or a fresh towel away from radiators, heaters, and direct sunlight. Let it dry completely before wearing or storing. Heat from dryers or radiators breaks down elastic fibers, shortening the bra’s lifespan by weeks.
Products That Make Care Easier
- Stages Maternity, Nursing & Wearable Pump Racerback Sports Bra: Featuring our patented removable bra straps that conceal the nursing clasp plastic hardware so you can convert to wear as a regular sports bra. This versatile bra is designed to support you through all stages of motherhood; pregnancy, nursing, and… The removable straps and concealed clasps mean you can adjust the fit without stressing the hardware during washing. Hand washing or using a mesh bag protects those small plastic parts so they keep clicking securely.
- Juliette Ribbed Long Sleeve Pajama Set: Ridiculously soft, this set is made from a light and airy fine-ribbed TENCEL™ Modal with just enough stretch to give effortless drapability. TENCEL™ Modal is gentle on skin but sensitive to heat and friction. Washing in cool water and skipping the dryer keeps the ribbed texture smooth and prevents shrinkage.
