Are you tired of your favourite pairs of undies coming out the washing machine looking like a sumo wrestler and ravenous tiger were fighting to put them on? 

You probably know handwashing is the way forward but if you suffer with ‘brief’ moments of indecision on the best methods, read on. We’ll teach you how to wash your underwear by hand properly. 

So, why get your delicate hands in amongst your own delicates? Well; handwashing your pants ensures that they stay in great condition for longer and helps maintain the comfortable shape of premium Bawbags boxer shorts. 

The laundry aisle in the shops can be an intimidating place; bio, non-bio, soap nuts, oh my!  In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of handwashing your underwear, from gathering your supplies to tips for delicate fabrics. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your underwear stays clean and lasts longer. 

So, let's jump right into it!

Choosing the Right Soap and Water Temperature

First, let's talk about how you can choose the perfect soap and water temperature to ensure a thorough and effective handwashing of your drawers. 

When it comes to choosing the right soap, opt for a mild detergent or a washing soap that's suitable for delicate fabrics. Stay away from bleach and industrial strength chemicals. These will  damage the fabric, most likely spoil the pattern of your pants and possibly peel a layer or two of skin off your hands. Soaps specifically designed for handwashing or delicate garments are formulated to be gentle yet effective in removing dirt and stains from your underwear (they will also be kinder on your hands too).

As for water temperature, it's best to use lukewarm water when handwashing your underwear. Hot water may cause shrinkage or colour fading, while cold water might not be up to effectively removing dirt and bacteria. Water in the Goldilocks zone of not too hot, and not too cold, helps loosen up any *ahem* residue without being too harsh on the fabric.

Preparing Your Underwear for Handwashing

To properly prepare your undergarments for handwashing, begin by getting rid of any clumpy bits that have been hitching a ride.

Stubborn stains will need to be pre-treated. Consider this your VIB boxers VIP meet and greet with detergent before the official hand washing process. You can use a stain remover or simply apply a small amount of detergent directly onto the stain and gently rub it in. Allow the pre-treatment to sit for a few minutes before moving on to the next step.

There’s no judgement here, but if stains and debris are persistent issues you might want to take a look at your diet, habits or possibly speak to your doctor.

Gently Washing and Rinsing Your Underwear

First of all you want to fill a basin with warm water and then add a skoosh of the gentle detergent of your choice. Give the water a swirl to lather up the bubbles and watch your pants personal hot tub of cleanliness take shape. 

Now it's time to make like a Swedish masseuse and start rubbing and kneading (and try not to get too excited). Pay extra attention to areas like the crotch and waistband, these spots can easily become hovels for sweat and bacteria so don't be shy. 

After you've thoroughly cleaned your underwear, it's time to rinse them properly. Empty the soapy water from the basin and refill it with clean, warm water. Submerge your underwear and take them on an underwater tango to remove any traces of detergent. Continue rinsing until there are no more soap suds left.

Once you're satisfied they are free and clear of soap, give them a loving squeeze to get rid of any remaining water. You don't need to act like a strongman here; rough  twisting and pulling can alter their shape or stretch them out of proportion. What's the point of spending your hard earned cash on supportive boxers just to end up with saggy baws?

For the absolute premium finish, lay your freshly washed underwear flat on a clean fluffy towel and roll it up tightly to absorb excess moisture before air drying them completely.

Tips for Stain Removal and Troubleshooting

Knowing how to handwash underwear properly is important, but dealing with difficult stains is an essential part of your cleanliness toolkit. When dealing with stains on your undergarments, it's important to act quickly and use the right tool for the stain-removal techniques. Whether it's a stubborn grease stain, an unexpected blood stain or something more in the realm of code brown.

For grease stains, start by blotting the area with a paper towel to remove any excess grease. Next, apply a small amount of dish soap directly onto the stain and work it using your fingers. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing with cold water. Repeat the process if the stain persists, or use a pre-treatment spray specifically designed for grease stains.

For bloodstains, rinsing it as soon as possible with cold water is going to be your best bet. Avoid using hot water as it can set the stain further into the fabric. Next, get your mad science attire on and create a paste by mixing hydrogen peroxide and baking soda together until you achieve a thick consistency. Apply this paste to the stained area and let it sit for about 15 minutes before rinsing with cold water again. If needed, repeat this process until the stain is completely gone. Remember to never use bleach on bloodstains as it can cause them to become more difficult to remove (but if you watch a lot of true crime you probably knew that altogether...).

Sh*it happens, it happens to all of us and sometimes it happens in our underwear. Getting it out of your underwear is easy when you know how. First try the two solutions above. If neither of those work, give white vinegar a try. It's acidic and should help shift stubborn stains.
 

With a little patience and effort, you'll be able to troubleshoot any staining issues and keep your underwear looking its best 

To Summarise

Knowing how to handwash underwear well will set you up for life. 

Okay, it won't help you afford the down payment on a house but starting the day in fresh and sparkling clean underpants will definitely give you a better outlook.

Archimedes once said, “Give me a lever long enough and…I shall move the world”. Here at Bawbags we say, “Give me the right water temperature, an appropriate cleaning agent and I will have fresh smelling baws.”

The next time you're faced with dirty underwear, get stuck in and give handwashing a try!

We don’t like to finish on downer, but the reality is that sometimes clothes can just be too far gone. In this case, remember the happy memories you shared and invest in some new high-quality underwear.