You should wash men's underwear after each wear to keep bacteria and odors away. Many men skip daily changes—about 25% do not wash after every use, and 20% wear the same pair for a week. If you skip washes, you risk skin irritation, infections, and discomfort.

Key Takeaways

• Wash men's underwear after every use to keep skin healthy and avoid odors or infections.

• Sort underwear by fabric and color, turn them inside out, and use mild detergent with cold water for best care.

• Air dry underwear to protect elastic and fabric, and replace pairs every 6 to 12 months for comfort and fit.

Wash Men's Underwear: Step-by-Step

Sort and Prepare

Sorting your underwear before washing makes a big difference. You want to keep your underwear looking new and feeling comfortable. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Sort by fabric type first. Keep cotton, synthetics, delicates, and heavy-duty fabrics in separate piles. This helps prevent damage.

2. Check the care labels on each pair. Some fabrics need special care.

3. Within each fabric group, sort by color: whites, lights, and darks. This step stops color bleeding.

4. For delicate fabrics like silk, lace, bamboo, or modal, wash them separately or place them in a mesh laundry bag.

5. Always turn your underwear inside out before washing. This keeps colors bright, protects the elastic, and helps the detergent clean the areas that need it most.

6. Place delicate or decorated underwear in a laundry bag. This protects them from tangling and snagging in the wash.

Tip: Turning underwear inside out and using a laundry bag helps your underwear last longer and keeps them looking fresh.

Detergent and Water Temperature

Choosing the right detergent and water temperature matters when you wash men's underwear. Here’s what you need to know:

• Use a mild, chemical-free detergent. Brands like MamaSuds, Eco-me, or Meliora Laundry Powder work well for sensitive skin and delicate fabrics.

• Avoid bleach and fabric softeners. These can weaken fibers and ruin elastic.

• Cold water is best for most fabrics. It keeps colors from fading, prevents shrinking, and protects elastic. Use warm water for cotton if you need extra cleaning power, but avoid hot water unless the care label says it’s safe.

Machine Wash

You can wash men's underwear in the machine, but you need to do it right to keep them in good shape. Follow these steps:

1. Sort underwear by color and fabric type.

2. Turn each pair inside out.

3. Place delicates or decorated underwear in a mesh laundry bag.

4. Use a mild, fragrance-free detergent.

5. Select a gentle or delicate wash cycle with cold water.

6. Do not overload the washing machine. Give your underwear space to move.

7. Remove underwear promptly after the cycle ends to prevent creases and odors.

8. Air dry whenever possible. If you must use a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting.

Using a laundry bag reduces friction and protects your underwear from damage. This simple step helps extend the life of your favorite pairs.

Hand Wash

Hand washing is gentle and works well for delicate fabrics or when you want extra care. Here’s how you can hand wash men's underwear:

1. Fill a basin or sink with cold or lukewarm water. Use hot water only if the care label allows.

2. Add a small amount of mild detergent. Mix until it dissolves.

3. Submerge the underwear and gently agitate with your hands.

4. For extra sanitation, add a splash of white vinegar or a few drops of tea tree oil.

5. Let the underwear soak for 15-30 minutes. This helps loosen dirt and stains.

6. Gently rub any stained or soiled areas.

7. Rinse thoroughly with clean water until all detergent is gone.

8. Squeeze out excess water gently. Do not wring or twist, as this can damage the fabric and elastic.

9. Lay flat or hang to air dry.

Soaking for at least 15 minutes helps remove dirt and bacteria without harming the fabric.

Stain Care

Stains happen, but you can tackle them before they set. Here’s what you should do:

1. Identify the stain type (sweat, oil, blood, etc.).

2. Rinse the stained area under cold running water as soon as possible.

3. Apply a small amount of mild detergent, baking soda paste, or white vinegar directly to the stain.

4. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.

5. Gently dab or rub the stain with a soft brush or cloth. Avoid scrubbing too hard.

6. Rinse again with cold water.

7. Wash men's underwear as usual, either by hand or in the machine.

8. Check the stain before drying. If it’s still there, repeat the process. Heat can set stains, making them harder to remove.

For tough stains, try soaking the underwear in cold water with detergent for up to 30 minutes before washing.

Washing men's underwear the right way keeps them clean, comfortable, and long-lasting. With these steps, you can keep your underwear drawer in top shape and avoid common laundry mistakes.

Drying and Fabric Care

Air Drying vs. Machine Drying

When you finish washing, how you dry your underwear matters a lot. Air drying is the best choice for most fabrics. Hang your underwear on a rack or lay it flat in a well-ventilated area. This method helps keep the fabric strong and the elastic stretchy. Machine drying can be quick, but high heat often shrinks underwear and damages the fibers. If you must use a dryer, pick the lowest heat setting and remove your underwear while it’s still a little damp. Never iron your underwear—high heat can ruin technical fabrics and elastic.

Tip: Air drying not only keeps your underwear in good shape, but it also saves energy and helps the environment.

Cotton, Microfiber, and Silk

Different fabrics need different care. Here’s a quick guide:

If you wash men's underwear made from modal or bamboo, treat them like delicates. Always use cold water and gentle drying methods to keep them soft and smooth.

Elastic and Shape Care

You want your underwear to fit well and last longer. To protect the elastic, always use mild detergent and cold water. Avoid high heat when drying, since it can make the waistband stretch out or break down. Lay underwear flat or hang it smoothly to help it keep its shape. If you notice your underwear losing its fit, it might be time for a new pair. Taking these steps will help your underwear stay comfortable and supportive for as long as possible.

When you wash men's underwear the right way, you keep your skin healthy and your underwear lasting longer.

• Change and wash after every use.

• Sort by fabric and color.

• Use gentle detergent and cold water.

• Air dry to protect shape and elastic.

Good habits help you stay comfortable and confident every day!

FAQ

How often should you replace men's underwear?

You should replace your underwear every 6 to 12 months. If you see holes, stretched elastic, or stains that won’t come out, it’s time for new pairs.

Can you wash men's underwear with other clothes?

You can wash underwear with other clothes if you sort by color and fabric. Use a laundry bag for extra protection.

Tip: Always wash underwear in cold water.

What should you do if underwear smells after washing?

Try soaking your underwear in a mix of water and white vinegar for 30 minutes. This helps remove stubborn odors.

• Let them air dry in fresh air for best results.