{"id":3438,"date":"2025-05-23T18:23:58","date_gmt":"2025-05-23T17:23:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/?p=3438"},"modified":"2026-01-10T18:35:16","modified_gmt":"2026-01-10T18:35:16","slug":"how-to-wash-underwear-for-men","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/how-to-wash-underwear-for-men","title":{"rendered":"How to Wash Underwear for Men: The Laundry-Pro Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"3438\" class=\"elementor elementor-3438\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4e02615d e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"4e02615d\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3a3d2fa0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3a3d2fa0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 05-08-2024 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<h1>How to Wash Underwear for Men<\/h1><p>If you want underwear that\u2019s <strong>fresh, comfortable, and lasts longer<\/strong>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/how-to-choose-the-best-dry-cleaning-service-in-london\">best<\/a> approach is simple: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/service\/wash-iron\">wash<\/a> after every wear, follow the care label, use a sensible temperature, and dry properly<\/strong>. Professional laundering isn\u2019t magic\u2014it\u2019s a repeatable routine that removes sweat, skin oils, and odour-causing microbes through a series of steps.<\/p><p>Below is the exact method we recommend at <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/\"><strong>Hamlet Laundry Ltd in London<\/strong><\/a>, written to be practical at home and useful anywhere in the world.<\/p><h3>Quick answer (for busy people)<\/h3><p>To wash underwear for men, <strong>turn it inside out, pre-treat stains, wash on a gentle cycle with the warmest label-safe water<\/strong>, use a normal amount of detergent, and <strong>dry fully (air-dry or low heat)<\/strong>. When someone is sick at home, use the <strong>warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely<\/strong>.<\/p><h2>The 6-step method (machine wash)<\/h2><p>This is the \u201cdefault\u201d routine we\u2019d recommend for most men\u2019s underwear\u2014boxers, briefs, and boxer briefs.<\/p><h3>1) Sort smart (and turn inside out)<\/h3><ul><li><strong>Separate whites and darks<\/strong> (keeps whites from greying).<\/li><li>If you can, <strong>separate heavy, abrasive items<\/strong> (jeans, towels) from underwear to reduce friction and stretching.<\/li><li><strong>Turn underwear inside out<\/strong>\u2014the side that touches skin collects the most sweat and body oils.<\/li><\/ul><h3>2) Pre-treat the problem areas (30 seconds that saves the whole wash)<\/h3><p>If there\u2019s visible staining or heavy sweat:<\/p><ul><li>Wet the area with cool water.<\/li><li>Rub in a small amount of detergent (or a <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/how-to-get-mud-stain-out-of-clothes\">stain<\/a> remover safe for that fabric).<\/li><li>Let it sit for <strong>10\u201315 minutes<\/strong> before washing.<\/li><\/ul><p>This helps detergent work on oils and sweat buildup\u2014one of the main causes of \u201cclean but still smells.\u201d<\/p><h3>3) Pick the right temperature (label first, then logic)<\/h3><p><a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/best-laundry-service-and-dry-cleaning-in-berrylands\">Laundry<\/a> science reviews consistently describe laundering as a <strong>series of steps<\/strong> (temperature, chemistry, time, agitation, drying) that work together to reduce soil and odour-causing microbes.<\/p><p>Use this decision table as a practical guide:<\/p><table><thead><tr><td><strong>Situation<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Best starting choice<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Why it helps<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Everyday wear, no heavy sweat<\/td><td><strong>Cool to warm<\/strong> (label-safe)<\/td><td>Protects elastic, still removes routine soil<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Gym \/ heavy sweat \/ \u201clingering odour\u201d<\/td><td><strong>Warm<\/strong> (label-safe)<\/td><td>Helps lift body oils that trap odour<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Someone is sick at home<\/td><td><strong>Warmest appropriate + dry fully<\/strong><\/td><td>CDC guidance emphasizes warmest appropriate setting and complete drying<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><p><strong>Important:<\/strong> Don\u2019t go hotter \u201cjust because.\u201d Always prioritize the <strong>care label<\/strong>, especially for synthetics and stretch blends.<\/p><h3>4) Choose the right cycle + detergent dose<\/h3><ul><li>Use <strong>gentle\/delicates<\/strong> if your underwear is stretch-heavy (most modern pairs are).<\/li><li>Use a <strong>normal amount<\/strong> of detergent\u2014overdosing can leave residue, which can hold odours over time.<\/li><li>If your machine has it, an <strong>extra rinse<\/strong> can help (especially in hard-water areas).<\/li><\/ul><h3>5) Dry properly (this is where many people lose the battle)<\/h3><p>A key hygiene takeaway from public health guidance is: <strong>dry items completely<\/strong>.<\/p><ul><li><strong>Best for longevity:<\/strong> air-dry (especially for elastic waistbands).<\/li><li><strong>If tumble drying:<\/strong> low heat, and don\u2019t over-dry.<\/li><\/ul><p>Why we care so much about drying: damp fabrics + warm environments make it easier for smells to return. Recent laundry microbiome research highlights how washing and drying conditions influence what stays on textiles and how malodours can develop.<\/p><h3>6) Optional \u201chygiene boost\u201d when you actually need it<\/h3><p>You don\u2019t need to \u201csterilize\u201d underwear daily. But in specific situations\u2014like illness in the household\u2014public guidance supports:<\/p><ul><li>washing according to the label, using the <strong>warmest appropriate<\/strong> setting, and<\/li><li><strong>drying completely<\/strong>.<\/li><\/ul><p>If you want an extra hygiene margin (and the fabric allows it), consider a laundry sanitizer product that\u2019s designed to be used with detergent. (Always follow label instructions on both the sanitizer and the garment.)<\/p><h2>Hot vs cold water for men\u2019s underwear<\/h2><p>This is one of the most common questions, and the honest answer is: <strong>it depends<\/strong>.<\/p><ul><li><strong>Cold water<\/strong> is fine for many everyday loads and protects fabric life.<\/li><li><strong>Warm water<\/strong> can be more effective against body oils and the \u201cstill smells after washing\u201d problem\u2014especially with synthetic performance underwear.<\/li><li>If someone is sick, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CDC<\/a> guidance emphasizes the <strong>warmest appropriate<\/strong> water setting and <strong>complete drying<\/strong>.<\/li><\/ul><p>The most important thing isn\u2019t one \u201cmagic temperature\u201d\u2014it\u2019s doing the whole system correctly: <strong>right cycle, right chemistry, not overloading, and drying fully<\/strong>. That \u201cseries of steps\u201d framing is exactly how the science literature describes effective laundering.<\/p><h2>Fabric guide: boxers vs briefs vs performance underwear<\/h2><p>Not all underwear behaves the same in the wash. Use this quick guide:<\/p><table><thead><tr><td><strong>Fabric type<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>What to do<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>What to avoid<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Cotton<\/td><td>Cool\u2013warm wash (label-safe), regular detergent<\/td><td>High heat drying if it shrinks<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Modal \/ viscose blends<\/td><td>Gentle cycle, cool\u2013warm (label-safe), air-dry preferred<\/td><td>Hot water + high dryer heat<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Synthetic \/ \u201cperformance\u201d<\/td><td>Warm (label-safe) can help with oils\/odour; consider extra rinse<\/td><td>Heavy fabric softener residue; overloading<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><h2>When underwear still smells after washing (odor rescue)<\/h2><p>If this happens, it\u2019s usually one (or more) of these:<\/p><h3>The big 4 causes<\/h3><ol><li><strong>Underwear sat damp too long<\/strong> (hamper or gym bag)<\/li><li><strong>Too much detergent<\/strong> (residue traps odours)<\/li><li><strong>Cold-only washing + low agitation<\/strong> over time<\/li><li><strong>Washing machine buildup\/biofilms<\/strong><\/li><\/ol><p>Washing machines can accumulate microbial films in parts like rubber seals and detergent drawers, and reviews discuss how these environments contribute to contamination and malodour.<\/p><h3>A practical \u201creset\u201d routine<\/h3><ul><li>Rewash the underwear on a <strong>label-safe warm cycle<\/strong> with correct detergent dose.<\/li><li>Add an <strong>extra rinse<\/strong>.<\/li><li>Run a <strong>machine maintenance <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/best-laundry-service-and-dry-cleaning-in-canary-wharf\">clean<\/a><\/strong> (follow your machine manual; many have a drum-clean cycle).<\/li><li>Clean the gasket\/seal and detergent drawer (where buildup is common).<\/li><\/ul><h2>What we see at Hamlet Laundry (London): the 5 most common mistakes<\/h2><p>We process a lot of mixed household laundry, and these are the patterns we see repeatedly:<\/p><ol><li><strong>Overloading the machine<\/strong> (clothes can\u2019t move; detergent can\u2019t rinse)<\/li><li><strong>Too much detergent<\/strong> (residue + odour loop)<\/li><li><strong>High heat drying on stretch blends<\/strong> (waistbands lose life faster)<\/li><li><strong>Leaving damp laundry in the washer overnight<\/strong> (odours rebound)<\/li><li><strong>Ignoring the care label<\/strong> (especially with \u201cperformance\u201d underwear)<\/li><\/ol><h3>A subtle London solution (when time is the real problem)<\/h3><p>If you\u2019re in <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/travel-guide-to-london\">London<\/a><\/strong> and the issue isn\u2019t knowledge but time\u2014gym schedule, commuting, shared flats\u2014this is exactly the kind of load our <strong>wash &amp; fold<\/strong> service is built for. We separate by fabric needs, handle drying carefully, and return items ready to wear (without you juggling settings and timing).<\/p><h2>People Also Ask-ready<\/h2><p><strong>How often should men wash underwear?<\/strong><\/p><p>After <strong>every wear<\/strong>. Laundry science emphasizes that laundering removes bodily fluids and soils that otherwise contribute to odour and potential pathogen exposure over time.<\/p><p><strong>Should you wash underwear in hot or cold water?<\/strong><\/p><p>For most people, <strong>cool to warm<\/strong> (label-safe) is ideal. For heavy sweat or persistent odour, <strong>warm<\/strong> (label-safe) can help. When someone is sick at home, guidance highlights using the <strong>warmest appropriate<\/strong> water setting and <strong>drying completely<\/strong>.<\/p><p><strong>Can I wash underwear with towels or jeans?<\/strong><\/p><p>You can, but it\u2019s not ideal. Towels and denim are rougher and can cause more friction, which can shorten the life of elastic and softer fabrics. If you want underwear to last, wash it with lighter garments when possible.<\/p><p><strong>Should I wash underwear inside out?<\/strong><\/p><p>Yes\u2014especially for underwear worn during workouts. The inside surface holds most sweat and skin oils.<\/p><p><strong>Why does my underwear smell \u201cclean\u201d but still has an odour?<\/strong><\/p><p>It\u2019s usually oil residue + incomplete rinse\/dry, or washing machine buildup. Research on laundry malodour and washing machine biofilms supports this \u201cecosystem\u201d explanation: textiles, machine surfaces, water, products, and drying all interact.<\/p><h3>Key takeaways<\/h3><ul><li>Treat underwear washing as a system: <strong>sort \u2192 pre-treat \u2192 label-safe temperature \u2192 correct detergent \u2192 full drying<\/strong>.<\/li><li>For illness situations, follow public health guidance: <strong>warmest appropriate<\/strong> water setting + <strong>dry completely<\/strong>.<\/li><li>If odours persist, consider <strong>machine hygiene<\/strong> and fabric type\u2014modern low-temp habits can increase malodour risk over time.<\/li><\/ul><p>If you\u2019re London-based and want the \u201cfresh, no-drama\u201d outcome without thinking about settings and cycles, <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/\"><strong>Hamlet Laundry Ltd<\/strong><\/a> can take it from there\u2014quietly, professionally, and with fabric care that keeps your essentials in good shape.<\/p><h2>\ud83e\uddfa Tired of Thinking About Laundry? Let Hamlet Laundry Handle It<\/h2><p>You now know <em>how<\/em> to wash underwear properly\u2014but if you\u2019re honest, <strong>finding the time<\/strong> is often the real challenge. Between work, commuting, gym sessions, and family life in London, laundry is one more thing competing for your attention.<\/p><p>That\u2019s where <strong>Hamlet Laundry Ltd<\/strong> steps in \ud83d\udc47<\/p><p><strong>We take the stress out of laundry\u2014quietly, professionally, and reliably.<\/strong><\/p><p>\u2705 <strong>Convenient pickup &amp; delivery across London<\/strong><br \/>No more carrying heavy bags or planning your day around a wash cycle.<\/p><p>\u2705 <strong>Expert wash &amp; fold service<\/strong><br \/>Your underwear and everyday essentials are sorted, washed, dried, and folded with fabric-appropriate care\u2014just like we do in our professional setup.<\/p><p>\u2705 <strong>Hygiene-focused cleaning<\/strong><br \/>We use proven laundering methods to remove sweat, odours, and everyday soil\u2014without damaging elastic or delicate fabrics.<\/p><p>\u2705 <strong>Time back in your day<\/strong><br \/>While we handle the laundry, you focus on what actually matters\u2014work, family, rest, or your next workout \ud83d\udcaa<\/p><p>\u2728 <strong>The result?<\/strong> Fresh, comfortable underwear and clothing\u2014without the trial and error, without the hassle.<\/p><p>If you\u2019re based in <strong>London<\/strong> and want laundry done <strong>right the first time<\/strong>, let <strong>Hamlet Laundry Ltd<\/strong> take care of it for you.<\/p><p>\ud83d\udc49 <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/order\"><strong>Book your laundry pickup today<\/strong> <\/a>and experience how effortless clean clothes can be.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How to Wash Underwear for Men If you want underwear that&rsquo;s fresh, comfortable, and lasts<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":3440,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[510,620,19],"tags":[438,222,21,421,437,36,439],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3438"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3438"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3438\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3443,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3438\/revisions\/3443"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3440"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3438"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3438"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3438"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}