How to Wash a Chest Binder

Many people who bind with chest binders have had the realization on laundry day that they need to wash their binder, and have no idea how to wash it. Since binders are considered delicates, they usually shouldn't be washed the same way you wash your normal clothes. While most binders come with instructions on how to wash them, if you lost the instructions or got a used binder without the instructions, there are some general tips that apply to washing any binder.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Hand-Washing Your Binder

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Hand-washing your binder will help it last longer.

If you have a binder that fastens shut, such as with a zipper or Velcro, close the fastenings before putting it in the wash, to ensure nothing is damaged.^{[1]XResearch source}
2
Flip your binder inside-out. You'll want to turn your binder inside-out when you wash it, since the inside is the part that touches your skin the most and is more likely to get sweaty.
- Since you'll be hand-washing your binder, you'll have more control over what spots get washed, so while you do want to wash the inside, it's important to get the outside as well.
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3
Place your binder in water. Fill a sink - or even a plastic tub or bucket - with cool water and place your binder into the water. Some binders can be soaked, but don't soak it for too long to avoid a risk of damaging the fabric.
- Check the temperature before washing! It's a bad idea to throw a binder into hot water - it can damage the material and cause it to shrink (as well as hurt your hands). If you don't know the temperature recommendations for your specific binder, opt for cool water.
4
Wash your binder with a mild or normal detergent. You don't need to do any harsh scrubbing or squeezing - just put some detergent into the water and use your hands to swirl and lightly knead your binder in the water.^{[2]XResearch source}^{[3]XResearch source}
- If you don't have access to any detergent, bar soap will work in a pinch.^{[4]XResearch source}
- If you notice any stains on your binder, you can gently scrub the stain with your hands or with soap, but be careful not to be too rough.
- Don't use a strong detergent, bleaches, or softeners when washing your binder, as these can damage the material.^{[5]XResearch source}
After your binder has been cleaned well, fully rinse it with clean water, until there are no traces of bubbles or soap on the fabric.^{[6]XResearch source}
6
Hang your binder up to dry. Once you've finished washing your binder, gently squeeze the extra water out, then place your binder on a hanger and hang it up somewhere to dry, such as near a window or on the door of your shower. It's also possible to dry your binder on a clothesline outside.
- It's best to dry your binder in a well-ventilated area. However, if you need to hide your binder and can't dry it out in the open, find an option that isn't so visible, such as hanging it in your closet.^{[7]XResearch source}
- Do not put your binder in a dryer - this can damage the binder, cause it to shrink, and will shorten its lifespan.^{[8]XResearch source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Machine-Washing Your Binder

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If you have a binder that fastens shut, such as with a zipper or Velcro, close the fastenings before putting it in the wash, to ensure nothing is damaged.^{[9]XResearch source}
2
Flip your binder inside-out. Since the inside of your binder is the part that touches your skin the most (and usually gets sweaty), turning it inside-out will help to clean it better. Since your binder is going in the washing machine, it will also help to protect any fastenings that your binder may have.
- It's recommended to wash any delicates inside-out.^{[10]XResearch source}
3
Put your binder in a delicates bag, if possible. Chest binders are made of an elastic material, so it's recommended to put them in a bag for delicates (sometimes called lingerie bags) before putting them in with the wash. This will help protect the material.
- Binders can be put in the wash without being bagged,^{[11]XResearch source} but it's not recommended.
4
Wash your binder with similar delicates, if possible. It's often best to machine-wash binders with other delicates of the same weight and color, since it gets more clothes cleaned in one wash.^{[12]XResearch source}
- If you don't have a lot of delicate clothes that you can wash your binder with, it's possible to put it in with your normal clothes.^{[13]XResearch source} Just be careful that your binder's fabric or fastenings won't snag on other things in the wash!
5
Use cold water with mild or normal detergent. While it's recommended to use a mild detergent, these are more expensive, so using a normal detergent will work fine if you don't have it. However, you should only wash your binder in cold water - hot water will cause it to shrink.^{[14]XResearch source}
- Don't use strong detergents, bleach, or softeners - these will damage your binder.^{[15]XResearch source}
A fast spin cycle can damage your binder (as well as other delicates).^{[16]XResearch source}^{[17]XResearch source} If you don't have an option on your machine for delicates, though, a standard wash will still work, as long as it's not too rough.^{[18]XResearch source}
7
Hang your binder up to dry. Once you've finished washing your binder, remove it from the delicates bag. Place it on a hanger and hang it up somewhere to dry, such as near a window or on the door of your shower, or on a clothesline outside.
- It's best to dry your binder in a well-ventilated area. However, if you need to hide your binder and can't dry it out in the open, find an option that isn't so visible, such as hanging it in your closet.^{[19]XResearch source}
- Do not put your binder in a dryer - this can damage the binder, cause it to shrink, and will shorten its lifespan.^{[20]XResearch source}

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Tips

When putting your binder away, hanging it up will help it retain its shape better than if you were to put it in a drawer.^{[21]XResearch source}
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Binders don't usually need to be washed after one wear. Many people choose to wash their binders after a few days to a week of wear, but you should wash it by the time it begins to smell or look dirty.^{[22]XResearch source}
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Most tips that apply to washing any delicate clothes tend to apply to binders as well.
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Warnings

Avoid putting your binder near a heat source, ironing it, or putting it in the dryer. The heat will cause it to shrink.^{[23]XResearch source}
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Never use ACE Bandages to bind, this can bruise your ribs.
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