I recently got my first binder (!!!) but I realize there are a few things I don't know... 1) How do I wash it? In the washer? By hand? Can it go in the dryer? 2) How often do I need to wash it? I only have one and I'd like to wear it as much as possible. It's a gc2b binder if that affects any of the answers.
You can wash it in the washer and dryer, it might wear it out quicker though. If you really want to be careful with it, hand washing with cold water and air-drying might prolong the use you can get out of it. Not really sure I can give an estimate on how often it should be washed, but in my experience they get pretty sweaty, so maybe more frequently?
If I remember correctly, the preferred method of washing a gc2b binder is by hand. I just wash it in the sink and use a coat hanger to hook it over my shower. They dry pretty fast, so it should be ready for wearing the next day. Might sound gross, but I wash mine whenever it starts to feel grimy. Longer lifespan, right? Sebby45
You can put it in the washer on a gentle setting or hand wash it, but be sure you hang it up to dry since putting it in the dryer can shrink it or mess with it in some way. As for how often should you wash your binder, it's up to you. Since I don't bind much anymore, I'll throw mine in the washer with my regular clothes maybe ones a month.
I never had problems washing in cold water in the machine and hang to dry. one of my binders had gone through the dryer maybe 3-4 times by accident. Then one time it came out with elastic thread sticking out all over. Completetly ruined. Was an Underworks. It's the high temps that did it methinks.
I usually either hand wash mine or place it in a garmet bag and put it in the washer. I always let it hang to dry. Like others said, drying it can make it smaller and just overall reduces the life of the binder.
You hand wash your binder you can put it into a washer as long as it is on hand wash and when you dry it you should probably let it dry by itself . If you put it into the washer without hand wash what happens depending on the binder you bought it can tighten which causes damage to your rib cage.