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Bras are worn right up against the skin, often absorbing sweat or picking up dead skin throughout the day.While it might seem like a bra should be washed after each use, that’s not always the case.Read on for how often to wash your bra to keep it in its best shape.Because you wear a bra right up against your skin all day everyday, you might feel inclined to wash it after each use. While that might be necessary in some cases, it’s not always a hard rule—and it could even damage the garment. To find out how often you should wash your bra, we spoke to our cleaning pros at the Good Housekeeping Institute. Read on for their expert advice, including tips on how to keep your bra in its best shape possible. How Often to Wash Your BrasIf you’ve been washing your bra after each use, you’re probably doing more work than required. “Bras can be worn a few times, maybe three or even four depending on how long you wear them and if you’ve been active or sweaty,” says Carolyn Forté, executive director of the GH Institute’s Home Care & Cleaning Lab. Not only is washing your bra after each use unnecessary, it can also harm the fabric. When washed too often, bras can lose their elasticity. Here are some key factors to consider when deciding if it’s time to wash your bra:⚠️ Sweat levels: Whether it’s due to working out or warmer weather, more sweat means more washing, even if it’s your first or second time wearing the bra since it’s been cleaned. ⚠️ Length of use: “The longer you wear them, the more they need washing. If you’re a person who takes your bra off when you get home in the evening, you can probably wash them every three or four wears,” says Forté. ⚠️ The type of bra: Sports bras should be washed after each use if you’re partaking in intense workouts. Luckily, many sports bras can handle more frequent washing, thanks to durable materials like nylon and spandex. More Laundry TipsHow to Keep Bras in Good ShapeThere’s nothing worse than losing one of your favorite bras due to wear and tear. To keep them in their best shape possible for as long as possible, follow these simple care tips. ChayTee//Getty Images✔️ Hand wash delicate fabrics: Certain bras need to be washed by hand. Make sure to check all care labels before deciding whether to throw your bra in the laundry with the rest of your load. ✔️ Use a bra bag in the washer: If your bra can be machine washed, make sure to put it in a mesh bra bag beforehand to help keep it in better shape. Close all hooks to prevent your bra from getting snagged on other materials. ✔️ Let them air dry: Because of their delicate fabrics, bras should not be put in the dryer. Instead, carefully press out any excess water and lay them on a flat, clean surface to dry. ✔️ Cycle through bras: Rather than wearing the same bra three or four times before washing and moving onto your next bra, try cycling through them. Wearing the same one over and over can put stress on the elastic. By rotating between a few bras, you’re allowing each one to rest before wearing it again.Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.  More

Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter. More

The dishwasher is the real workhorse of the kitchen, if you ask us. But there are a surprising number of things you should never put in the dishwasher, according to cleaning experts. We know, it’s tedious to hand-wash things after dinner when all you want to do is cozy up on the couch. It’d be so much easier if you could just put all the cookware and utensils in the dishwasher, hit the button for your preferred dishwasher cycle, and call it a day. But certain items can’t stand handle the heat and agitation that modern dishwashers use. In order to extend the life of your special items like Grandma’s china or those copper pots and pans you got as a wedding gift, you’ll have to spend a few minutes hand-washing them. Here are all the items that our experts from the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care and Cleaning Lab say you should be hand-washing. 1. Cast-Iron SkilletYou know how you have to season your skillet before using it? Well, when you put it in the dishwasher, you’re basically undoing all of that hard work. There are a few different ways to effectively clean your cast iron without damaging the skillet, some involving vegetable oil and others involving salt. But as Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab, stresses: “Your cast iron skillet should never be soaked in the sink or put in the dishwasher.” 2. Wooden UtensilsThe hot water and heat for drying in your dishwasher are too harsh for your mixing spoons, spatulas, or any other kitchen tool made of wood. Your utensils will likely warp, split and lose shape over time, which nobody wants.3. Wooden Cutting BoardsLike the wooden spoons, hot water will cause the finish of your favorite wooden board to dull and possibly warp or split, says Forté. Instead, use a mixture of three tablespoons of bleach per quart of water to scrub it clean.4. Grandma’s Vintage PlatesIf you were gifted the family china when you got married, be wary of exposing it to the hot water and detergents that can eat away at any gold trim or hand-painted details. To be safe, gently wash all of the dishes by hand to ensure they will live on for generations to come. Anna Kurzaeva//Getty ImagesVintage plates and china are best washed by hand to avoid any potential damage.5. Garlic PressThey speed up supper, but you’ll need to slow down to clean them. Since garlic is sticky in paste form, bits of it get stuck in the crevices. It can be a hassle, but chances are your dishwasher won’t totally get rid of all the garlic residue. Wash yours by hand to ensure it’s totally spotless for your next meal prep session. 6. Insulated MugsOverall, Forté advises that it’s best to check and follow the mug manufacturer’s directions to be sure auto dishwashing is safe. Some newer travel mugs are dishwasher safe, but your dishwasher could destroy the insulation on some, so it can be best to do a quick wash in the sink instead. 7. Bottles or Jars With Labels on ThemIf you want to keep your pickle jar, just make sure you remove the paper label and any adhesive remnants first — those materials usually come off in the dishwasher and can get stuck in the filter, which might lead to more serious problems later (problems that cost way more to repair than the pickle jar is worth).8. Aluminum CookwareCookware that is made of aluminum will become discolored and damaged. Best to just use a bit of elbow grease the next time you need to scrub your cake pans. 9. Cheese GraterThe cheesy goodness you just grated for mac and cheese may still be stuck in the holes even after a cycle in the dishwasher. Instead, use soap and a sponge or brush to wash it by hand and ensure today’s cheddar doesn’t mix with tomorrow’s mozzarella.10. Fancy Chef KnivesSince the nylon racks and tines in your dishwasher shouldn’t be nicked, you should keep your knives far away from them, Forté says. Plus, when knives rattle around in the dishwasher, it can damage the blades, and wooden handles can split and dry out. But, if your dishwasher has a dedicated rack for knives, you’re the exception to the rule. Plastic-handled knives may be safe to put in. Lucky duck!11. Copper Pots, Pans, and MugsIf you enjoy a tasty Moscow Mule in a copper mug as much as we do, you know half of the appeal is your cup’s beautiful color. The thing is, the harshness of the dishwasher can cause any copper surfaces to dull or fade, which is why it’s better to wash your copper mugs, pots, and pans by hand to be safe.12. Non-Stick CookwareMany non-stick cookware brands say it’s safe to wash in the dishwasher. It is occasionally, but Forté says to keep in mind that, over time, it can degrade the non-stick finish properties. If you want the cookware to last, wash it by hand.13. CrystalYou can check with the manufacturer — some crystal is dishwasher safe. In fact, some dishwashers even have crystal cycles. But for crystal, it’s best to think twice. Hot water, especially hard water, and detergent can leave it cloudy and spotted. Load it incorrectly and it can emerge chipped and cracked. Antique and hand-painted crystal should always be hand-washed to be safe.Lauren is a senior editor at Hearst. She was previously the senior editor at WomansDay.com and the home editor at GoodHousekeeping.com and HouseBeautiful.com. Her book club, ramen, and jean jackets are a few of her favorite things.Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter.Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York. More

Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter. More

Wondering how long wet clothes can sit in a washer? The good news is you’re not alone. It happens to basically everyone at some point: You hear the washing machine timer go off, but you’re in the middle of cooking dinner, walking out the door to run an time-sensitive errand, or you just got to a cliffhanger moment in that Hulu series you’ve been watching and can’t turn away. Next thing you know, the laundry has totally slipped your mind. We tapped Good Housekeeping’s very own resident cleaning pro, Home Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director Carolyn Forté for the honest answer on how long wet clothes can be in a dryer. You’ll be happy to know that it’s longer than you might think! Forté gave us all the info on when it’s fine to continue and when you might need to rewash. How long can you leave wet laundry in the dryer? According to Forté, while forgetting wet laundry in the washer can be annoying, it isn’t the end of the world. You just need to know how long it’s been in there.Leaving your load overnight — that is, approximately eight to 10 hours — in the washer doesn’t mean you automatically need to rewash everything with detergent. If it less than 10 hours, you can pop them in the dryer as you normally would. Or, if anything, Forté says you can always select a quick rinse and spin cycle to refresh things without running a whole wash again. That said, there is such a thing as waiting too long to move your clothes over to the dryer. “I would try not to let the load sit in the washer longer than overnight,” Forté warns. “Otherwise, items on top could start to dry, and they’ll likely be stiff and hard instead of soft and fluffy and the whole load could start to smell a little stale.”Again, not a huge deal, though. If your clothes sit in the washer longer than overnight, regardless if they smell or feel stiff, it’s best to do a quick rewash. Anytime you pick up a mildew scent from your load, Forté advises rewashing everything in a short cycle with detergent (look for the “Lightly Soiled” setting on your machine) to make sure all of your garments get properly cleaned. The more you know!Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter. More

If you have one of the best washing machines, we’re willing to bet it has a presoak option. Wondering when to use the laundry’s presoak cycle? We’ve got all the expert-backed info you need on what this cycle does and when you should use it. The presoak cycle typically adds a little bit of time to your wash, but if you’re dealing with tough stains, it’s definitely worth it. The presoak cycle is a common setting on newer washing machines, though it may have a different name depending on the washing machine you have. Understanding your appliance and the different laundry settings it has can make laundry day a whole lot easier and extend the life of your garments. No need to throw out those grass-stained jeans or your favorite white tee that ended up with a sauce stain on it!Here’s everything you need to know about the presoak cycle. What is the presoak cycle?The presoak cycle is exactly what it sounds like: a special setting that soaks your laundry in water before the main wash begins. You’ll want to use this when dealing with tough stains and heavily soiled items like sports’ uniforms covered in grass or mud, tablecloths and napkins with dried-on food stains, grayed-out whites or dingy towels.While the specifics of each machine may be a little bit different, the presoak cycle is, essentially, a soak cycle with some agitation to help loosen dirt and grime. Typically, you also add detergent or a special presoak solution to the mix, which helps break down more stubborn stains as the dirty items tumble and soak in the sudsy water.pkazmercyk//Getty ImagesDepending on your washer, the presoak cycle typically lasts between 15 and 30 minutes, though some models may offer longer presoak options. Once the presoak cycle is complete, the machine usually drains the dirty water, sometimes spins briefly and then moves right into the regular wash cycle, so you don’t have to lift a finger between cycles. Do all washing machines have a presoak cycle?Many newer washing machines are equipped with a presoak or soak setting, though the name and exact function can vary. Some machines even allow for more customization, letting you choose how long you want to soak your laundry; others are more fixed.If you’re not sure whether your machine has this feature, check the user manual or look through the cycle options on the appliance’s control panel. Look for names on your machine like soak, presoak, prewash, stain treat, deep clean and power soak. The user manual can also guide you through specifics like where to put pre-soak product and how much to use.No matter what it’s called and how exactly it works, the presoak cycle is a low-lifts extra step that can make a big difference in how clean your clothes look when you pull them out of the machine. Take Your Laundry to the Next Level With These Top-Tested DetergentsBest OverallTide Hygienic Clean Heavy 10x Duty Power PODSBest Overall Liquid Laundry DetergentPersil Advanced Clean Oxi+Odor PowerBest ValueKIRKLAND Signature Ultra Clean Premium Laundry Detergent Now 12% OffBrigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.Jamie Ballard (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor who covers news, lifestyle, and entertainment topics, including sex and relationships, TV, movies, books, health, pets, food and drinks, pop culture, shopping, and personal finance. She regularly contributes to Cosmopolitan, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping, and YouGov, among other publications. When she’s not working, you can find her running, traveling, or scrolling TikTok. Follow her on Twitter. More

1Store pantry itemsA Beautiful MessBring in wicker baskets to corral back-up ingredients, like coffee grinds, seltzer water, or bottles of liquor. The key is to store items you won’t need until your current bottle or bag runs out. See more at A Beautiful Mess »2Show off artworkStyle by Emily HendersonAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below3Arrange cookbooksAmy Bartlam Open shelving above upper cabinets is the perfect place to display cookbooks—remember it’s more about decor, it will be too difficult to pull them down on a regular basis. Designer Jenn Feldman also hangs picture lighting above. Photo by: Amy Bartlam4Add baskets to hide clutterPretty in the PinesNot only do wicker baskets add texture to any space, they’re great for storage. Tuck infrequently used items (think small appliances or seasonal dishtowels) into baskets to keep them out of sight. See more at Pretty in the Pines »Advertisement – Continue Reading Below5Display vases and sculpturesStyle by Emily HendersonCountertops should be clear for cooking, which means there aren’t many spaces to showoff art and decor in the kitchen. Arrange decorative vases, sculptures, and wood cutting boards on top of cabinets. See more at Style by Emily Henderson »6Let houseplants growChristopher SturmanIn this sunny kitchen, designed Proem Studio, houseplants thrive on top of kitchen cabinets. The fresh greenery fills dead space and creates a calming effect.Photo by: Christopher SturmanAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below7Layer in small decorChristene Holder HomeMake the most of vertical space and add charm. Going for a “cottagecore” vibe, this blogger weaves in cozy decor, including wicker bins, faux houseplants, and vintage books. See more at Christene Holder Home »8Fill food storage containersJane Merritt/The House That Lars BuiltStore extra ingredients on top of kitchen cabinets—ideally in pretty storage jars, like these pink and bronze ones. Think flour, sugar, and grains that you don’t use on a daily basis. See more at The House That Lars Built »Advertisement – Continue Reading Below9Organize wicker basketsTidbits & CompanyAfter organizing every cabinet and drawer, this blogger takes it a step further: wicker bins on top of the cabinet for hidden storage. It also adds a much-needed pop of texture.See more at Tidbits & Company »10Build in cubbies for storageAaron ColussiIf you have dead space over kitchen cabinets, add dividers to create cubbies for baskets. It’s a great place to stow away back-up items, like unopened spices or boxes of pasta. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below11Embrace natural materialsStanislav Uvarov//Getty ImagesNatural textures—pampas grass, wicker, or rattan—add warmth to an industrial space. A statement light fixture also draws attention to the ceiling, to create the illusion of a larger space. Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowReaders Also ReadAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

1PotatoesGuido Mieth//Getty ImagesIf you live somewhere that experiences milder autumns, potatoes are an ideal pick. “Potatoes grow great in containers and if you plant them in the fall, you will have a great harvest before the first frost,” says Chastain. If it gets too cold, simply move the container indoors to extend the growing period. 2PansiesBowonpat Sakaew//Getty ImagesPansies do well in chilly weather, making them a great choice for autumn, even if you live somewhere that’s a bit colder. “These are cold hardy and may even come back in the spring if there’s good snow cover or a mild winter,” says Lisa Edred Steinkopf, also known as The Houseplant Guru. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below3CabbageMaria Korneeva//Getty Images”Hardy greens like kale, lettuce, and cabbage are also a great choice. Like potatoes, they’ll be ready to harvest before the temperatures get too cold,” says Chastain. Plus, they can even get more colorful and taste a little sweeter as the weather gets colder. 4SnapdragonsKatsiaryna Yeudakimava//Getty ImagesAdd some vertical height to your container garden with this colorful pick. “Snapdragons, like pansies, can come back if the winter is mild. These add color, new texture, and are great fillers,” says Steinkopf. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below5GarlicBarbara Rich//Getty Images6Marigoldswulingyun//Getty ImagesNot only are marigolds the perfect color for an autumn container garden—they also bloom from summer all the way to the first frost. Pair them next to pumpkins for a matching container garden display.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Ornamental GrassesIuliia Burmistrova//Getty Images”Grasses add height and movement to a container,” says Steinkopf. Pair them with fall flowers like marigolds or pansies for added visual appeal. 8ViolasSantiago Urquijo//Getty ImagesA touch of purple might just be what you need this fall. “Violas are my favorite fall flower. They are just beautiful, happy flowers and they do really well in colder temperatures. They bounce back pretty fast from a colder night, too,” says Chastain.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below9CelosiaPhotos from Japan, Asia and othe of the world//Getty ImagesThe unusual, feathery-looking texture of celosia makes any fall container garden stand out. “These plants have become popular for fall containers and are usually sold in burgundy and orange colors for fall. They add height and drama to your container,” says Steinkopf. 10Ornamental Peppersseama//Getty ImagesOrnamental peppers will help you create a warm, autumn aesthetic wherever you display them. “They have those shiny orange and purple peppers that perfectly complement a fall container,” says Steinkopf. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below11MumsPhoto credit John Dreyer//Getty ImagesLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates. Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More