You do not need a mesh laundry bag for delicates. A pillowcase works just as well. I have been using one for two years and my mesh bag has been sitting unused in the laundry cabinet the entire time.

The pillowcase trick is simple. Put your delicates inside, tie a knot at the open end, and throw it in the wash. The fabric is gentle enough to protect lace and thin straps, but the water and detergent still flow through. No snagging on zippers or hooks from other clothes.

Why This Beats a Mesh Bag

Mesh bags have two problems. First, the zipper always seems to work itself open halfway through the cycle. I have pulled out a mesh bag with the zipper gaping and a bra strap tangled around everything inside. Second, the mesh holes can still catch on small hooks and pulls. A pillowcase has no holes and no zipper — just fabric.

Also — you already own pillowcases. Zero dollars spent.

What Goes In (And What Does Not)

Pillowcase wash is great for:

• Lace underwear and bralettes
• Silk camisoles and scarves
• Thin sweaters that might snag
• Tights and stockings
• Anything with delicate straps or embellishments

Do not use this for heavily soiled items. The pillowcase does restrict water flow a little. For really dirty delicates, hand wash them instead.

After the Wash

Do not put the pillowcase in the dryer. Take the delicates out and lay them flat to dry. Hanging wet delicates stretches the fabric. A drying rack or a clean towel on the bathroom floor works fine.

The pillowcase itself can go in the dryer with the rest of your load — it is just a pillowcase.

One Thing I Learned

Tie the knot tight. I mean actually tight. The first time I tried this I tied a loose knot and it came undone five minutes in. My lace camisole wrapped itself around a pair of jeans and stretched out. Pull the knot snug. Double knot if you are nervous about it.

Also — use a light-colored pillowcase for light delicates. I once used a dark navy pillowcase with a white silk scarf. Tiny navy fibers transferred onto the white silk. Not the end of the world but definitely not the look I was going for.