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Mesh lingerie bags are widely sold to protect lingerie and other delicate fabrics from damage in the washing machine. They are also known as wash bags. An example of such a product here.

Protects delicate bras, panties, slips, hosiery and sleep-wear from snags, tangles and tears

I've been using them with my lingerie for the last two years or so, and I haven't noticed any protective value in using the bags. My lingerie seems to get damaged at the same rate as before using the bags and sometimes bras snag on the bag itself. I was wondering if there is any evidence at all that they do what they are advertised to do, or are just a gimmick device.

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Hello Sam, I'm not an expert, but, as far as I know, washing machine using centrifugal force and rotating waterfalls are very dangerous for lingerie. FWIW, it would be better to use ULTRASONIC CLEANING for that fabrics. – Carlo_R. Jan 12 at 21:52
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ULTRASONIC CLEANING. – aaaidan Jan 13 at 8:57
It may depend on the design of the machine. I used to have one which regularly tore holes in small garments due to the design of the door seals. Mesh bags helped prevent problems. I now have a different make of machine which doesn't cause damage. – RedGrittyBrick Jan 13 at 11:18
I'm very very much aware that it isn't good to machine wash lingerie, but it isn't all that important to me. Using anything but the washer isn't very convenient for me. – Sam I Am Jan 13 at 22:42
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I can't add a source, as it comes from a time I was employed at whirlpool, but the reason given for lingerie bags was to stop small items from disappearing or receiving damage from the seams/seals in the washer/dryer. They don't protect the garment from damage from the washing action. – Sean Cheshire Jan 14 at 22:02
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