How To Use Mesh Laundry Bags [Guide]

Ever misplaced a sock or ruined a delicate lace garment in the wash? A mesh washing bag might become your new best buddy if that's the case. In this article, you’ll learn how mesh bags protect bras, lingerie, and small items during the washing process, why they’re better for certain garments, and how to use them the right way.

What Is the Purpose of a Mesh Laundry Bag?

A mesh laundry bag is designed to keep items separate inside the washing machine, acting as a breathable laundry container that still allows water and detergent to flow through. This protective barrier helps prevent colour bleeding and snags on hooks or zippers while also ensuring small items like socks don’t disappear during the washing process. If you’re washing delicate fabrics—think bras and lingerie, lace tops, or anything with embellishments—a mesh laundry bag can be a real game-changer.

Want to explore more about eco-friendly laundry solutions? Read our post on How to Choose the Best Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergent Sheets for useful tips on sustainable washing.

Use mesh laundry bags with items prone to tearing, stretching

Mesh laundry bags will protect your fine washables! Placing delicate items like washable silk, wool, or lace inside a mesh laundry bag can save them from damage during the machine wash cycle. For most people, using mesh laundry bags is better for specific garments rather than everything. If you have items prone to tearing, stretching, or snagging, a mesh bag is essential. It also helps extend the life of your clothes by reducing friction between fabrics. If you’re mixing different types of garments in the same load, the bag can help limit direct contact that might cause colour transfer. While it’s not a foolproof method to stop bleeding, it does reduce immediate exposure between fabrics.

How to Use a Mesh Laundry Bag

Incorporating a mesh bag into your laundry routine is straightforward:

1. Sort and Separate: Identify which delicate fabrics need extra protection.
2. Place in the Bag: Avoid overstuffing. Your open mesh or tight weave bag should have enough space for water to circulate effectively.
3. Check Closures: Zip or secure the bag to keep everything inside during the washing cycle.
4. Select the Right Wash Cycle: A gentle or delicate setting typically works best. Some machines have a “hand wash” cycle for ultra-delicate garments.
5. Use Quality Detergent: Whether you choose standard detergent or eco-friendly laundry sheets, follow the recommended dosages. Too much detergent can build up on fabric, reducing softness and breathability.

Are you curious about the advantages of laundry detergent sheets? See our article on Laundry Detergent Sheets vs. Pods: Which Is the Better Choice?

What Clothes Should I Put in a Mesh Bag?

If you’re not sure which items qualify as “delicate,” start by checking the care label. In general, any delicate items or clothing you’d consider hand-washing or washing should go in a mesh bag:

• Bras and Lingerie: Underwires, lace, and clasps can easily snag or stretch.
• Silks and Satins: Prone to abrasion, so a protective layer is very helpful.
• Swimwear: Elastic can wear out quickly under harsh conditions.
• Lace or Embroidered Fabrics: Fragile textiles that benefit from minimal friction.
• Small Items like Socks: Prevent them from vanishing in the machine.

For sturdier items such as T-shirts or jeans, a mesh bag isn’t strictly necessary unless you’re especially cautious or the fabric has delicate elements like beading or sequins.

Do You Have to Wash Shoes in a Mesh Bag?

Not all shoes are suitable for machine washing, so make sure they can withstand a cycle before putting them in the machine, as it could potentially damage both the washer and your clothes. A mesh bag keeps laces, insoles, and smaller components contained, reducing impacts. Just remember that certain materials—like leather or suede—shouldn’t be machine-washed at all.

Can You Dry Clothes in a Mesh Laundry Bag?

SomeIt’s perfectly safe to air dry items in a mesh bag, as the breathable laundry container allows airflow. If you’re planning to use the dryer, though, it’s often best to remove especially fragile garments from the bag and air dry them flat. High heat can cause some delicate fabrics to lose shape or elasticity. If you do choose to place the mesh bag in the dryer, opt for a low-heat or delicate setting to minimise the potential damage.

How to Choose a Mesh Laundry Bag

• Weave Type

• Open Mesh: Lets water and detergent flow more freely, making it suitable for everyday delicates.
• Tight Weave: Offers additional protection for highly fragile fabrics or embellishments.
• Closure Style:  A strong zipper is crucial, and some bags include covers to keep it from snagging. Drawstrings work too but must be secured tightly.
• Size: Smaller bags for bras and lingerie, medium ones for socks and accessories, and larger ones for sweaters or multiple pieces. If you often wash shoes, look for a bag designed specifically for them.
• Material Durability: Polyester mesh is a common, sturdy option. Make sure it can handle hot and cold washes without tearing.

Final Thoughts

Mesh laundry bags may seem like a small addition to your household toolkit, but they can dramatically improve your washing process. They help prevent colour transfer, reduce damage to delicate items, and keep tricky pieces—like bras and lingerie—in good shape. A mesh bag can also keep shoes or small items like socks under control, preventing them from damaging other garments or vanishing in the depths of the machine.

By pairing thoughtful tools like mesh laundry bags with the right wash cycle and carefully selected detergents, you’ll prolong the life of your wardrobe and simplify day-to-day chores. If you’re ready to make an even bigger impact on your laundry routine, consider Pure Suds Laundry Sheets for an effective, planet-friendly alternative. Combine eco-friendly products with practical gear like mesh laundry bags, and you’ll strike the perfect balance between efficiency and careful clothing care—so you can enjoy cleaner, longer-lasting garments every time.

Elevate Your Laundry Routine with Pure Suds Laundry Sheets

If you’re looking to streamline your entire laundry routine—and not just how you use mesh bags—try switching to our Laundry Detergent Sheets.

Pure Suds Laundry Sheets: Eco-Friendly Laundry Made Easy offers a plant-based solution perfect for those who want convenience and sustainability. With no measuring or mess, these sheets are gentle on sensitive skin and come in plastic-free packaging, helping you reduce waste. They’re infused with natural coconut oil and Sapindus Mukurossi extracts, providing a lasting, fresh scent for all your clothes. By combining mesh bags for delicate items with Pure Suds, you’ll enjoy an effortless, eco-friendly routine that keeps your family’s laundry at its best.