How to Clean a Sticky Bra (and Make It Sticky Again)

To clean a sticky bra, wash it after every wear with warm water and a small amount of mild soap. Rub the adhesive gently with your palm, not your fingernails, then rinse off every bit of soap and let it air dry sticky side up. Those are the steps NuBra gives for its adhesive bras, and they work for most silicone sticky bras.

Why sticky bras stop sticking

Adhesive loses grip mostly because something is sitting on top of it:

• Body oil and sweat from your skin.
• Lotion, deodorant, perfume or body oil you applied before wearing it.
• Lint and dust from clothes, towels or the air.

The adhesive itself usually still works. Clean it properly and most bras grip again.

How to clean a sticky bra step by step

1. Wet the adhesive with warm water. Hold the cup under the tap, cup side down.
2. Add a small amount of mild soap or the cleanser your brand sells. Avoid soaps with oils, moisturizers or fragrance.
3. Rub in small circles with your palm or fingertips. Don’t use your nails, which can scratch the adhesive.
4. Rinse thoroughly until no soap remains. Leftover soap stops it sticking.
5. Shake off the excess water. Don’t wipe or towel dry, since lint sticks to the adhesive.
6. Air dry adhesive side up, away from direct heat. Don’t use a hair dryer.
7. Store it on its plastic film or in its case once completely dry.

How to make a sticky bra sticky again

If yours has lost its grip:

• Give it a careful wash using the steps above. That fixes most cases.
• Check for lint after drying. Lift any fibers with a clean, dry fingertip.
• Let it dry fully. Damp adhesive won’t grip.
• Prep your skin. Apply the bra to clean, dry skin with no lotion, oil, powder or deodorant on your chest.

If it still won’t stick after a careful wash, the adhesive may be worn out. Sticky bras have a limited life, which varies by brand, and a replacement may be the only fix.

What not to do

• No washing machine or dryer. NuBra’s instructions say not to machine wash or machine dry.
• No towels or tissues on the adhesive.
• No harsh soaps, alcohol or bleach.
• No storing it uncovered, where dust settles on it.
• No wearing it on freshly moisturized skin.

When to wear a sticky bra

Sticky bras are made for outfits where straps and bands would show, such as backless dresses, plunging necklines and some halter tops. They give lift and coverage but much less support than a band. Our guides on choosing a bra for a backless dress and a bra for a halter top compare the options.