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How to Sort Laundry Like a Pro
September 17, 2023
-
By
Sophia Grant
It’s crucial to organize your clothes before doing the laundry. This means separating light-colored items from dark-colored items and vice versa.
Not only that but you want to pay attention to the fabric type as well. For example, denim materials should not be washed with delicate fabrics such as wool or silk.
Other Benefits of Sorting Your Clothes
Sorting laundry will also allow you to use different wash cycles for each load. That way, you’ll be able to wash similar clothes together, which will save you time.
For example, you can wash activewear with activewear or undergarments with undergarments.
Another benefit is that it will prevent colors and dyes from bleeding.
Sorting Laundry Properly
There are a few ways to physically sort your laundry. For example, you can use a laundry hamper with sorting sections. Using separate laundry baskets with different labels (e.g. lights, darks) is another option.
Once you’ve got your hamper or laundry basket, all that’s left is to go through your laundry.
Don’t just throw the items into the basin, though, make sure to read the labels. They will tell you whether or not the garment can be machine washed along with other details such as what water temperature water to use and how to dry the material.
Different Ways to Sort Your Laundry
We touched on this a bit earlier but you can sort your fabric based on color, fabric type, and weight.
Sorting by Color
Dyes can easily transfer from one item to another in the wash – that’s why it’s so important to sort your clothes based on color.
Step 1: Gather Light-Colored Items
Gather all light-colored (e.g. yellow, light blue, pink, light green) items and put them in one pile. If you want, you can also put them in their own laundry basket.
Step 2: Gather Dark-Colored Items
Gather all dark-colored items (e.g. black, navy, purple) and put them in a second pile.
Step 3: Wash Each Piles Separately
Wash each pile separately. That will prevent dye transfer.
Supply:
- Laundry baskets (optional)
We recommend using two different laundry baskets when sorting your clothes based on color.
Sorting by Fabric Type
You can also sort your laundry based on the type of fabric. This makes sense since different materials have different care instructions.
Supplies:
- Laundry baskets (optional)
Step 1:
Check the garments’ care labels and make two separate piles, based on fabric type.
For example, you can have one pile for synthetic materials (e.g. nylon, polyester, spandex) and another for natural fibers (e.g. cotton, wool, linen).
Step 2:
Separate towels into another pile. They should be washed separately from the rest of your clothes for sanitary reasons.
Washing delicate fabrics like wool with synthetics such as polyester can cause them to wear down prematurely.
Sorting by Weight
Pay attention to how heavy the items are. For example, you wouldn’t want to wash heavy sweaters with thin tank tops – that’s especially true if the former contains hardware such as zippers. Putting them in the same load can easily cause the latter to tear or rip.
Supplies:
- Laundry baskets (optional)
Step 1:
Separate heavy items such as sweaters and duvets in one pile.
Step 2:
Place light items such as tank tops, t-shirts, pillow cases, in a separate pile.
Depending on the size of your washer, you may need to separate your heavy items into more than one load.
Caring For Your Delicates
Delicates should always be washed separately. Don’t put them in the washing machine with other clothing, including heavily soiled items.
This includes underwear and bras, or any item containing silk, silk-like synthetics, lace, embroidery, mesh, sequins, beading, or hardware.
Clothes that are labeled “dry-clean or handwash only” also fall into this category.
Wash Your Heavily Soiled Laundry Separately
Heavily soiled items should always be washed separately. For one thing, the dirt and grime can easily transfer onto your other clothes.
More often than not, they’ll also need to be pre-treated with a detergent solution.
How to Wash “Dry Clean Only” Clothes
Some delicate items that are ‘dry clean only’ can still be put in the washing machine. There are just a few extra steps you have to take.
Supplies:
- Laundry bags
- ACTIVE Detergent
Step 1:
Separate dry clean-only items from the rest of your laundry.
Step 2:
Protect the garments by placing them in a laundry bag before putting them in the washing machine.
Step 3:
Add one scoop of ACTIVE Detergent, then run a gentle or delicate wash cycle with cold water.
Allow them to air dry afterwards.
Don’t run a normal wash cycle; the agitation will likely damage the delicate fibers.
ACTIVE Laundry Detergent
Versatile powder laundry detergent for safely cleaning a wide variety of fabrics.
Sorting Laundry the Right Way – FAQs
Do you really need to separate your laundry?
Yes, sorting your clothes should always be part of your laundry routine. Remember the basic rules – always sort your garments by fabric type and color and avoid washing delicate items with other fabrics.
What happens if you don’t separate laundry?
Putting everything in the washing machine all at once without sorting might seem like it’ll save you time, but it can damage your clothes irreversibly.
For one thing, dyes can easily bleed and transfer onto your other clothes.
And if you’re mixing fabric types, the materials can easily wear out or tear prematurely.
What water temperature should I use to wash my clothes?
Different materials have different care instructions. For example, cotton should always be washed with cold water to prevent shrinking.
When in doubt, refer to the care tag label. It’ll tell you whether you should wash the item with hot water or cold water, along with other washing details.
Should delicate fabrics be washed separately?
Yes, delicate fabrics such as silk or linen should always be washed separately. Never mix them with other items as that can cause the fabrics to rip or tear.
And remember to use mesh bags – they will offer an additional layer of protection during the wash cycle.
Alternatively, you can go the hand-washing route, which is always gentler than machine washing.
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Sophia Grant
Sophia Grant brings her extensive knowledge of laundry and clothing care to the masses with her intensive cleaning guides. Her thorough understanding of fabrics, detergents, and washing techniques helps readers master the art of maintaining their wardrobe. Sophia's advice ensures that anyone can achieve professional-level results at home, keeping their garments looking pristine and lasting longer.
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