How to be a professional at separating & sorting your laundry

How to Separate & Sort Your Laundry Like a Pro

Laundry is an essential part of our daily routine, but it can be a tedious and time-consuming task. One of the most crucial steps in doing laundry is separating and sorting your clothes. Not only does this make washing and drying more efficient, but it also helps keep your clothes looking their best. In this article, we will provide you with some tips on how to separate and sort your laundry like a pro.

Sort by Color

The most basic way to sort your laundry is by color. This means separating your whites, darks, and colors. White clothes should be washed separately to avoid any color bleeding. Dark clothes should be washed together to prevent fading. Colors should be washed together, but it's important to group similar shades together to avoid any color bleeding. For instance, red clothing items should be washed together, blue items should be washed together, and green items should be washed together. Sorting by color not only protects your clothes from bleeding or fading, but it also helps you determine which clothes can be washed together to save time and energy.

If you're unsure about the colorfastness of a new item of clothing, it's best to wash it separately for the first few times to avoid any risk of bleeding. Additionally, you can use color catchers, small sheets that absorb any color that may bleed from your clothes, to protect your laundry and keep it looking like new.

• Whites: white t-shirts, socks, underwear, sheets, towels
• Darks: black jeans, navy blue shirts, dark gray sweaters
• Colors: red t-shirts, blue jeans, green sweaters

Sort by Fabric Type

Another way to sort your laundry is by fabric type. This means separating your delicates, such as silk or lace, from your heavier fabrics, such as jeans or towels. Delicate fabrics require more gentle care and should be washed separately or placed in a mesh bag to prevent snagging or stretching. It's important to note that certain fabrics, such as wool, may shrink or lose their shape in the washing machine, so it's best to read the care label on each item to determine the appropriate washing method. By sorting your clothes by fabric type, you can avoid damaging delicate items and keep your clothes looking new for longer.

• Delicates: silk blouses, lace underwear, cashmere sweaters
• Heavy fabrics: jeans, towels, sweatshirts

Sort by Cleaning Method

You should also sort your laundry by cleaning method. Some clothes require special care, such as dry cleaning or hand washing. Make sure to read the care label on each item to determine how it should be washed. Clothes that require dry cleaning should be kept separate from other laundry items to avoid any potential damage or stains. Similarly, clothes that require hand washing should be washed separately, and it's best to use cold water and a mild detergent to avoid damaging the fabric. By sorting your laundry by cleaning method, you can ensure that your clothes receive the care they need and that they last longer.

• Dry clean only: suits, dresses, coats
• Hand wash only: silk or wool items
• Machine wash: most clothes

Sort by Size

Sorting your laundry by size is another pro tip to consider. It may seem like a minor detail, but washing clothes of similar size together can help prevent them from getting tangled or stretched out during the wash cycle. For example, washing a large bathrobe with small socks can result in the socks getting caught in the robe's fabric, causing them to stretch or tear. By washing clothes of similar size together, you can prevent any unnecessary damage to your clothes.

Pre-Treat Stains

Before washing your clothes, it's important to pre-treat any stains to help remove them more effectively. Different types of stains require different treatments, so it's essential to identify the type of stain before treating it. For example, blood stains should be treated with cold water, while oil stains should be treated with a stain remover. By pre-treating stains, you can help ensure that your clothes come out of the wash looking clean and fresh.

In conclusion, separating and sorting your laundry may seem like a hassle, but it can help make the washing and drying process more efficient and effective. By sorting your clothes by color, fabric type, cleaning method, and size, you can prevent color bleeding, fading, and damage, and ensure that your clothes last longer. Additionally, pre-treating stains can help remove them more effectively, leaving your clothes looking clean and fresh. With these tips, you can sort your laundry like a pro and take the hassle out of laundry day.