When you were first learning to do your own laundry, you were probably taught the importance of washing colors, whites, and potentially lights separately. This practice was to prevent dark colors from bleeding onto lighter items, causing unwanted color transfers. The fear of a rogue red sock turning a load of white clothes pink is enough to make most people stick to this sorting habit. But is it absolutely necessary?
Today’s washing machine technology allows for efficient cleaning using cold water cycles, saving energy and aiding in preventing color transfer. With modern appliances, you might feel confident tossing in a mixed load without sorting by color. However, Sammy Wang, a fabric care senior specialist at P&G, suggests otherwise.
“Despite advancements in laundry technology, the market still offers a wide range of detergents, washing machines, and fabrics, so mishaps can still occur,” she explains. “Sorting your clothes remains a beneficial practice to ensure better clean results and peace of mind.”
To avoid the risk of color transfer mishaps, it’s advisable to continue or start sorting your laundry for each load. Wang has outlined the benefits of sorting, including considerations beyond color, to help maintain the quality of your clothes.
Benefits of Sorting Your Laundry:
1. Prevent Color Bleeding: Sorting clothes based on color minimizes the risk of color bleeding and helps preserve garment colors by reducing unwanted dye transfer.
2. Preserve Clothing Quality: Sort laundry by fabric materials and care instructions to prevent damage like pilling and snags during the wash cycle.
3. Boost Cleaning Performance: Further sort clothes by dirtiness level to prevent dirt transfer and achieve more effective cleaning. Adjust detergent levels or use targeted products for heavily soiled items for better results.
By understanding the importance of sorting laundry beyond just colors, you can maintain the integrity of your clothing and achieve optimal cleaning results.
In 2024, As Per Our Testing: A Guide to Efficiently Sort Your Laundry
For those keen on reaping the rewards and ensuring optimal cleanliness for their garments and linens, sorting laundry is key. Wang recommends categorizing laundry into the following groups for maximum effectiveness.
Firstly, by color: Segregate your laundry into darks, lights, and whites to prevent dark colors from bleeding onto lighter ones. This practice also permits the use of bleach on white items when necessary. Denim, known for its color-bleeding tendencies, should be washed separately, especially on its initial wash.
Secondly, by material: Sorting by fabric type or cycle (e.g., bulky, heavy-duty, gentle) is advisable to prevent friction between delicate and abrasive fabrics. Wang suggests utilizing mesh garment bags for fragile items like sweaters or sheer fabrics to shield them during washing.
Thirdly, by soil level: To prevent the transfer of dirt or sweat, separate heavily soiled garments from everyday wear.
Additionally, by product preference: If you have preferences for fabric softeners, scent beads, or specialty detergents for specific items, Wang recommends sorting laundry accordingly.
Considerations for pet-related items: To avoid mingling pet odors, hair, and dirt with your laundry, wash pet blankets, beds, and towels separately.
Distinguishing lint producers from receivers: Wang notes that some fabrics, such as cotton towels, generate lint, while others, like corduroy pants, attract lint. Separating these items into different loads can prevent lint from transferring.
At a minimum, Wang advises sorting laundry by color and utilizing tools like mesh bags for delicate items or dryer sheets for lint capture if time constraints hinder sorting by other criteria. Wang acknowledges that many individuals opt to wash all colors and fabric types together for convenience, accepting the potential drawbacks of not sorting meticulously. However, for those who prioritize avoiding mishaps, the practice of sorting is encouraged.
Moreover, this routine not only enhances the quality of your clothes but can also leave you feeling fresher. Wang highlights that smaller loads often yield superior laundry outcomes as garments have more space in the machine, facilitating more thorough cleansing.
In conclusion, while many may choose to forgo meticulous sorting for the sake of convenience, Wang emphasizes the benefits of this practice. Ultimately, the decision to sort or not is personal; however, the advantages of sorting are undeniable. Whether for optimal cleanliness or clothing longevity, the effort put into sorting your laundry can yield significant benefits.
Source: Adapted from Better Homes & Gardens – “2024, According to Our Testing: How to Sort Your Laundry”
