4 Simple Steps for Sorting Laundry

4 simple steps for sorting laundry

Sorting laundry might seem like a straightforward task, but doing it properly can make a big difference in how well your clothes hold up over time.

From preventing color bleeding to ensuring fabrics are treated correctly, sorting laundry is the foundation of clean, long-lasting clothing.

Follow these 4 simple steps and you will soon be doing laundry like a Pro

In this post, we'll walk you through 4 simple steps to ensure your laundry is sorted correctly every time.

1. Separate by Color

The first and most important step in sorting laundry is to separate your clothes by color.

Mixing light and dark fabrics can lead to color bleeding, which can ruin your favorite garments.

How to Separate Clothes by Color:

  • Whites: This includes white shirts, socks, and underwear. Keep these separate from any other colors to prevent dulling or discoloration.
  • Lights: Light-colored items such as pastels, light blues, and yellows should be washed together.
  • Darks: Dark-colored clothing, such as blacks, navy blues, and dark reds, should always be kept in their own load to avoid transferring dye.
  • Brights: Vivid colors like bright reds, pinks, or neon colors should also be washed separately to prevent them from bleeding onto other clothes.

Sorting by color is crucial for protecting the vibrancy of your clothes and ensuring that no item comes out of the wash with unwanted stains.

2. Sort by Fabric Type

Different fabrics require different care, and some are more delicate than others. After sorting by color, the next step is to sort your laundry by fabric type.

This helps ensure that delicate fabrics aren't damaged by rougher materials during the wash.

Fabric Categories:

  • Delicates: Fabrics like silk, lace, and lingerie should be washed on a gentle cycle. These items can easily tear or lose their shape if mixed with heavier fabrics.
  • Heavy fabrics: Items such as towels, jeans, and jackets should be washed together. These heavier fabrics can handle a more intense wash cycle and higher water temperatures.
  • Synthetic fabrics: Polyester, nylon, and other synthetic materials should be grouped. These fabrics tend to dry faster and can become staticky if mixed with natural fibers like cotton.

By sorting by fabric type, you'll be able to preserve the integrity and longevity of your garments, keeping them looking newer for longer.

3. Separate by Soil Level

Another critical step in the sorting laundry process is separating clothes based on how dirty they are.

Mixing heavily soiled clothes with lightly worn garments can spread dirt and stains, making the entire load less clean.

How to Sort by Soil Level:

  • Heavily soiled items: Clothes with visible dirt, mud, or sweat stains should be washed in their load. You can also pre-treat these items with stain remover before washing to ensure the stains are completely removed.
  • Lightly worn clothes: Items that have been worn once or have no visible stains can be washed together on a regular cycle.
  • Specialty stains: If you have clothes with oil, grease, or food stains, consider pre-treating them and washing them separately from other garments to prevent the stains from spreading.

This method helps to avoid re-soiling cleaner items and ensures that your laundry comes out as clean as possible.

4. Consider Washing Instructions

Every garment comes with a care label that provides specific washing instructions. Following these instructions is key to maintaining the quality and longevity of your clothes.

After sorting by color, fabric, and soil level, take a quick look at the care labels to ensure you're treating each item correctly.

Common Care Label Symbols:

  • Machine Wash Cold: Many items, especially delicates and colors, require cold water to prevent shrinking or fading.
  • Hand Wash Only: For very delicate items like cashmere or silk, you'll need to wash them by hand or on a hand wash setting if your machine has one.
  • Do Not Bleach: Some fabrics are sensitive to bleach and can be permanently damaged. Make sure to check this symbol before adding bleach to a load.
  • Tumble Dry Low: Certain fabrics, such as wool or spandex, require a low heat setting to avoid damage during drying.

By following the washing instructions on your garments, you’ll prevent accidental damage like shrinking, fading, or tearing.

Conclusion

Sorting laundry might seem like a small task, but it's an important step in ensuring that your clothes remain in excellent condition for as long as possible.

By separating by color, fabric type, and soil level, and following care instructions, you can avoid common laundry mistakes that lead to wear and tear.

Taking the time to properly sort your laundry before washing will help preserve the quality of your garments, allowing them to look and feel like new even after multiple washes.

Now You Can Enjoy This Video with Life Skills at Home: Sorting Laundry

Source: Therapeutic Links

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Last update on 2024-12-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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