1. Sort clothes by color
Sorting laundry by color involves separating whites, light colors, and dark colors. Washing clothes that are in the same color category together prevents color transfer during washing. Dark-colored clothes are prone to bleeding, so it’s important to keep them separate from light-colored clothes. It’s also essential to wash white clothes separately as bleach can be used to keep them bright, which may not be suitable for colored clothes.
2. Sort clothes by fabric type
Sorting laundry by fabric type involves separating clothes made from different materials such as cotton, linen, silk, and wool. Separating by fabric type helps prevent clothes from being damaged by the washing machine or dryer. Clothes made from delicate fabrics such as silk and wool should be washed separately, while clothes made from sturdier fabrics such as cotton can be washed together.
3. Sort clothes by level of dirtiness
Sorting laundry by level of dirtiness involves separating heavily soiled clothes such as work clothes, towels, and bed linens from lightly soiled clothes such as jeans, t-shirts, and undergarments. Washing heavily soiled clothes separately ensures that they don’t transfer dirt and grime to other items during washing. It’s important to wash heavily soiled clothes on a higher setting or with a warm or hot water cycle.
4. Use laundry baskets for sorting
Using laundry baskets for sorting makes the process more organized and less time-consuming. You can label each laundry basket according to the category of clothes you want to sort. For example, you can label one basket as “Whites,” another as “Color,” and another as “Towels and Bed Linens.” Sorting laundry using baskets also makes it easier to carry them to the washing machine or to your laundry room.
5. Check the care label before washing
Before washing clothes, it’s essential to check the care label to ensure that you’re washing them the correct way. The care label provides information on which cycle, detergent, and temperature are suitable for the fabric. Following the care label instructions helps prevent clothes from shrinking or getting damaged during washing.
In conclusion, sorting laundry is a crucial step in ensuring that your clothes are washed properly and last longer. Sorting clothes by color prevents color transfer, sorting by fabric type prevents damage to clothes, and sorting by level of dirtiness ensures that heavily soiled clothes don’t transfer dirt and grime to other items during washing. Using laundry baskets for sorting makes the process organized and less time-consuming. Lastly, checking the care label before washing ensures that clothes are washed the correct way. By following these tips, you can sort laundry effectively and make your laundry routine much more efficient.