Laundry Sorting Guide: How to Separate Clothes for Washing

Ever pulled your favorite white tee from the washer only to find it turned pink? You will encounter laundry mishaps more often than you imagine yet appropriate sorting methods would help you prevent these issues. The correct method of sorting your laundry items represents an essential starting point for achieving cleaner and longer-lasting clothing. This guide teaches you expert-level laundry sorting techniques that help protect your clothes from colour bleeding and fabric damage while minimizing wasted detergent.

Why Does Laundry Sorting Matters?

You must sort your laundry because this process allows you to select appropriate washing conditions for each fabric type, colour group, and dirt level. Preparing clothes before washing extends garment longevity while protecting colours and maintaining fabric quality.

Step-by-Step Guide to Sorting Laundry

1. Separate by Color

The golden rule: don’t mix lights with darks. Break your laundry into three basic colour categories:

• Whites: Undergarments, socks, and white T-shirts.
• Lights: Pastel shades, light greys, and beiges.
• Darks: Navy, black, red, and other deep tones.

Mixing dark and light colours can cause dye transfer, especially when washing at warmer temperatures.

2. Sort by Fabric Type

Thick fabrics like towels and jeans require different wash cycles than delicate items such as lingerie or silk blouses. Group similar fabrics to avoid over-agitation and wear:

• Heavy: Towels, jeans, hoodies.
• Medium: T-shirts, polos, pyjamas.
• Delicate: Lingerie, lace, silk.
  

3. Check for Soil Level

Heavily soiled items (e.g., workout clothes, muddy garments) should be washed separately from lightly worn clothes. This prevents dirt from redepositing on cleaner items.

4. Use Mesh Laundry Bags

To protect delicates and keep socks from disappearing, use mesh laundry bags for small or fragile items.

5. Turn Clothes Inside Out

For items prone to fading or pilling, like jeans or printed T-shirts, turning them inside out helps preserve appearance.

6. Read Care Labels

Always read the care labels on your clothing. They’ll guide you on temperature, cycle settings, and whether something should be dry cleaned or hand washed.

Keep It Simple with Ittefaq Electronics

At Ittefaq Electronics, quality garments deserve quality care.  Simple sorting of laundry items before washing creates enduring advantages that protect your clothes’ colours while maintaining their fabric quality and original shapes. Add this laundry habit to your daily routine and you’ll see clearer results for your garments’ appearance and texture.

Need More Assistance?

If you’re still unsure how to handle specific fabrics or colours, feel free to explore Ittefaq Electronics fabric care tips or reach out to our support team. We’re here to help you make laundry care effortless and effective.

FAQs

Can I Wash Whites and Light-coloured Clothes Together?

It’s better to keep whites separate to avoid even slight colour bleeding from pastel items.

What Temperature is Best for Washing Dark Clothes?

Use cold water to help preserve colour and prevent fading.

How Often Should I Wash Towels and Bed Linens?

Towels: every 3 uses. Bed linens: once a week.

Is it Okay to Wash Jeans with Other Clothes?

Only if they are dark and colourfast. Otherwise, wash separately the first few times.

What’s the Best Way to Dry Delicate Fabrics?

Air dry flat or hang dry. Avoid high heat, which can damage fibres.