How to Sort Your Laundry

How to Sort Your Laundry Like a Pro (and Make Laundry Day Simple!)

Laundry day doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore. In fact, it can be a gratifying when you know how to sort your laundry the correct way. Sorting your laundry properly not only saves time but also keeps your clothes looking fresh and vibrant. So, grab your laundry basket and let’s dive into the art (and science) of sorting laundry.

Why Is Sorting Your Laundry Important?

You might be wondering, “Do I really need to sort my laundry?” The short answer: Yes! Sorting helps prevent disasters like your favorite white tee turning pink because of a rogue red sock. It also ensures that different fabrics and colors get the optimal care for their fabric and design.

By learning how to sort laundry, you’ll:

Keep your whites brighter and colors from bleeding.
Prevent wear and tear on delicate fabrics.
Save energy by washing similar items together.

Let’s break it down into simple, fun steps.

Step 1: Gather All Your Laundry

First things first, round up all your dirty clothes. Look under beds, check the bathroom, and grab that hoodie you left in the car. Dump everything into one spot—this is your starting point.

Step 2: Create Sorting Piles

The key to learning how to sort laundry is creating piles based on these categories:

Colors
- Whites: Socks, tees, and anything light-colored.
- Darks: Blacks, navies, and deep reds.
- Brights: Think yellows, pinks, and oranges.
Fabric Types
- Delicates: Lingerie, lace, and anything labeled “gentle cycle.”
- Heavy Fabrics: Jeans, towels, and sweatshirts.
Level of Dirtiness
- Separate heavily soiled items (gym clothes, muddy gear) from lightly worn pieces to avoid spreading grime.

Pro Tip: Use separate hampers or laundry bags to keep your categories sorted throughout the week. It’ll save time when laundry day rolls around.

Step 3: Check the Labels

Before you toss anything into the washer, check the care labels on your clothes. These little tags are packed with helpful information about water temperature, cycle settings, and whether an item should be hand-washed or dry-cleaned.

Step 4: Pretreat Stains

Got a coffee spill or a ketchup blotch? Treat stains before washing. Use a stain remover or a mix of baking soda and water to gently scrub the area. Trust us, this step is a game-changer when learning how to sort laundry.

Step 5: Choose the Right Settings

Once your piles are ready, it’s time to wash! Here are some general guidelines:

Whites: Hot water and regular detergent.
Colors: Cold water to prevent fading and bleeding.
Delicates: Use the gentle cycle with a mild detergent.
Heavy Fabrics: Wash separately to avoid damaging lighter items.

Don’t forget to adjust the spin speed and use a mesh laundry bag for delicates to keep them safe.

Use your Judgment

In general, you want to stay true to form as much as possible, keeping in mind to read the tags whenever you’re unsure. For example, you’ll note that not all whites can be washed with chlorine bleach.

If you have large amount to wash, it is better to take it a step further to prevent dye transfer. For example: sort a load of just red. You would only do this if there was enough red to make a load.

Quick Summary: How to Sort Laundry

Gather all your laundry into one place.
Sort by colors, fabrics, and level of dirtiness.
Check labels for washing instructions.
Pretreat stains before washing.
Use the right settings for each pile (hot for whites, cold for colors, gentle for delicates).
Dry and fold by category to make organizing easier.

Mastering how to sort laundry is easy when you follow these simple steps. Take a few extra minutes to sort, and you’ll save yourself from laundry disasters while keeping your clothes in tip-top shape. Happy washing!

Ready to be Laundry-Free?

Lyndsee Onstott

Lyndsee Onstott is the Marketing Manager at Laundry Care, with a deep-rooted history as one of the company’s original care providers. Her journey from hands-on laundry care to strategic marketing gives her unique insights into the service and its customers. Lyndsee's commitment to delivering convenience and quality has helped Laundry Care become a trusted service for busy professionals and families nationwide. Today, she combines her firsthand experience with a passion for customer-focused marketing, ensuring that Laundry Care meets the evolving needs of its clients.