Sort Your Laundry in 3 Steps

If you've ever been standing in front of your overflowing laundry basket, completely overwhelmed by the task at hand, you're not alone. It can be tough to know where to start, or even which items go together. Doing laundry can be time-consuming and it's never fun to find a sock that's lost its mate. But have no fear! If you're looking for an easier way to sort your laundry, you've come to the right place. With just a few simple tips, you'll be a pro at sorting laundry in no time! We're here to help you sort out your laundry once and for all. 

The first step in sorting your laundry is to gather all of the dirty clothes in one place. This seems like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised how many people try to sort their laundry while it's still in the hamper or strewn across the floor. Once you've got all of your clothes in one place, it's time to start sorting them by color.

This is where things can get a little tricky. You want to avoid mixing colors because that can lead to fading and you definitely don't want your whites turning pink! So, how do you know which colors can go together? A general rule of thumb is to stick with light colors (whites, light grays, etc.) and dark colors (dark grays, blacks, etc.). If you're unsure about whether or not two colors can go together, better stay safe and wash them separately.

The easiest way to sort your laundry by color is by separating your clothes into 3 main categories: whites, darks, and delicates. 

Here's a closer look at each category: 

Whites: This one is pretty self-explanatory. All of your white clothing items go in this pile, including white socks and underwear. Keep in mind that some items may bleed, so it's always best to wash new clothing items separately from the rest of your whites just to be safe. You can also add in a little bleach to really get your whites sparkling clean.

Darks: Just like with whites, darks are pretty self-explanatory. All of your dark clothing items go in this pile, including jeans and dark-colored shirts. Be sure to check labels for care instructions before adding anything to the wash. Some dark clothing items may need to be washed in cold water to prevent them from fading.

Delicates: Delicate items include anything that needs to be treated with extra care, such as lingerie, swimsuits, and fragile fabrics like silk or wool. These items should be washed separately from everything else on a gentle cycle with cold water. You may also want to consider using a mesh bag to protect delicate items from getting snagged or damaged during the wash cycle. 

The next step is to sort your clothing by fabric type. This means separating your light garments from your heavy ones, as well as your delicate items from your more rugged pieces. 

Here's a quick rundown of the different fabric types and how they should be treated: 

Cotton and linen: These items can usually be washed together in cool water. However, if you have any particularly delicate linen items, it's best to wash them separately. 

Synthetic fabrics: This category includes items made from polyester, nylon, and acrylic. These items can also be washed together in a cool setting. 

Wool and silk: These materials are much more delicate than cotton or synthetic fabrics and should be washed separately from everything else, on a gentle cycle with cool water. You may also want to consider using a mesh bag to protect them during the wash cycle. 

Jeans: Jeans are typically made from sturdy denim fabric and can withstand a hot wash cycle without shrinking or fading. However, if you have any particularly delicate jeans that you're worried about damaging, it's best to err on the side of caution and wash them in cool water instead. 

Towels: Towels are typically made from cotton or synthetic materials and can go into the washing machine with similar items on a hot cycle. However, if your towels are starting to show signs of wear (pilling, fading, etc.), it's best to wash them on a gentler cycle with cool water in order to prolong their lifespan. 

Sorting your clothes by fabric type will help ensure that they come out of the wash looking like new. 

The last step in sorting your laundry is to separate any items that need special treatment. This includes anything that needs to be dry cleaned or hand washed. Not everything in your closet needs to be dry cleaned. In fact, most items can be machine washed at home. However, there are some items that should only be dry cleaned or hand washed with a gentle detergent.

Here’s how you can tell if an item is delicate or needs dry cleaning:

Fabric type: One of the easiest ways to tell if an item needs to be dry cleaned is by looking at the fabric type. Certain fabrics, like silk and wool, are more delicate and therefore need to be treated with care. If you're unsure about the fabric type, check the care label - it should list the fabric content as well as any special care instructions. 

Stains and spots: Another factor to consider is whether the item has any stains or spots. Items with spots or stains should always be taken to the dry cleaner - trying to remove them at home could make them worse or even cause them to set in permanently. 

Special details: Finally, take a look at the item for any special details that might need extra care. For example, an item with sequins or beads might not do well in the washing machine. Or, an item with pleats or ruffles might need to be steamed after cleaning instead of being put in the dryer.

REMEMBER- always check the care label before washing any garment. 

Once you've got your clothes sorted into these categories, it'll be a breeze to put them in the wash. 

Sorting your laundry doesn't have to be a chore! In fact, it can be pretty simple once you get the hang of it! Just remember to sort by fabric type and color before getting started, and you'll be well on your way to clean clothes in no time! Oh and remember, when in doubt, err on the side of caution and take your item to the dry cleaner. Better safe than sorry! And if you're ever unsure about how to care for an item, just contact us and we'll be happy to help.