Have you been doing your laundry correctly? Laundry sorting can be easy if you follow these steps!

The first step is to read the laundering instructions tab on the inside of your garment. Even denim has washing instructions, so it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions since they know the material and process to make the item the best.  

On to the next important step, sort properly! Please do not throw in all your colors at the same time. Instead make a pile of whites, colors, and darks. Taking a moment to zip, zippers, empty pockets and button up pockets can prolong clothing and prevent mishaps.  There have been countless times, a lip balm will be found, empty and sometimes the color can end up on something, often ruining the item.  

The next important tip is to not overstuff the washer drum, more room in the drum  allows the water and laundry detergent to wash and rinse properly.  A low suds detergent is best if you see lots of suds, you may need to run the “rinse” cycle to be sure the soap has been completely removed otherwise your clothing could become dull looking and cause your skin to irritate.  

Whites:

Separate your whites from the rest of the pile. This is the pile for t-shirts, shorts, socks, towels and sheets! If you have the time, separate further, into light weight fabrics and sturdy cottons.  Light weight generally, speaking can be washed in cold to warm temperatures.  Sturdy materials that can go through a normal cycle on warm or hot.

Colors:

Separate your colors from the pile. These should be your brights! Don’t just throw all your colors in the same load. Make sure you separate them by weight as well. Put the lighter and more delicate articles in one pile and the heaver and bulkier articles in the other.

Expert tip: Put similar textiles into the same piles. 

Darks:

Now it’s time to separate your darks! Dark blues, blacks, grays, navies, and deep purples all go in this pile. Again, make sure to separate by weight and textile as well.

Expert tip: Always wash your blacks inside out to preserve the color.  

Intimates:

Your personal items, or intimates as some people say, deserve their own pile. This pile consists of bras, undies, and delicate articles. Plush stuffed animals can be tossed into this pile.  

Depending on the manufacturer’s instructions, if the item is washable, using the delicate cycle on cold or warm temperatures.

Expert tip: Make sure your bras are clasped and don’t use laundry bags! Laundry bags keep your clothing from being laundered properly. 

Drying:

Sorting your laundry is important and so is drying. If you want your clothing to stay beautiful don’t over dry and don’t use dryer sheets that contain wax or animal fats!

Expert tip: Hang-dry your nicer clothing and make sure to lay your sweaters out flat.