How to Sort Your Laundry Before the Wash for the Best Results

Why Sorting Laundry Matters

Sorting laundry isn’t just about keeping whites white. It helps prevent:

• Colour bleeding between clothes
• Fabric damage or pilling
• Over-drying or shrinkage
• Detergent build-up or poor rinsing
• Excess lint on darker clothing

It also allows you to choose the right wash settings, temperatures, and detergent types for each load.

Step-by-Step: How to Sort Laundry for Best Results

1. Separate by Colour

This is the most basic and important sorting method.

• Whites – T-shirts, undergarments, socks, bedsheets
• Lights – Pastels, light greys, beige
• Darks – Black, navy, deep reds, dark greys
• Brights – Bold colours like red, royal blue, orange

Tip: New or dark-coloured clothes should be washed separately the first few times to avoid dye transfer.

2. Sort by Fabric Type

Different fabrics require different care. Sorting by fabric weight helps prevent abrasion and ensures a more even dry.

• Delicates – Lingerie, silk, lace
• Synthetics – Polyester, activewear
• Cottons – Shirts, jeans, towels
• Heavy Items – Jeans, jackets, bath towels

Tip: Avoid washing heavy and delicate items together to prevent tearing or stretching.

3. Check the Care Labels

Always look at the labels before washing. Some items may be dry clean only, require cold wash, or need air drying.

Symbols to look for:

• Washing method (machine, hand, or dry clean)
• Temperature (cold, warm, hot)
• Bleach or tumble drying instructions

Following these helps prevent unwanted shrinkage or colour loss.

4. Sort by Soil Level

Items with heavy dirt or stains should be washed separately from lightly soiled items.

• Heavily Soiled: Sportswear, kitchen towels, kids’ outdoor clothes
• Lightly Soiled: Casual wear, office wear
• Moderately Soiled: Everyday clothing

Tip: This allows you to adjust detergent levels and wash cycles accordingly.

5. Turn Garments Inside Out

Before putting clothes in the machine, turn jeans, t-shirts with prints, and delicates inside out to preserve colour, prevent fading, and protect designs.

Also, empty pockets, zip up zippers, and fasten hooks or buttons to avoid snags and stretching.

6. Use Laundry Bags for Delicates

Mesh laundry bags are perfect for:

• Bras and undergarments
• Hosiery and lace
• Items with embellishments
• They protect delicate fabrics from tangling or getting damaged during spin cycles.

7. Pre-Treat Stains

Before sorting, check garments for:

• Food stains
• Grease/oil
• Sweat or deodorant marks
• Ink or grass

Use a stain remover or detergent directly on the spot before tossing into the machine. Don’t let stains "set" in the wash — they’ll be harder to remove later.

Bonus Tips

• Don’t overload the machine – Clothes won’t clean or rinse properly
• Wash full loads to save water and energy – but not packed too tight
• Use cold water for darks to preserve colour
• Wash similar items together (e.g., towels with towels, t-shirts with t-shirts) for best cleaning efficiency

Final Thoughts

Sorting your laundry before washing may take a few extra minutes, but it pays off in a big way. You’ll preserve colours, protect fabrics, avoid common washing mishaps, and ultimately extend the life of your clothes.

If you’re using a professional laundry service, proper sorting ensures your items are cleaned according to their specific needs. Many services will sort for you — but giving clear instructions always helps.