Sorting might seem like something your parents used to do, but it’s still one of the simplest ways to keep your clothes looking new and help your detergent do its job. Have you ever pulled a favorite shirt out of the wash only to find it faded or stretched? Taking a few minutes to sort things out first can prevent those small disasters and keep your clothes looking their best.
It also saves you time in the long run. When your loads are sorted, you don’t have to worry about fixing color runs or rewashing stained clothes. And once you start sorting consistently, laundry day feels more like a routine, and your wardrobe will thank you for it.
But how do you sort laundry? In this article, we break it all down.
Why Sorting Laundry Matters
Sorting laundry helps you get the best wash possible for every item you own. Different colors, fabrics, and care needs require different wash settings. Mixing them all together might seem faster, but it can cause color bleeding, fabric damage, or residue buildup. Separating clothes keeps everything looking fresh and helps them last longer, which means fewer replacements and better results every wash.
How to Sort Laundry by Colors
Separating clothes by color is the first and most important step to preventing color transfer. Once you make it a habit, you’ll notice your whites stay brighter and your darks keep their deep, rich tones.
Whites
Whites include shirts, socks, underwear, and linens. They wash best in warm or hot water, which removes body oils and keeps them crisp. Avoid mixing in even light-colored items that could dull their brightness over time.
Lights and Pastels
This group includes beige, gray, pale blue, and pastel shades. Wash them together using cold or warm water to protect the fabric. Mild detergent works best for maintaining color and softness.
Darks and Bright Colors
Dark jeans, navy shirts, and bright reds should stay in their own load. These colors tend to bleed, especially when new. Cold water helps preserve color and keeps fabrics from fading or transferring dye to lighter items.
How to Sort Laundry by Fabric Type
Every fabric behaves differently in the wash. Sorting by material keeps delicate items safe while ensuring heavier ones get a deeper clean.
Heavy Fabrics (Jeans, Towels, Sweatshirts)
Heavy fabrics need longer wash cycles and stronger agitation to remove dirt and buildup. Washing them together prevents them from damaging lighter clothing. It also allows towels and jeans to dry more evenly.
Delicates (Silk, Lace, Undergarments)
Delicate items need extra care. Use a gentle cycle, a mesh laundry bag, and cold water. For particularly fragile pieces like lace or silk, hand washing is even better.
Activewear and Synthetics
Workout clothes and synthetic fabrics hold onto sweat and odor, so wash them separately using cold water and mild detergent. Avoid fabric softeners since they can affect the material’s ability to breathe.
Reading and Understanding Care Labels
Those little tags sewn inside your clothes are your best guide for proper washing. Learning to read care labels helps you understand exactly how to treat each item.
Wash Symbols
A symbol shaped like a bucket with water shows how the garment should be washed. Dots inside the symbol indicate temperature—one for cold, two for warm, three for hot. A hand symbol means hand wash only.
Drying Symbols
A square with a circle means tumble dry, while dots inside it indicate heat levels. A line under the square suggests a gentler drying cycle, and a line inside the square means air dry only.
Ironing and Bleaching Symbols
An iron icon shows how much heat can be used, and a triangle represents bleach. A crossed-out triangle means skip bleach entirely to protect color and fabric.
Tips for Building an Easy Laundry Sorting System
Sorting doesn’t have to feel like an extra chore. With a simple setup, it becomes part of your routine.
Use a Laundry Sorting Basket or Hamper with Dividers
A laundry sorting basket or divided hamper makes it easy to keep clothes organized by color or fabric as you go. By the time laundry day comes, everything’s already separated and ready to wash.
Set Up a Laundry Sorting Table
A laundry sorting table gives you space to fold, sort, and separate loads quickly. It’s especially useful if you’re managing laundry for a family or need a dedicated spot for delicates.
Make It a Routine
The key to stress-free laundry is consistency. Sort clothes daily or as you undress, and teach everyone in the household to follow the same system. Once it becomes a habit, wash day feels much easier.
FAQ — Sorting Laundry Basics
Here are a few common questions that can help you get the most out of your wash.
Should I dry all fabrics together at the laundromat?
No. Heavier fabrics like towels and jeans take longer to dry, while delicates and synthetics can shrink in high heat. Drying them separately protects both texture and fit.
Can I use multiple machines at the laundromat to sort faster?
Yes, and it’s a great idea. Using separate machines lets you wash different loads at once without mixing colors or fabrics. It saves time and keeps your clothes in better condition.
Do I need to sort laundry if I’m washing at a laundromat?
Yes, sorting is still important. Even at a laundromat, separating loads helps you get the best wash and prevents color transfer. Clean clothes start with smart sorting.
Clean Clothes Start with Smart Habits
Sorting laundry by colors or fabric types might seem like an extra step, but it’s the secret to keeping your clothes looking their best. Taking a few minutes to separate by color, fabric, and care needs can save you hours of frustration and prevent costly mistakes.
If you’re looking for a trusted laundromat in Arizona, visit The Laundry Co. Our modern facilities, high-efficiency machines, and friendly service make every laundry day simple and stress-free. We handle everything from delicate fabrics to bulky items with care, giving your clothes the best clean every single time. No more stressing over colors or which one goes in the washer first.
We know laundry isn’t anyone’s favorite chore, but we’re here to make it faster, easier, and more convenient. Drop by today or check out our services online to see how we can help you get cleaner, fresher clothes without the hassle.
