Why Sorting Laundry Matters More Than You Think

Sorting laundry may seem unnecessary, but skipping this step often leads to damaged clothes and disappointing results. Sorting helps protect fabrics, preserve color, and improve overall cleanliness.

The most basic form of sorting is by color. Light-colored clothes, such as whites and pastels, can easily absorb dye from darker fabrics. New clothes are especially likely to bleed color during the first few washes. Washing darks and lights separately prevents color transfer and keeps clothes looking fresh and bright.

Fabric type is another important factor. Heavy items like towels, jeans, and hoodies can rub against delicate clothing and cause wear, stretching, or tearing. Washing similar fabrics together ensures that each load receives the appropriate level of agitation. For example, delicate fabrics benefit from gentle cycles, while durable materials need stronger cleaning action.

Sorting also improves washing efficiency. When clothes of similar weight and fabric are washed together, detergent distributes more evenly, and clothes rinse more thoroughly. This results in cleaner laundry with fewer wrinkles. Spending a few extra minutes sorting laundry can save money, prevent damage, and keep clothes looking new for longer.