Light, coloured, dark? A white cotton t-shirt and a black silk shirt? How do you properly combine laundry in the washing machine so that it doesn't get damaged, stained, or require washing items one by one? Read on.
Why Sort Laundry? It's Not Just About Colour
While sorting laundry by colour is the most basic step, it's not the only one. You should also sort by material and the level of dirt on your clothes.
Washing similar fabrics together allows you to adjust the washing cycle and water temperature for optimal results.
Sorting also affects the lifespan of your wardrobe. By separating heavy fabrics from delicate ones or dark colours from light, you prevent damage and colour bleeding, helping your clothes maintain their shape and texture.
Sorting Laundry by Colour
Let’s also remind ourselves of the importance of sorting laundry by colour.
White Laundry
Wash white clothing separately to prevent staining. This category includes:
- white t-shirts, shirts, and trousers,
- white underwear and socks,
- white towels and bed linens.
Dark Laundry
Dark clothing should be washed separately to prevent it from staining other items. This includes:
- dark colours (black, grey, navy blue, dark brown).
Coloured Laundry
Sort coloured clothing by the intensity of the colours:
- light colours (pastel shades),
- bright colours (red, orange, yellow).
If you’ve tested your clothes over several washes and they don’t bleed, you can make an exception when combining colours. However, be cautious when washing new coloured laundry. Wash it separately for the first time.
Sorting Laundry by Fabric Type
Some materials can be washed together, while others require special care. Let’s take a look at the main categories:
Cotton and Linen
These natural fibres are durable and can typically be washed at higher temperatures.
Synthetic Materials
Polyester, nylon, and acrylic require lower washing temperatures and a gentler cycle. When sorting, ensure you separate them from natural fibres.
Wool and Silk
These delicate materials require special care. Wash them separately or use a gentle wash programme.
Denim and Heavy Fabrics
Jeans and jackets can damage more delicate garments during washing. Wash them separately or with similar heavy fabrics on a programme designed for dark laundry or denim.
As a universal detergent, you can use Puella washing gel, which is suitable for all types of fabrics and colours.
What to Remember When Sorting Laundry
Before placing clothing in the washing machine, check the care labels for instructions. Some items may require dry cleaning or special handling.
Always zip up all zippers and fasten buttons to prevent snagging and tearing delicate fabrics.
Sorting Laundry by Level of Dirt
Have you ever sorted clothes by colour and material, only to find that some items didn’t come out clean enough? You may have forgotten to sort laundry by the level of dirt. Lower dirt levels may not be sufficient for more heavily soiled items.
Lightly Soiled Laundry
This includes regularly worn clothing without visible stains. Wash it at lower temperatures with a smaller amount of detergent. This gentle washing is ideal for everyday clothing and helps extend its lifespan.
Moderately Soiled Laundry
Clothing with light stains or odours requires more intensive washing. Use a programme with a pre-wash and increase the water temperature. Don’t forget to use a high-quality detergent that effectively removes dirt.
Heavily Soiled Laundry
For very dirty or odorous clothing, choose a programme with a longer cycle and higher temperature. Consider using special stain removers before washing.
Modern washing machines often come equipped with a programme designed for washing heavily soiled clothing, trainers, or sportswear. Simply select the appropriate programme, and it will handle the ideal intensity and temperature for washing.
By following these principles, you will not only extend the lifespan of your wardrobe but also save time and energy when doing laundry. Remember that each item of clothing deserves individual attention. Whether it’s a white t-shirt, coloured trousers, or delicate underwear, each type of fabric requires specific care. By regularly sorting and correctly setting your washing machine, you’ll ensure that your clothes stay looking new for longer.