Laundry can quickly pile up and become overwhelming if not sorted properly. Having an efficient system for sorting clothes, towels, sheets, and other items before washing makes doing laundry far less tedious. With just a few simple steps, you can sort laundry in a way that saves time and ensures clothes are washed correctly.

Set Up Sorting Stations

The first step in sorting laundry is designating spots for each type of item. This allows you to quickly distribute clothes into the proper piles as you take them out of the hamper. Here are some handy laundry sorting stations to set up:

Hamper or Laundry Basket

Have a basket, hamper, or bin where dirty clothes can be tossed initially. This contains them in one place before sorting begins. Choose a few divided hampers if you like separating lights and darks as you disrobe.

Tables or Counters

Clear off a table, countertop, or other flat surface to use for sorting different fabric types. Sections for delicates, towels, sturdy cottons, etc. Keep bins or baskets handy for gathering each group.

Floor Sections

Use different areas of the floor to make laundry sorting stations. Place a towel or mat in each spot and pile similar garments there. Just be sure to remember what each section is for!

Shelf or Rack

Install a shelf with dividers or a clothing rack with distinct sections for sorting laundry. Neatly drape and hang items in their designated bins or spaces.

Sort by Fabric

The next step is to separate clothes into fabric-based categories. This prevents incompatible materials from being washed together. Follow fabric care labels for the best results. Here are common fabric types to sort:

Delicates

This group includes lingerie, silky fabrics, spandex blends, and anything sheer, lacy, or easily damaged. Take extra care and wash delicates separately in a mesh bag on a gentle cycle.

Cottons

Most everyday wear like t-shirts, jeans, socks, and sweatshirts are sturdy cottons. These can be washed together on a normal setting. Stains may need pretreatment.

Towels

Both bath and kitchen towels absorb lots of water, so wash them alone or with other items that can handle intense spinning. Use a high agitation wash and hot water temperature.

Sheets and Bedding

For hygienic reasons, keep sheets, pillowcases, and blankets separate from clothing. Wash bed linens in hot water if possible and use an antimicrobial detergent.

Whites

White garments tend to gray and yellow over time. Wash them separately with bleach or whitening agents to keep them bright. Check care labels first and avoid mixing with colors.

Darks

Group darker items together to prevent dye transfer onto lighter fabrics. Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle and line dry when possible to protect the color.

Separate by Level of Dirtiness

Not all clothes in a hamper need washed with the same intensity. Divide laundry into piles based on how soiled the items are:

Heavily Soiled

Towels, sheets, athletic wear, and muddy/stained clothes need a deep clean. Wash these extra dirty items in hot water with an intense wash cycle and strong detergent.

Moderately Soiled

Everyday wear like t-shirts, jeans, and undergarments have typical levels of dirt, sweat, and odor. Wash in warm or hot water with a normal wash cycle.

Lightly Soiled

Some clothes are only worn or used briefly before washing. Things like pajamas, loungewear, and pool coverups can go in a gentle cold wash.

Handwash Only

Delicate fabrics like silk, lace, wool sweaters, and bras require handwashing. Submerge them in a sink or basin filled with cool water and mild detergent.

This separation prevents clean clothes from getting dingy because they are washed too aggressively. It also keeps heavily soiled fabrics from being insufficiently cleaned in a delicate cycle.

Check Pockets and Fastenings

The last step before starting laundry is double-checking pockets and inspecting closures:

Empty All Pockets

Remove any items like tissues, receipts, coins, lip balm, pens, etc. Missed objects can leak ink or color, damage the washing machine, or ruin clothes.

Zip and Button Up

Fully close pants, jackets, hoodies, and anything with a zipper or buttons to prevent snags. Tie cloth belts, sashes, and drawstrings so they won’t tangle.

Turn Items Inside Out

Decorated shirts, activewear with silkscreen designs, and embellished sweaters should be inverted to protect graphics and avoid pilling.

Fasten Hooks, Ties, and Clasps

Secure bras, apron straps, scarves, and anything with attachments so they won’t catch on other laundry and stretch out of shape.

Follow Fabric Care Labels

When in doubt about how to wash a particular garment, always follow the instructions on its care tag. Symbols provide guidance on water temperature, drying method, and if bleach can be used. Taking a moment to check can prevent shrinkage, dye discoloration, and other laundry mishaps.

Some additional tips when reading care labels:

• Wash warning – Only use a gentle cycle and cold water
• No machine wash – Must be handwashed only
• Line dry symbol – Don’t machine dry to avoid heat damage
• Iron setting – Use the heat/steam level specified
• Dry clean only – Don’t attempt to wash the item at home

With a systematic sorting method, separating laundry doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore. Set up stations, categorize by fabric and dirtiness, inspect clothes, and read care tags. Following these simple steps makes laundry day much smoother and keeps clothes looking their best. With clean stacks separated out, it’s easier to wash thoughtfully, prevent mistakes, and maximize efficiency. Establish a regular laundry routine using these four sorting steps to make washing laundry stress-free and simple.

Benefits of Properly Sorting Laundry

Whether you’re washing clothes for a large family, run a laundromat, or just want to be efficient with your own laundry, taking the time to properly sort items pays off tremendously. Here are some of the biggest benefits of separating laundry before washing:

Prevents Damage and Wear

Laundry sorting helps avoid accidental damage like:

• Shrinking wool and cashmere sweaters washed in hot water
• Snagging delicate fabrics on zippers and snaps
• Fading dark colors laundered with bleach
• Ruined graphics from decorated shirts turned inside out
• Stretching out bras and sweaters not washed in mesh bags

Proper sorting ensures clothes are washed with compatible items under ideal settings. This prevents premature wear and tear.

Allows Targeted Stain Treatment

When heavily stained or soiled items are separated out, it’s easier to pretreat stains appropriately before washing. You can:

• Dab grease stains with dish soap before adding to the laundry
• Spray perspiration marks on shirt collars with stain stick
• Apply hydrogen peroxide to blood stains to lift them
• Soak muddy jeans in OxiClean solution to pull out dirt

Without sorting beforehand, you might miss seeing some stains altogether or fail to pretreat them for the best results.

Improves Washing Efficiency

Laundry takes less time when sorted loads can be washed sequentially back-to-back in the appropriate cycles. The washer can run more loads consecutively when not needing resets between incompatible fabrics or temperature changes.

Maximizes Cleaning Power

Muddy soccer uniforms washed with lightly worn pajamas will not get fully clean. When heavily soiled items are washed together with clean(ish) pieces, some may come out still dirty. Proper sorting allows you to wash extremely grubby clothes with extra intense settings, blasts of detergent, and hot water to fully sanitize them.

Reduces Need for Re-Washing

No one wants to run laundry through the machine multiple times or discover it still smells after drying. But that can happen when odorous gym clothes or musty sheets aren’t washed separately from everyday outfits. Proper sorting avoids the need for re-washing things that didn’t get fully clean the first try.

Keeps Whites White

Washing white linens or shirts in with darker fabrics can lead to graying over time as dye transfers. Separating whites into their own loads allows using bleach or bluing agents to keep them brighter.

Prevents Tangling and Knots

Have you ever pulled delicate dresses or lacy underwear from the washer twisted and tangled around other clothes? Prevent frustrating knotting by washing delicate fabrics in their own load or in a mesh garment bag.

Allows Customized Drying

Some laundry loads can be tumbled dried immediately, while others require air drying flat or hanging to avoid damage. Proper sorting means you can dry items according to their fabric needs versus wasting energy drying inappropriate items together.

Laundry seems less arduous when you’re not working against tangled messes and improperly washed clothes. A few extra minutes of sorting reaps tremendous benefits down the road. Establish a system that works for your household and stick to it each washing day.

Sorting Laundry By Color

For those new to doing laundry, one of the most common sorting methods is by separating lights and darks. Washing clothes based on color can help prevent dye transfer issues. Here’s what you need to know:

Why Separate Darks and Lights?

When laundered together, darker garments can bleed some of their dyes onto lighter items. This dye transfer results in:

• Graying of whites
• Pale clothes getting dye spots
• Darker fabrics losing vibrancy over time

Washing lights and darks separately maintains the original shading of all your clothes. Bleeding is accelerated in warm or hot water.

What Counts As Darks?

• Jeans
• Navy, black, brown, dark green, burgundy, etc. shirts and pants
• Printed or patterned fabrics with dark backgrounds
• Towels and sheets if deeply colored
• Darker dress clothes like suits, ties, slacks
• Colored undergarments and socks

Avoid washing darks with any light or bright white laundry.

What are Light or Medium Colors?

• Whites like t-shirts, button downs, socks
• Pastels like blush pink, baby blue, light yellow
• Neons and bright colors – highlighter pink, lime green
• Light prints and patterns like gingham, polka dots
• Most sweatshirts, sweaters, activewear
• Sheets or towels with light backgrounds
• Faded black or dark clothes

Only wash these together to prevent dye bleed.

Where Should Mediums Go?

Clothes that fall between very dark and very light can be washed either way. Examples include:

• Beegees, tans
• Dusty blues
• Lavender, lilac
• Seafoam green, sage
• Light brown, military green
• Muted reds and oranges

Use your discretion for these in-between shades. Keeping them separate works too.

Should Whites Be Separate?

For pure whites like dress shirts or new sheets, washing separately maintains their bright freshness. A bleach alternative in an all-white load helps remove stains and prevent graying. But for casual everyday whites, sorting by color isn’t essential.

Quick Tips for Darks and Lights

• Wash new colored items separately the first few times as dye tends to bleed most when new.
• Turn dark clothes inside out to prevent piling and fuzzing.
• Use cold water for darks and warm for lights to maximize color protection.
• Line dry when possible to keep darks from fading in the dryer.
• Check care tags as some bright prints warn against using bleach.

While separating by color takes a bit more time upfront, the benefit is clothes that maintain their original vibrant hues for longer.

Sorting Laundry by Fabric Type

In addition to sorting laundry by color, you should also separate fabrics. This prevents damage from incompatible materials being washed together on the wrong settings. Here are some tips for sorting common fabric types:

Delicates

This category includes lingerie, form-fitting garments, anything lacy or sheer, and fabrics like silk and satin. The delicate cycle with cool water is best for:

• Bras and camisoles
• Shapewear and slips
• Thin sweaters and blouses
• Lace-trimmed underwear and nightgowns
• Sheer tights and stockings
• Lightweight scarves and ties

Also use mesh wash bags to prevent tangling and tearing of delicates when washing.

Sturdy Cottons

Everyday t-shirts, jeans, socks, towels, and similar items made of strong natural fabrics can withstand intense washing. Cottons and linens can be washed together on normal/permanent press cycles. This fabric group includes:

• Jeans, khakis, cords, denim shorts
• Plain t-shirts, tanks, undershirts
• Boxers, briefs, and cotton underwear
• Crewneck sweatshirts
• Hoodies and fleece pullovers
• Cotton dress shirts, polos
• Bath towels, hand towels, washcloths
• Aprons, cotton dresses, skirts

Athletic and Performance Wear

Moisture-wicking athletic fabrics should be washed immediately after wearing to prevent odor. Use a gentle cycle and cold water for:

• Stretchy yoga pants, leggings, compression gear
• Dri-FIT style exercise tops and shorts
• Sports uniforms like soccer jerseys
• Spandex blends and Lycra swimwear

Avoid fabric softeners that can inhibit moisture wicking properties.

Natural Wool and Cashmere

Wool and cashmere shrink easily when agitated and felted in hot water. Use a delicate cycle and cold temperature for:

• Wool sweaters, cardigans, pullovers
• Cashmere turtlenecks and dresses
• Wool felt hats and gloves
• Wool blends in pants, skirts, shirts

Lay flat to dry. Never place wool items in the dryer.

Denim Jeans

Tough, thick denim can withstand a hot, intense wash cycle. But repeated high heat drying can damage jeans over time. For Levi’s, Wranglers, shorts, skirts, and jackets, it’s best to:

• Wash in cold water with mild detergent
• Machine dry gently on low heat or hang to air dry
• Spot treat stains to limit harsh scrubbing

This preserves the fit, color, and integrity of the denim fibers.

With a good system for sorting fabrics, you can avoid accidental shrinkage, tearing, and damage. Handle delicate items gently and wash sturdy cottons vigorously for the best results.

Sorting Household Linens

Don’t forget about kitchen and bath linens when sorting laundry! Dish towels, sheets, blankets, and other household items should be separated as well:

Kitchen Linens

Towels and cloths used for drying dishes and hands harbor lots of built-up grime, grease, and bacteria. Wash separately from clothing on the hottest cycle possible with added bleach or disinfectant. This includes:

• Dish towels and scrubbing cloths
• Hand towels by the kitchen sink
• Napkins and tablecloths
• Aprons, oven mitts, potholders

Bath Linens

Like kitchen linens, towels and mats used post-shower or bath need sanitizing washes. The warm, moist environment is ideal for mold, mildew, and bacteria growth. Wash bath linens in hot water with bleach or disinfectants added.

• Bath towels and washcloths
• Hand towels by sinks
• Bath mats, shower curtains
• Robes and slippers

Sheets and Bedding

For sanitary reasons, keep sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and other bedding separate from regular laundry. Use hot water, bleach alternatives, and borax to fully clean:

• Sheet sets – fitted, flat, pillowcases
• Duvet covers, shams
• Blankets, quilts, bedspreads
• Mattress pads and toppers
• Pillows if machine washable

Pet Items

Dog beds, cat blankets, and other pet items pick up dander, hair, and sometimes even fleas. Keep them away from your own linens and wash thoroughly:

• Pet beds and mats
• Old towels or blankets pets lay on
• Pet clothing and accessories
• Carriers, crates, and kennels

Don’t forget to empty the lint trap after washing pet items!

Be sure to read all care labels and follow washing instructions for household textiles. But when in doubt, opt for the hottest water safe for the fabric to kill germs and fully sanitize.

Top Laundry Sorting Mistakes to Avoid

Learning how to properly sort laundry takes practice. To get the best results from your washing machine and keep clothes looking their best, avoid these common sorting mistakes:

Forgetting About Pockets

Failing to empty all pockets before washing and drying can lead to damaged clothes, broken machines, and shrunken money! Always double check for:

• Tissues
• Receipts
• Coins
• Keys
• Chapstick
• Pens

Neglecting Care Labels

Ignoring fabric care symbols can cause clothes to shrink, bleed, tear, or have graphics peel and crack. Follow instructions for:

• Washing temperature
• Drying method
• Using bleach
• Dry cleaning warnings

Mixing Heavy and Light Soils

Washing grubby soccer uniforms with barely worn pajamas results in dirt not fully removed from heavily so