The Right Way to Sort Laundry

We’ve all been there, pulling a load of laundry from the washer only to discover a white shirt turned pink or a favorite sweater ruined.

Sorting laundry may seem like a small step, but it makes a big difference.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through why sorting matters, exactly how to do it, and how to avoid the most common laundry mistakes.

Why Sorting Laundry the Right Way Matters

Many people think sorting is just about separating colors, but it actually plays several important roles in how well your laundry comes out.

Here’s why sorting matters before you even touch the washer:

• Avoids color bleeding: When you mix darks and lights in the same load, there’s a high chance that dyes from dark or bright clothes will bleed onto lighter ones. A classic example? I tossed a red sock in with white shirts and ended up with pink laundry. Sorting by color helps keep every item looking the way it’s meant to.
• Protects fabric types from damage: Different fabrics need different care. Washing heavy towels with delicate blouses or lightweight T-shirts can cause unnecessary wear and tear. Delicate items can get stretched, snagged, or damaged when tumbled around with rougher materials, which is why sorting by fabric type is key.
• Helps detergents work better and clothes last longer: Detergents are designed to work best when loads are similar in weight and fabric type. When you sort correctly, you create wash loads that allow the detergent to clean effectively without overworking the machine or the fabrics. This not only keeps clothes looking great but also extends their lifespan.

Step-by-Step Guide to Sorting Laundry

Now that you know why sorting matters, here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you sort laundry correctly. These steps ensure every item gets the care it needs before you even consider pressing the start button.

1. Sort by color: lights, darks, brights: Start by dividing your laundry into three color groups: light colors (like whites, creams, and pastels), darks (such as black, navy, and charcoal), and brights (vivid reds, yellows, and blues). This keeps dark dyes from bleeding onto lighter fabrics, which can turn a white shirt into a pink one. Even bright colors can bleed onto each other, so keeping them separate helps protect their boldness. If you’re unsure where something belongs, place it with similar colors rather than guessing. Taking this first step helps preserve the look of every item you own.
2. Sort by fabric type: delicates, towels, heavy items: Once your colors are sorted, group clothes by fabric type. Delicate pieces like lingerie, lace, or thin blouses should go in their pile, while towels and heavy items like jeans or hoodies belong together. This protects delicate items from getting stretched or snagged and ensures heavier fabrics wash and rinse properly. For example, washing towels with lightweight shirts can cause uneven cleaning and extra wear on your clothes. Sorting by fabric type also helps balance the load in the washer, improving performance.
3. Check care labels for special instructions: Before you toss anything into the pile, take a moment to check the care labels sewn inside your clothes. These labels give you important guidance, like whether an item needs cold water, gentle cycles, or hand washing. Ignoring labels can lead to shrinkage, stretching, or even ruined fabric, especially with specialty items. For example, a wool sweater often needs a very different wash than a cotton T-shirt. This step helps you avoid surprises and protects clothes that need extra care.
4. Empty pockets and close zippers: Make sure to check all pockets and fasten any zippers or buttons before you wash. Leftover tissues can break down and leave lint everywhere, while coins or keys can damage both clothes and your washer. Zipping up garments and fastening hooks keeps them from snagging delicate fabrics or twisting during the wash. It also helps the clothes hold their shape and reduces tangling. Spending just a few minutes on this step can save you from annoying cleanups or costly damage.

How to Store and Prep Laundry Before Washing

Getting laundry ready doesn’t stop at sorting, how you store and prepare items before they hit the machine can make a big difference. These simple prep steps help you avoid last-minute headaches and keep clothes in better condition for the long run.

1. Use separate laundry baskets for sorting: Have dedicated baskets or bins for lights, darks, delicates, and towels to make sorting easier from the start. This prevents clothes from getting mixed up, which can lead to rushed sorting or mistakes later. It also saves time on laundry day since everything is already grouped and ready to go. Baskets with labels can be especially helpful in busy households or shared laundry spaces. The more organized your system, the smoother your routine will be.
2. Keep delicate items in mesh bags: Place delicate garments like lingerie, hosiery, or lace items into mesh laundry bags before washing. This adds an extra layer of protection against snags, stretching, or damage during handling and transport. Mesh bags are breathable, allowing water and detergent to pass through easily without tangling or tearing delicate fabrics. Keeping mesh bags ready near your laundry area makes it easy to tuck away delicate items right after sorting. This small step can greatly extend the life of your most fragile pieces.
3. Don’t let damp laundry sit in piles (prevents mildew): Avoid leaving damp towels, gym clothes, or swimsuits in piles for long periods. Moisture creates the perfect environment for mildew and bacteria to grow, which can cause unpleasant smells and even stain fabrics. If you can’t wash damp items right away, hang them up to air out or drape them over the side of a basket. This reduces the risk of mildew and keeps your laundry area fresher overall. Proper airflow is key to keeping both clothes and your laundry space clean and odor-free.

Common Laundry Sorting Mistakes to Avoid

Even if you’re sorting your laundry, some easy-to-miss mistakes can still slip in and cause trouble.

Here’s what to watch for so you don’t accidentally create extra laundry headaches.

• Sorting without checking load size balance: Some people sort perfectly but don’t balance the load sizes, like throwing in just two pairs of jeans or only a few small items. Small loads can waste water and energy, while oversized loads can strain the machine and leave clothes poorly cleaned. Aim for a well-balanced load that fills about three-quarters of the drum. This keeps your machine working efficiently and helps your clothes come out clean. Remember: sorting is step one, but loading smartly finishes the job.
• Skipping a quick check for colorfastness: Not all dark or bright clothes, especially brand-new items, hold their color equally well. If you don’t check whether an item is colorfast, you risk it bleeding onto the rest of the load, even if you’ve sorted by color. To check, dampen a small hidden area of the fabric and press it with a white cloth; if the color transfers, wash that item separately the first few times. This is a small but important extra step, especially for bold reds, blues, and dark jeans. It’s one of the best ways to avoid surprise dye disasters.
• Grouping similar-looking but incompatible fabrics: It’s easy to assume that anything that “feels” the same can go together, like combining a soft hoodie with lightweight T-shirts. However, bulkier items can twist or stretch smaller ones during the wash cycle. When grouping fabrics, always consider the weight and structure of items, not just the feel or color. This protects everything from unexpected damage and helps your loads wash evenly.

Ready for Stress-Free Laundry Days?

Sorting laundry correctly is the first step toward cleaner, longer-lasting clothes, but it’s even better when paired with reliable, high-quality equipment.

At ACE Commercial Laundry Equipment Inc., we help businesses, multi-unit buildings, and institutions create smooth, efficient laundry operations with top-tier washers, dryers, and smart laundry room management systems.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your machines or want solutions that help residents and customers manage laundry more easily, ACE has the expertise to guide you.

Want to make laundry day easier and more efficient?

Reach out to ACE today and discover how the right equipment and tools can transform your laundry setup and keep your colors looking their best, load after load.