Sorting laundry before washing is not just a habit—it's a critical step to prevent dye transfer, fabric damage, and uneven cleaning, according to two industry experts. James Joun, co-founder and COO of Rinse, an on-demand laundry service, and Rechelle Balanzat, founder of Juliette, a clothing care company, shared their professional insights on how to categorize clothes effectively. Their advice, grounded in daily experience with thousands of loads, offers a practical roadmap for anyone looking to protect their wardrobe investment.
Joun emphasizes that the first rule is separating lights from darks. He prefers the term "lights" over "whites" because it includes off-white and pastel shades, which are all vulnerable to dye absorption from darker garments. "Separating lights and darks helps prevent dye transfer and keeps your garments looking vibrant," he says. This simple step, often overlooked in busy households, can prevent the frustration of a once-white shirt turning pink or gray.
Beyond color, fabric type and care instructions are equally important. Balanzat calls care tags "your cheat sheet to keeping your clothes looking like new," urging consumers to read and follow them. She notes that different materials—from delicate silk to sturdy denim—require different washing conditions to maintain their integrity.
Why Weight and Soil Level Matter
Joun advises considering the weight of garments when sorting, as heavier items like jeans, sweatshirts, and towels need longer wash cycles and can trap lighter pieces, affecting cleaning results. He suggests washing heavy items together to ensure thorough cleaning. For extra dirty clothes—such as exercise gear or kitchen rags—he recommends washing them in hot water, separate from cleaner items, to prevent dirt and bacteria from spreading.
Towels and sheets, he notes, benefit from higher temperatures to kill bacteria, making them suitable for a separate hot-water load. Conversely, delicate items labeled for gentle cycles—including wool, silk, lace, and other woven materials—should be grouped together and washed with care to avoid damage.
Practical Tips for Sorting
To minimize wear during washing, Joun suggests turning garments inside out and zipping zippers while sorting. This simple action reduces friction on the outer surface, preserving color and texture. He also recommends using mesh bags for extra-delicate items like lingerie, which can be placed in bags during the sorting process to protect them from tangling or snagging.
Balanzat adds that athletic wear, which relies on elasticity, should be washed in cold water with a light detergent to maintain its stretch and performance. She cautions against using fabric softeners on such items, as they can break down elastic fibers over time.
For items labeled "dry clean only," Joun is emphatic: follow the tag. Placing such pieces—often wool, silk, or structured garments like blazers—in a washing machine can cause permanent damage. He advises respecting these labels to avoid costly replacements.
The experts' collective advice underscores that sorting is not just about organization but about extending the life of your clothing. By taking a few extra minutes to categorize loads, consumers can avoid common laundry mishaps and keep their wardrobes looking fresh for years. As Joun puts it, "Proper sorting is the foundation of good laundry care."
