Should you sort laundry before tossing everything into the wash? It’s a question we hear a lot, especially when life’s busy and laundry feels like just another chore. If you’ve ever mixed colors and fabrics in one load, you’re not alone. But does sorting still matter?
We’ll break it all down in this blog.
Why People Separate Laundry
There’s a reason this age-old tip has stuck around. Separating helps:
- Prevent color mishaps (because no one wants grayish whites or tie-dyed socks)
- Protect delicate fabrics from the rough-and-tumble of heavy clothes
- Preserve the look and feel of your favorite pieces
Yes, detergent formulas and washers have gotten smarter, but some classic habits still hold up.
Should You Sort Laundry? Here’s What’s Worth Separating
If you want your laundry to last and look good, here’s what we suggest keeping separate:
1. Light Colors vs. Dark Colors
New dark clothes can still bleed, especially denim and vibrant shades. If you’re washing at home:
- Keep whites and light colors together
- Wash darks separately in cold water to lock in color
2. Delicates and Undergarments
Lace, lingerie, and stretchy fabrics deserve gentle treatment.
- Use a mesh bag for bras and smaller items
- Choose the delicate cycle, or better yet, leave it to Kona Cleaners!
3. Towels and Lint-Free Clothing
Towels are linty beasts. Keep them away from your leggings, tees, and anything dark.
4. Heavily Soiled or Sweaty Items
Workout gear, muddy socks, or anything your kid played in all day? They deserve their own cycle.
What You Can Mix Without Worry
Not everything needs its own VIP section. You can get away with mixing:
- Similar colors and similar fabrics (like T-shirts and pajamas)
- Dark socks with dark tees
- Medium-toned casual wear in the same wash
Just avoid mixing brand-new red items with your favorite whites.
What Happens If You Don’t Separate Laundry?
Nothing catastrophic, but over time, you might notice:
- Whites turning dull or dingy
- Bright colors fading faster
- Pilling from rougher fabrics rubbing together
So, should you sort laundry every single time? Not necessarily. But if you want to keep your clothes looking great, it’s a habit worth considering.
Not in the Mood for Sorting? We’ve Got You.
Want to skip wondering whether you should sort laundry altogether? Kona Cleaners has you covered. Our wash and fold service does the thinking for you. We treat every garment with the attention it deserves, keeping color, texture, and care in mind. From everyday laundry to your trickiest delicates, we’ll get them clean, fresh, and ready to wear (no pink socks in sight).
Drop it off at one of our convenient locations or schedule a pickup. We’ll take it from there.
