When it comes to laundry, knowing how to wash by color is essential for keeping your clothes looking vibrant and new. The process isn’t just about separating whites from colors; there are many nuances to consider.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step, ensuring you have cleaner, brighter clothes that last longer.
Table of Contents
Step-by-step Guide on How to Wash by Color
Here are the steps to wash clothes by color…
Step 1: Sort Your Clothes
Here’s how to sort your clothes…
Begin by Creating a Sorting Area
Find a clean, spacious surface where you can sort your laundry without feeling cramped. This could be a large table, a clean floor, or even your bed covered with a clean sheet to protect the fabric.
Separate by Color Groups
Start categorizing your laundry into distinct color piles. Usually, you’ll have:
Whites: This includes pure whites or clothes with white backgrounds that have light patterns.
Darks: This pile should consist of blacks, navy blues, dark browns, and deep grays.
Lights: Place all your light-colored clothes, such as pastels and light grays, in this pile.
Brights: Reds, oranges, bright blues, and yellows go here.
Consider Fabric Type
Within each color pile, you may also want to separate garments based on fabric type. Cottons, linens, and synthetics may have different washing needs.
Finalize the Sorting
Once you have your piles sorted, double-check to ensure that no garment has been misplaced. A stray red sock in your whites can lead to an unfortunate pink hue on all your white laundry.
Step 2: Check Clothing Labels
Here’s what you’ll need todo…
Locate the Care Labels
On most garments, you’ll find a care label usually situated on the inside of the collar or along a seam. This label will provide valuable information on how the item should be washed.
Interpret the Instructions
These labels will contain both text and symbols. You’ll often see washing temperature recommendations and other care instructions. If you’re not familiar with the symbols, a quick internet search can decode them for you.
Special Washing Instructions: Look for terms like “Hand Wash Only” or “Cold Water Only.”
Warnings: Phrases like “Do Not Bleach” or “Do Not Tumble Dry” will alert you to any special considerations you need to take into account.
Remove Special Care Items
Identify any garments that require special care, such as hand washing or dry cleaning. Separate these from your main piles to ensure they don’t accidentally end up in the washing machine.
Group Similar Care Items
Finally, within each color pile, group items that have similar washing instructions. This makes it easier to do multiple loads with the same settings, saving you time and energy.
Step 3: Pre-Treat Stains
Here’s how to pre-treat stains…
Identify Stains
First, go through each of your sorted piles and inspect each garment for stains. Make sure to check areas that are prone to staining like collars, cuffs, and underarms.
Choose Your Pre-Treatment
There are several types of pre-treatment options available:
Liquid Laundry Detergent: Good for general stains. You can apply a small amount directly to the stain.
Stain Remover Stick, Gel, or Spray: Specially formulated for tougher stains like wine or blood.
Natural Alternatives: Baking soda or white vinegar can be effective for certain types of stains.
Apply Pre-Treatment
After choosing your pre-treatment:
For Liquid Detergent: Apply a few drops directly to the stain.
For Stain Remover: Follow the instructions on the packaging, which usually involves applying it directly to the stain.
For Natural Alternatives: Create a paste with baking soda and water, or apply white vinegar directly to the stain.
Time It Right
Allow the pre-treatment to sit on the stain for at least 10 minutes. For tougher stains, you may want to let it sit for up to an hour.
However, always refer to the guidelines on the stain remover packaging or the garment’s care label to ensure you’re not harming the fabric.
Step 4: Load the Washing Machine
Here’s what you’ll need to do…
Prepare the Machine
Before you add your laundry, ensure that the washing machine is clean and empty. Double-check for any items that might be left from a previous wash.
Load by Color Group
Take one of your sorted color groups and prepare to load it into the machine. Remember, each color group should be washed separately to prevent color bleeding.
Ensure Proper Loading
When adding your clothes, distribute them evenly around the machine’s drum. An uneven load can cause the machine to become unbalanced, which may affect its performance.
Don’t Overload
Overloading the machine can result in less effective washing and rinsing. Clothes should move freely for optimal cleaning. As a general rule, fill the machine to no more than three-quarters full.
Check for Last-Minute Stains
Before you start the machine, give your load one final check for any missed stains that need pre-treatment. If you find any, either treat them quickly or set the garment aside for special attention.
Step 5: Choose the Right Detergent and Settings
Do the following…
Selecting the Right Detergent
The choice of detergent can make a significant difference in the outcome of your laundry. Here are some types to consider:
High-Efficiency (HE) Detergent: If you have a high-efficiency washing machine, make sure to use an HE detergent.
Liquid vs. Powder: Liquid detergents are generally better for greasy, oily stains, while powders are good for mud and ground-in dirt.
Sensitive Skin: If you have sensitive skin, opt for a hypoallergenic detergent that is free from dyes and fragrances.
Reading the Care Labels for Settings
Consult the care labels on your sorted garments one last time to confirm the appropriate settings. Most labels will suggest optimal water temperature and cycle type.
Choosing the Wash Cycle
Washing machines typically have a variety of cycles that range from delicate to heavy-duty. Here are some general guidelines:
Delicates: Use this for fragile fabrics like silk and lace.
Normal/Cotton: Ideal for towels, cotton shirts, and jeans.
Heavy Duty: Use this for very dirty clothes and sturdy fabrics.
Setting the Temperature
Cold Water: Best for bright colors and delicate fabrics.
Warm Water: Good for synthetic fibers and lightly soiled clothes.
Hot Water: Ideal for whites, very dirty clothes, and sturdy fabrics.
Additional Settings
Some machines offer extra settings like “Extra Rinse” or “Prewash.” Use these as needed, but keep in mind they will extend the wash time.
Step 6: Start the Wash
Here’s how to start the wash cycle…
Final Check
Before you start the wash, make sure the machine’s drum is not overloaded and that you’ve added the right amount of detergent. Double-check that the settings align with the care labels on your clothes.
Start the Cycle
Once you’re confident everything is set correctly, go ahead and start the washing machine. Many modern machines have a ‘Start’ button or a dial that you turn to initiate the cycle.
Monitor the Cycle
Though not strictly necessary, it’s a good practice to stay nearby during the wash, at least for the first few minutes. Listen for any unusual noises and take note of the machine’s progress.
Complete the Cycle
Allow the washing machine to run through the full cycle without interruption. Opening the lid or pausing the machine can disrupt the wash and may require you to restart the cycle.
Step 7: Unload and Dry
Here’s how to dry your clothes…
Prompt Removal
Once the washing machine cycle is complete, it’s crucial to promptly remove your clothes to prevent any potential issues such as color bleeding or mildew formation.
Check for Residual Stains
Before moving to the drying phase, inspect your clothes for any stains that might not have been fully removed during washing. If you find any, you may need to pre-treat and wash the item again.
Sort for Drying
Based on the fabric type and color, you might choose to dry clothes differently. Delicates might need to be air-dried, while cottons can generally go in the dryer.
Read Care Labels for Drying Instructions
Refer to the care labels on your garments for specific drying instructions. You’ll usually see suggestions for the optimal drying temperature and whether or not to use a tumble dryer.
Drying Methods
Air Dry: Hang clothes on a drying rack or clothesline. Make sure they are fully spread out to encourage even drying.
Low Heat in Dryer: For synthetic fibers and delicate items, use the low-heat setting on your dryer.
Medium to High Heat in Dryer: For cottons and linens, these can usually tolerate medium to high heat.
Fluff/Air Cycle: This no-heat option is good for fluffing items that are already close to dry.
Step 8: Fold or Hang
Take the following steps…
Immediate Attention
As soon as your clothes are dry to the touch, it’s time to fold or hang them. Prompt attention can help prevent wrinkles and keep your clothes looking their best.
Choose Folding or Hanging
Folding: This is often best for items like t-shirts, jeans, and sweaters. Make sure you have a clean, flat surface to work on.
Hanging: Dress shirts, blouses, and slacks often benefit from being hung. Use padded hangers for delicate items and sturdy, well-shaped hangers for suits and coats.
Implement Proper Techniques
For Folding: Smooth out any wrinkles with your hands as you fold. Make sure corners meet neatly.
For Hanging: Button up shirts and make sure the seams along the shoulders align with the edges of the hanger.
Store Appropriately
Once your clothes are either folded or hung, place them in their designated areas—drawers, closet rods, or shelves—to maintain their shape and keep your living space organized.
For more articles on how to wash, click here: How to Wash: Your Comprehensive Guide to Clothing and Fashion Care
Conclusion: How to Wash by Color
Taking the time to wash by color isn’t just about keeping your whites white or your colors vibrant; it’s about extending the life of every item in your wardrobe.
By diligently sorting your clothes, paying close attention to care labels, pre-treating stains, and choosing the right washing and drying settings, you create the ideal conditions for effective laundering.
Though each step might seem trivial on its own, when combined, they form a comprehensive approach to garment care that can save you both time and money in the long run.
The result is clothes that look, feel, and smell better, boosting your confidence and ensuring you always look your best.
So, the next time you find yourself facing a laundry basket full of mixed fabrics and colors, remember: a little care goes a long way. Happy laundering!
