Sorting laundry

A clean job: sorting laundry made easy.

When the laundry piles up in the corners, it's high time to do it again. Clothes, bed linen etc. are often simply stuffed into the washing machine unsorted. However, if you wash dark laundry with white T-shirts, for example, you may be in for a nasty surprise: Light-colored laundry is particularly susceptible to discoloration. It therefore helps to separate textiles by color right from the start. But the wrong washing temperature can also damage delicate materials in particular. HAILO has compiled the most important washing tips for you.

How should laundry be sorted correctly?

Before putting soiled clothes in the washing machine, you should sort them by type of fabric, washing temperature and color. You can also do this pre-sorting when you put your clothes away and save time when it comes to washing. If you organize your dirty laundry when you put it away, you save at least one step when you go to the washing machine. This is possible, for example, with the separate containers of the practical Laundry Carrier from HAILO. If you then wash similar colors together and choose the right washing program, you can enjoy your favorite items for longer. Our step-by-step guide to correct washing puts an end to too many question marks in the face of the laundry mountain!

Step 1: Separate robust textiles from delicate fabrics

The first thing you should do is sort the laundry by type of fabric: Different fabrics need different care and should be washed accordingly. Fine fabrics such as silk or wool are particularly delicate and should not be put in the washing machine with other items of laundry. Otherwise the fine fibers will be destroyed by the friction. Delicate underwear such as bras or lingerie with a high synthetic content should also be handled with care and, together with other soft, fluffy materials, should be washed with delicates. A tip: It is best to wash delicate textiles in a net so that they are not damaged in the drum. Coarser and more resistant fabrics (such as cotton T-shirts), on the other hand, are easier to care for. Such garments can also be washed in the washing machine at higher temperatures. The material of the individual items of laundry already indicates which washing programs they should be washed on. A look at the label on each item of clothing also provides reliable information about the material and the appropriate washing cycle.

Step 2: Sort the laundry by washing temperature

The next step is to sort the garments according to whether they should be washed at a low temperature or a high temperature. If certain clothes are accidentally washed too hot, individual items may lose their shape. You can check which temperature is right for an item of laundry on the care labels sewn into the garment. As a rule of thumb, delicate items of clothing should only be machine washed at 30 degrees. Hygienic items such as towels and cotton underwear, on the other hand, need a higher washing temperature to get them really clean again. A pile of different laundry can be sorted as follows (approximately):

Cold wash

Very fine textiles, for example made of silk, should usually only be washed cold and, if necessary, by hand to protect the fine fibers.

30 degree wash

Easy-care laundry such as wool sweaters or curtains can also be washed at 30 degrees.

40 degree wash

Everyday clothes such as T-shirts, dresses and shirts can generally be washed at 40 degrees without hesitation. This temperature is also the right choice for socks and pants.

60 degree laundry

Underwear, towels and bed linen can be washed in the washing machine at 60 degrees. You should be particularly careful with underwear made of lace or other delicate materials and separate them from "normal" cotton underwear. A look at the laundry label will help here. Sensitive items should also often not be washed too hot.

90 degree wash

It is advisable to sort bed linen with particularly heavy soiling and cleaning textiles together in the boil wash. This will ensure that the washing machine is really full and, above all, that you clean the textiles of germs and the like in the long term.

Step 3: Sort the laundry correctly by color

The final step is to sort light colors from dark colors. You don't have to make a strict separation between white and black laundry. Similar color groups are more important. It is therefore advisable to sort colored laundry into lighter and darker colors. However, strongly colored dark laundry should be washed separately (especially the first time) to avoid staining other items of clothing. You can use the following rough classification as a guide when separating your laundry:

White laundry and light-colored laundry

Bright white items discolor particularly quickly. Separate washing is particularly important here. Don't worry: light blue, light gray or soft pink can also go in the drum. With new clothes, you should test whether the textiles stain and, if necessary, wash them separately. Tip: The right detergent can work wonders on formerly white laundry with a gray tinge.

Light colored laundry

Colored laundry can also be sorted again. Vibrant colors such as yellow, orange or pink should not be washed with the white laundry, but can be washed together without hesitation.

Dark colored laundry

Intense colors such as green, red or blue can be washed separately as dark colored laundry, as they would otherwise discolor other items of laundry.

Dark laundry

Clothes in dark brown, dark blue or black are particularly prone to staining. These items should therefore be washed separately from other textiles. This prevents dark color fogging, which can occur when washing light-colored items together.

The practical storage solution from HAILO for your laundry room

The HAILO Laundry Carrier offers a practical solution for your laundry room and sorting laundry. It allows you to sort worn clothes into two extra containers that offer space for two full washing machine loads.

When it's time to wash again, the system baskets can be easily removed as a whole using the ergonomic handles. Stable and easy to carry, they make washing a relaxed affair. As a built-in solution for various cupboard sizes, laundry is always neatly stowed away with the HAILO Laundry Carrier. So everything disappears out of sight in the cupboards and the next washing day can come.

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