Why is it essential to separate white and coloured clothes when doing laundry?

The answer is straightforward: to prevent color bleeding and staining.

New clothing is a big NO when washing whites together with color as they still tend to have dye that will run during the first few washes. It can cause the dye in colored clothes to bleed and transfer onto white clothes, causing discoloration and staining.

By separating white clothes and colored clothes, you can:

1. Extend the Life of Your Clothing

Separating white and coloured clothing will prolong the life of your laundry. Throwing all your washing in at once can save time, but do you think of repairing those clothes if they get discoloration or stained? And it will lead to that new favourite dress wearing out faster than it should. By separating your clothing, they will keep that new look and fresh feel for far longer.

2. Avoid Dye Transfer

This is always a significant concern when washing whites with certain coloured items, especially when there is heat. Washing that brand-new Naomi red jumpsuit with your Cora white maxi dress is how you end up with a tie-dyed dress you can’t remember buying.

3. Maintain Brightness and Vibrancy

Separating white and colored clothes also helps to maintain the brightness and vibrancy of your clothing. When colored clothes bleed onto white clothes, it can leave behind dull and faded patches. By keeping white clothes separate, you can ensure that they retain their crisp and bright appearance.

4. Prevent Stains

Color bleeding can also lead to stains on your white clothes. Even if the color transfer is not visible, it can still leave behind residue that gradually builds up and causes stains. By separating your clothes, you can avoid these unwanted marks and keep your whites stain-free.

5. Preserve Whiteness

White clothes can easily become yellowed or grayed over time, especially when they are constantly exposed to colored clothing during washing. By separating whites, you can prevent this discoloration and keep your clothes looking fresh and true to their original shade.

6. Maintain Hygiene

Separating white and colored clothes also helps to maintain hygiene. Because colored clothes, especially those that are heavily soiled, can contain dirt, bacteria, or other contaminants. By keeping them separate from your white clothes, you can ensure that your whites stay clean and free from any potential contamination.

7. Simplify Sorting and Care

Separating your clothes by color makes sorting and care easier. When it comes time to iron or treat stains, you won’t have to worry about accidentally damaging or staining your white clothes with colored products. By having separate piles of white and colored clothes, you can easily identify which items need specific care.

It’s better to be safe than sorry when doing laundry.

Separating clothes by color is still a good idea to avoid wearing down your whites or accidentally dying them a different colour. This simple step can help extend the life of your clothes and keep them looking bright and fresh.