:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/things-to-always-wash-seperately-GettyImages-1975124083-df0c96d1aba04da0a6bedd52fcf538f5.jpg?w=1024&resize=1024,1024&ssl=1 "10 Things You Should Always Wash Separately")
There are some basic laundry rules we all know—like keeping whites and dark colors separate. For example, you probably know that if you toss a bright red shirt in with white underwear, there’s a risk your undies will end up pink.
But colors aren’t the only thing you should worry about when sorting your laundry. Washing certain items separately or in different laundry loads is also about preventing tears, rips, or other forms of damage to your beloved clothing and linens. So, here are ten things you should never wash together to avoid ruining your laundry.
Towels and Delicate Fabrics
Alicia Sokolowski, president and CEO of AspenClean, tells me mixing towels with delicate items, such as bras or sweaters, is a big no. “Towels can damage delicate items, stretching them out or causing wear due to their heavy weight,” she explains.
Another reason not to wash bras and towels together is that the hooks can pull on the looped fibers of the towels, which not only ruins your towels but also your bras. If you must wash bras and towels together (since it does save time, water, and energy to do just one load), it’s best to put your bras in a mesh bag specifically designed for them.
Towels and Activewear
It seems logical to throw your entire gym bag in the washing machine at once, but it’s best to avoid this because it can ultimately shorten the life of your activewear. “Towels absorb moisture from activewear, which may affect the fabric’s performance and wicking properties,” says Sokolowski.
It’s best to wash activewear in cold water on delicate and hang it to dry. However, if you must dry it—maybe because you’re late for your spin class and really want to wear your favorite sports bra (it happens)—try to use a delicate or low setting whenever possible.
Jeans and Delicates
You might be tempted to wash jeans with delicate clothes, but this simply isn’t ideal. “Jeans are heavy and can cause friction, damaging lighter fabrics. So, wash jeans separately or with similar-weight items,” says Sokolowski.
And to keep your jeans in good condition, try to wash them as seldom as possible.
Sheets and Clothes
Sure, it’s fine to wash a pillowcase with your clothing, but tossing in a giant bedsheet and duvet cover is a bad idea, explains Sokolowski. “Sheets take up a lot of space and can cause tangling with clothes, ultimately affecting both cleaning and drying,” she says.
Sheets and Socks
Want to know where that lone sock went? Call off the search party—it’s probably wrapped somewhere in your sheets.
Taylor Sutherland, president of Charlie’s Soap, tells me mixing sheets and socks is a terrible idea. “You will lose a sock for three months, whereas it’s harder to lose a pair of jeans when you’re washing a fitted sheet,” he says.
Comforters and Clothing
“Heavy items like comforters overload the machine, causing uneven cleaning and drying,” reveals Sokolowski. Instead, she advises washing heavy items separately to ensure they get fully cleaned.
Clothing with Zippers and Delicates
Whether it’s your favorite hoodie or your child’s pajamas, washing items with zippers and delicates together can be damaging, according to Sokolowski. However, there is a simple solution to this problem. “Close zippers and place delicate items in mesh bags to protect them,” she says.
Items with Drawstrings
Sutherland says it’s a bad idea to wash items with drawstrings together because the risk of entanglement is too high. This also means your load is less likely to dry evenly. Even if you tie the strings together, they are likely to become untied during the spin cycle, so it isn’t worth the risk.
Velcro and Cotton Items
“Jackets or any garment with Velcro should not be washed with anything cotton if you can help it,” says Sutherland. “The hook part of the hook-and-loop Velcro will become completely encrusted with cotton fuzz that will take an eyeglass, tweezers, and the patience of a saint to remove.”
Heavy Soiled Clothing and Regular Laundry
Did you get extra dirty pulling weeds in your garden today? It’s best to wash those pants and gloves separately. Sokolowski says heavily soiled clothes can transfer dirt and stains to other laundry, making them dirtier or even permanently stained.
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