Do You Have to Separate Lights and Darks When Washing?: 1 Minute to Make Laundry Day Easier

When it comes to laundry, the age-old question is: do you really have to separate lights and darks? The short answer is—yes, you should. Mixing light and dark clothes in the wash can lead to color bleeding, where dyes from darker fabrics transfer onto lighter ones, leaving them looking dingy or stained. This is especially true for new clothes, which are more likely to bleed excess dye. Separating your laundry helps maintain the brightness of your whites and prevents your darks from fading prematurely.

But as a designer, I often think about how the arrangement and care of your environment—even something as routine as laundry—affects both aesthetics and function. Clean, bright linens and clothes enhance the overall look of your home, while preserved colors in your decor textiles (like cushions, throws, and curtains) reflect thoughtful maintenance. For those planning laundry or utility spaces, considering proper storage for sorting hampers can make the separation routine more intuitive and visually appealing. Thoughtful storage design not only keeps your laundry process efficient but also minimizes visual clutter, giving your home a polished look—much like a well-planned home designer would deliver.

Tips 1:

To make separating laundry easier, use color-coded hampers for immediate sorting. Always wash new dark items separately for the first few washes. If you’re short on time or space, at minimum wash whites apart from colored items to avoid irreversible stains. Lastly, lower wash temperatures help reduce color bleeding and are gentler on fabrics.

FAQ

Q: What happens if I don’t separate lights and darks when washing?

A: Colors from dark clothing can bleed onto lighter fabrics, causing discoloration or dullness, especially in warm washes.

Q: Can I ever wash lights and darks together?

A: If both are old and colorfast, a cold gentle wash may minimize risks, but there’s always a small chance of bleed, especially with towels or new items.

Q: Is it better to use separate detergents for lights and darks?

A: Some detergents are formulated to preserve colors or prevent fading; using them when separating laundry is ideal for best results.

Q: Should colors and whites have different wash temperatures?

A: Yes—wash whites in warm or hot water for stain removal and lights/darks in cold water to protect colors.

Q: How can I tell if dark clothes will bleed?

A: Test by dampening a hidden section and pressing it with a white cloth. If color transfers, wash it separately.