Proper clothing care not only extends the life of your clothes, but also preserves their appearance, color, and shape. Many pieces of clothing are damaged prematurely simply because of improper washing. Below, we bring you a practical guide to properly sorting and washing your clothes by material and color.
1. Sorting your wardrobe before washing
Sorting is the first and most important step in preserving your wardrobe:
By color: Clothes should always be separated into white, light (pastel shades) and dark (black, navy, burgundy). Washing different colors together can lead to unwanted color bleeds and permanent stains.
By material: Light fabrics (cotton, viscose) should be washed separately from heavier fabrics (towels, jeans) because different materials require different washing and spinning regimes.
By degree of soiling: Heavily soiled clothes should be washed separately to avoid spreading dirt to less soiled items.
2. Washing by materials and temperature
Washing temperature significantly affects the durability and appearance of the material. Here are the recommended values:
Cotton (100%): 40–60°C
White bed linen, underwear and towels can be washed at 60°C. Colored and dark cotton is washed at 40°C.
Synthetics (polyester, nylon): 30–40°C
More delicate fibers that easily lose shape and color. Use mild detergents.
Wool and cashmere: 20–30°C
Hand wash or wool program. Be sure to use special detergents.
Viscose and silk: 20–30°C
Very delicate materials. Ideally washed by hand or on a delicates program.
Jeans (denim): 30°C
Turn them inside out before washing. Don't wash them often – every 3–4 wears is enough.
3. Tips for preserving color and shape
Use mesh laundry bags for small or delicate items like bras, socks, and silk.
Do not overload the machine - clothes will not wash well, and excessive friction can damage the fabric.
Avoid fabric softeners for sportswear and microfiber laundry – they can reduce their functionality.
Turn clothes inside out before washing – this protects the colors and printed details.
Use mild detergents and avoid aggressive agents, especially bleach.
4. Drying and ironing
Do not dry clothes directly in the sun – UV rays fade colors.
Dry wool and silk on a flat surface, not on a hanger – this avoids deformation.
Respect the labels – every garment comes with manufacturer recommendations that are there for a reason.
Conclusion:
By sorting your clothes properly, washing them at the right temperature, and drying them carefully, your clothes will look like new for much longer. Taking the effort to preserve your clothes not only saves money, but also contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Bonus video:
