Clothes with deep colors are more likely to bleed dye when washed. To avoid damaging other clothing, sort laundry according to color, separating lights from darks. Wash and dry heavier items, like towels, separately from lighter weight clothes to prevent damage to finer fabrics and to ensure even drying.
But modern detergents are phosphate-free and not harmful to clothes the way old formulas were. As long as you're not using bleach, don't add clothing after the water (a pain, because clothes can float). Instead, use this order to distribute detergent best: clothes, then water, then soap.
Your washer employs pre-programmed settings called "wash cycles" to complete its work. One wash cycle includes a washing cycle in the beginning, followed by a resting, rinsing, and spinning phase to dry your clothes. Some settings offer multiple rinses and spin cycles to guarantee that your clothes are clean.
If you have a regular top-loading machine, it's best to fill your washer with water first, then add your detergent, then add your clothes. This helps evenly distribute the detergent in the water before it hits your clothes. Remember that the nicer you are to your washer and dryer the longer they'll last.
With regular top-loading machines, it's best not to add detergent on top of your laundry. Otherwise the detergent may not dissolve properly and leave unpleasant residue on your clothes. Instead, first add a little water followed by the detergent and then your laundry.
Wash in cold water.
Unless you're dealing with oily stains, washing in cold water will generally do a good job of cleaning. Switching your temperature setting from hot to warm can cut energy use in half. Using the cold cycle reduces energy use even more.
Washing Machine Cycle - Your luxury towels can be washed on the regular or normal cycle in your washing machine. These cycles work best for cleaning towels, as the faster spin and longer washing time versus the gentler cycles helps to better clean dirt and bacteria from the fabric fibers of the towels.
Then, for best results and maximum color longevity, separate each pile into three smaller piles: white or light clothes, dark clothes, and colors. For patterned items (such as stripes, plaids, polka dots, and florals), sort based on the dominant color.
If there isn't a cycle specified, a normal or regular cycle will usually suffice for cotton, polyester or linen sheets. Certain fabrics like silk, satin or bamboo may require a more gentle or delicate cycle.
Wash sheets in cold water, as the default. Use the “normal” cycle (also called “regular” or “permanent press”). Do not overstuff the washing machine; sheets need room in the drum of the washer in order for water and detergent to fully penetrate the fibers.
Dry on low heat.
"Your towels will last longer if you dry them on low heat, as high heat damages the cotton fibers," explains Eichholz. "Depending on your dryer, you might have to send your towels through more than once, but, I promise, it will be well worth it!"
Try washing before 4 p.m. or after 7 p.m. – Many energy companies charge extra for electricity during their “peak hours,” which see increased energy usage. During the summer, run your washer early in the morning – energy use peaks on hot afternoons.
That depends on your washing machine's settings. Most washers need 32 to 38 minutes to clean your clothes, though some allow you to purchase an extra-long wash and/or rinse cycle. Alternatively, some washers are extremely efficient and give you the option to wash your clothes under 30 minutes.
Place the blanket in your washer and run a cold, delicate cycle with your usual detergent. If your washer doesn't have a gentle option, use the lowest spin setting. Avoid chlorine bleach, and skip any fabric softeners.
Do you pour liquid laundry detergent on top of clothes? When adding liquid laundry detergent to the drum of your washing machine, add it in first, followed by the clothes on top. This will help to ensure that it is evenly distributed once you turn the machine on and is not trapped in only one area.
No matter what you do, colored clothes will likely bleed in the laundry, especially the first time you wash them.
Dermatology and immunology experts agree that washing new clothes before you wear them is your best bet to reduce your exposure to skin-irritating compounds. Of course, the key is to use detergents and high-efficiency washing machines that help to remove those residues and chemicals.