What to Put in a Laundry Basket

When it comes to laundry, the humble laundry basket is your unsung hero. It's the first step in your laundry routine, the place where your dirty clothes go to wait their turn for a good cleaning. But what should you put in a laundry basket? Let's dive into the dos and don'ts of loading your laundry basket.

Before we start, let's address the elephant in the room. No, you shouldn't put your dirty laundry basket itself in the washing machine. It's not designed to be washed, and it could potentially damage your machine. Instead, give it a good clean with some mild soap and water when it starts to look a bit grimy.

What to Put in a Laundry Basket

Now, let's talk about what should go into your laundry basket. The key here is to separate your laundry into manageable loads. This not only makes your laundry day easier but also helps you take better care of your clothes.

First, let's talk about the obvious. Your dirty clothes, of course, go into the basket. But how you sort them can make a big difference. Let's look at some ways to sort your laundry.

By Color

Sorting your laundry by color is a tried-and-true method that helps prevent color bleeding. Whites should be washed separately to prevent yellowing, while dark colors can be washed together. However, be mindful of very dark colors like black, as they can bleed onto lighter shades.

For a more eco-friendly approach, consider sorting your laundry by color temperature instead. Cold water washing is gentler on clothes and uses less energy, so sorting your laundry this way can help you take advantage of cold water washes more often.

By Fabric Type

Different fabrics require different care. Delicates like lace, silk, or wool should be washed separately, while heavy duty items like towels or jeans can be washed together. Always check the care label on your clothes for specific instructions.

Sorting by fabric type also helps you keep track of your laundry. It's easier to remember that you need to wash your delicates separately if they're all in one place, rather than mixed in with your everyday clothes.

By Soil Level

Another way to sort your laundry is by how dirty the clothes are. Items with visible stains or strong odors should be washed separately, while lightly worn clothes can be washed together. This helps ensure that your laundry is cleaned effectively and reduces the risk of cross-contamination.

For example, you might want to wash your workout clothes separately from your regular clothes to prevent the spread of bacteria. Similarly, clothes that have been worn while cooking or eating should be washed separately to remove food stains and odors.

What Not to Put in a Laundry Basket

Now that we've talked about what should go in your laundry basket, let's discuss what shouldn't. There are certain items that should never be put in a laundry basket, as they can damage your clothes or your washing machine.

First and foremost, never put sharp objects in your laundry basket. Pins, needles, and other sharp items can snag or tear your clothes, and they can also damage your washing machine. Always remove these items before putting your clothes in the basket.

Coins and Other Small Items

Coins, keys, and other small items can also cause damage to your clothes and your washing machine. They can get caught in the fabric and cause snags or tears, and they can also get stuck in the machine's filter or drainage system.

To prevent this, always check your pockets before putting your clothes in the laundry basket. You might also want to consider using a pocket emptier to make this process easier.

Food-Stained Clothes

Clothes with heavy food stains should not be put in the laundry basket until they've been pre-treated. Otherwise, the stains could set and become much harder to remove. Always treat food stains as soon as possible to give your clothes the best chance of being cleaned.

For example, if you've spilt tomato sauce on your shirt, don't put it in the laundry basket until you've treated the stain with a bit of detergent and water. This will help to break down the stain and make it easier to remove in the wash.

In the end, your laundry basket is a vital part of your laundry routine. By knowing what to put in it and what to leave out, you can take better care of your clothes and make your laundry day a little bit easier. So, next time you're sorting your laundry, take a moment to think about what you're putting in your basket. It could make all the difference to your laundry day.