Overview: This section of the lesson covers the laundry sorting process , including how to:

• Sort laundry into separate loads based on care label instructions,
• Find and read the care label information, and
• Sort and complete laundry that does not have care instructions.

The first step in the laundry process involves sorting the laundry into separate loads. This is a very important step in the process as items can be damaged (and ruined) if they are not laundered according to the laundry care label instructions.

Sort into separate loads: Prior to washing and drying, laundry must be sorted into separate loads based on the instructions on the laundry care label. As shown in the example below, the care label provides information about the fabric, as well as specific washing and drying instructions for that item. After closely reading the care label for each item, sort the laundry into separate piles of like fabrics and similar colors. Each pile will be washed and dried as a single load of laundry.

Find and read the care label for each item: Nearly all clothing items and household items made of fabric have a laundry care label affixed to them. The care label provides important information about how to take care of the item, including specific instruction regarding how the item should be laundered in a washing machine and dryer.

The care label will also tell you if the item should be hand washed or dry cleaned. If so, separate the item from the rest as hand wash or dry clean only items cannot be laundered in the washing machine and dryer. In general, most items made of silk, wool and rayon fabrics should not be laundered in a washing matching and dryer. However, depending on other factors, items made of other fabrics may also require special handling. Therefore, it is important to read the label for each item.

What if the item doesn't have laundry care instructions?

While most items include care label instructions, some items may not. While specific instructions regarding laundry product selection, as well as washing and drying instruction, are covered in later sections of this lesson, the following chart provides general laundry care instructions for the most common types of fabrics. Use this chart as a guide should an item not contain care instructions. Note: Click on the chart title below to download a .pdf copy of this chart for your future use.

Video Animation - The Sorting Process:

This short video animation below highlights the key steps in sorting laundry based on information contained on the care label. Please review the video and then move on to the next section of the lesson.