Can you wash all the fabrics together in the laundry?

When it comes to doing laundry, saving time is a priority for many people and a lot of people tend to ask if all fabrics can be washed in one load together. After all, this could speed up the process, with fewer cycles being needed to get through piled up clothes. This method, however, is not practical because fabrics are made differently and therefore requires specific care.
Washing all fabrics in one go can create problems such as color bleeding, shrinkage and more wear and tear on the fabric. This can lead to a reduction in the durability of the clothes. It is important to note the difference in the types of fabrics used in the making of the clothes, in order to protect their quality and longevity.
In this article, we will look at the importance of sorting laundry by its fabric and its care instructions. Without further delay, let's get started!

An Overview of Composition and Features of Different Fabric Types

Every fabric is different in composition and washing methods can have various effects on them. Some can withstand hot water and agitation, while others are too delicate for such treatment. Below are some of the most common fabrics and their washing properties:

1. Cotton:

Cotton is a strong and highly preferred natural fabric which can be washed in most cases with hot water in a machine. However, appropriate drying techniques must be considered because it tends to shrink when exposed to high temperatures.

2. Silk:

Natural silk is a smooth fabric made of silk threads that is vulnerable to both water and excessive heat. The best option is dry cleaning, it can be hand-washed in cold water with minimal pressure. Taking the risk of placing it in a machine, even on a gentle cycle, risks damaging the fabric's warp and weft, making the material weaker.

3. Wool:

Wool is also a type of natural fabric and thus, it can be damaged by hot water or very high temperatures, which may cause it to shrink or lose its original shape. It is best cleaned in hot water. Wool should be dry cleaning or washed by hands to prevent deformation.

4. Polyester and Synthetics:

These fabrics are known to be sturdy and do not easily wrinkle. Generally, they can be machine washed, but they tend to create static electricity. This is because some synthetic materials are also sensitive to heat, which means they can only be washed using cold or warm water.

5. Linen:

Most linen fabrics can go through a machine wash, but that should preferably be done with cool water so as to avoid shrinkage. Linen wrinkles easily and is typically left to air dry or pressed while still damp.

6. Rayon:

Rayon is a soft semi-synthetic fiber that is prone to shrinking and distortion. It is best washed in cold water on the delicate cycle or hand-washed and air-dried.

Reasons for Washing Fabrics Separately

While it may be tempting to think that combining various types of fabrics in a single wash saves time, this practice often leads to a variety of issues. Here are the key reasons why it is good practice to wash laundry separately based on the fabric type and color.

1. Color Bleeding

Certain fabrics (especially those in dark and vibrant shades) can bleed in the wash. The dye can stain lighter colored clothing. For example, if white clothes are washed along with a red shirt, the outcome will be pinkish whites. This issue is more common with brand-new clothes particularly cottons and denims, before they have been washed multiple times.

Color fading is less likely to occur if clothes are sorted into the appropriate colored groups before washing: white color, black color and colored ones. Additionally, to prevent any fabric dye from transferring to other garments, try washing new clothes separately at first.

2. Damage to Fabric

The strength of the material varies from one piece of cloth to another. Fabrics that are thicker in nature, for example, denims or towels, can inflict harm on the thinner and more fragile fabric like silk, lace, or even rayon. The interaction between rough fabrics and soft materials may cause the soft fabrics to tear, or even stretch.

Washing and drying garments of the same kind together tends to lessen the amount of friction and maintain the condition of the finer garments even more.

3. Temperature Conflicts

Different materials react differently to water temperature. For instance, cotton can tolerate boiling water for stain removal, but if high temperatures are used on silk, wool, and other types of synthetic materials, they may stretch or even burn. Using uniform washing machine temperatures for all garments can potentially ruin fabrics that could withstand lower temperatures.

4. Drying Requirements

Fabrics also have different drying requirements. For instance, wool should either be air-dried or put in a dryer on low heat, contrary to cotton, which can be dried using high temperatures. Mixing garments of different drying requirements increases the chances of your delicate items to shrink or damage.

Gold Dry Cleaners: London's Premier Fabric Care Providers

Expert cleaning services are recommended for delicate or specialty fabrics. Gold Dry Cleaners is one of the most reliable dry cleaners one should go to in London. Wearable art is treated with the utmost care, thanks to our cutting-edge technology and environmentally friendly methods. Gold Dry Cleaners' skilled staff expertly handles all types of fabrics, including silk and wool.

Conclusion:

Washing all fabrics together is not a good idea. Every type of fabric is suited for a different kind of care, and putting them all in the same load can for example cause color bleeding, shrinking or even damage the fabrics. Grouping together the laundry according to the fabric type, color and maintenance instructions will retain the quality of the clothing thereby enhancing its durability.