Can You Wash White Clothes with Black Clothes?
Washing clothes can be a tricky business, especially when you’re dealing with multiple colors. It’s important to follow the care instructions on the tag and pay attention to which colors you’re washing with each other. So, can you wash white clothes with black clothes?
Two Basic Rules for Washing Dark and Light Colors Together
While it is possible to wash black and white clothes together, there are two basic rules to keep in mind:
- Turn the black clothes inside out before washing. This will help prevent pigments from the black fabric from leaking onto any light-colored clothing it’s washed with.
- Wash the two types of items separately. By keeping the colors apart and washing them in separate loads, you’ll have less risk of any cross-color contamination.
Washing Black and White Clothes Together with Detergents and Color Catchers
Once you’ve followed the two rules above, you may still want to consider a few additional items depending on the fabric types and colors you’re washing together.
- For a small load of black and white clothes, consider using a dye-trapping laundry detergent like Tide Ultra Stain Release to reduce the risk of colors transferring.
- For larger loads, add a color-catching sheet to the wash to capture any stray color molecules. The sheets can absorb the loose pigments that are released when colors are washed together, helping to keep colors and whites looking brighter.
Conclusion
Washing dark and light colors together can be tricky, but it is possible with the right precautions. Be sure to turn any black clothes inside out before washing, and wash the colors separately. Additionally, consider adding a dye-trapping detergent or color-catching sheets to the mix to increase your success rate. With the right approach and a bit of patience, you can have your soft, clean whites back in no time.