Laundry Q&A: A "correct" way to wash?

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Is there a "correct" way to wash my clothes?

This is a tricky question. You'd probably get a different answer from each person you ask, but here are a few rules we like to abide by:

Wash similar colors together. Generally, this means dark colors together, light colors together, and whites together. You can wash blacks and navy together, and then do different shades of brown together. We all know that reds and whites don't mix (we won't admit to how many of DH's white T-shirts are now pink), but it's important to keep all dark colors out of your lighter-color loads. Even in cold water, the dyes from dark blues and blacks can bleed and ruin your pretty periwinkles.
Wash similar fabrics together. This isn't a hard-and-fast rule, but it is ideal and especially true for denim. Whenever possible, wash jeans together (separate from other fabrics) to prevent their dye from running onto your other clothes.
Wash your garments at the temperature specified on the care tag. This may seem completely obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people think those directions are more of a suggestion. The standard rule: Wash dark loads in cold water, light loads in cool to warm water, and white loads in hot water. When in doubt always remember that cool is typically better than warm.
Spot-test detergents and other laundry products. We admit it: We don't always get to this. Nothing can really simulate the washing experience, but in theory it is a good idea to test new products (say, bleach) on an unnoticeable part of your clothing, since you never know how a fabric will respond. Better to be safe than sorry.

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