Ever wash a wool sweater only to have it come out the size of a doll's top? How about the time you thought you had all white underwear, then suddenly had pink? Or perhaps you've had the joy of reaching into the washer to find little, tiny bits of facial tissue on every single item? Whether you are a laundry novice or a cleaning pro, here are some sorting basics to ensure better results.

For starters

The key to great laundry starts with sorting your laundry by fabric type, color and water temperature. To save time, sort clothes as you put them in the hamper or laundry basket-maybe even use separate bins or rolling carts. Or, if you're like most folks, you can dump out the pile on the laundry room floor and do your sorting there. Either way, here's what you need to know to get started:      

• Read the labels — All garments include labeling that outlines proper fabric care. Start here for the best advice.
• Sort all laundry into five main groups:
  

Whites — everything white, like underwear, t-shirts, handkerchiefs, etc.
Lights — including striped whites, off-whites and pastels
Darks — everything dark, like blacks, blues, browns
Brights — reds, yellows, oranges, fluorescents
Delicates — fine linens, lingerie, some synthetic fabrics

• Keep your piles on the small side. Machines operate better when clothes are evenly distributed and balanced. When you lay your dry clothes in the washer, keep them loose (don't stuff), and never fill the tub more than 3/4 of the way up the sides.
• Separate heavily soiled items from lightly soiled garments, and shake out loose dirt.    
• Put baby clothes in their own pile and use Dreft® for these special-care items.    
• Create another pile for hand-wash-only items, and use Ivory Snow®.    
• Keep dry clean only clothes separate. Take them to a professional dry cleaner — or try Dryel® at home.

Advanced tips and tricks

Once you've got your basic piles assembled, take it to the next level with these easy steps:

• Wash reds or new, colored garments separately the first few times. These items can bleed and stain other laundry if you're not careful. To test an item for colorfastness, dampen it with water in a discreet spot and blot with an old white cloth. If color transfers to the white, the item will bleed. To be sure, add an old white handkerchief or sock in with the possible offenders until it comes out clear-then you can wash those items with other like colors without fear of bleeding.
• Check all clothes for stains and sort out those that require pretreatment or soaking. Here's a tip that's great for families on the road or at home: Transfer some liquid Tide® to a spare container with a pull-up top (such as a recycled dish detergent bottle). Instruct everyone to pretreat their own clothes as they take them off and drop them in the laundry bag or hamper. When you sort, you don't have to worry about pretreating — you're ready to wash.
• Remember that shredded tissue? Carefully check all pockets and pant cuffs for things you don't want to wash. Even check the inside of the machine for the same
• Check zippers, buttons, snaps and buckles and secure them to prevent snagging. Unroll shirt cuffs, tie drawstrings. Pin unremovable shoulder pads.
• Use mesh bags to separate washable delicates from rougher fabrics — or to designate items you can't transfer to the dryer.
• Watch that you don't mix lint generators and lint magnets. Some lint generators include towels, sweatshirts and flannel. Lint magnets include corduroy, velvets, and permanent-press clothes. When in doubt, turn the lint-magnet items inside out as you sort them.
  

By using some simple sorting sensibility, you're sure to see spectacular results. What are you waiting for? Start sorting!

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