Popular Laundry Questions
Quick, conservative answers to common questions. For a recommendation tailored to your actual pile of laundry, use the checker.
Can I wash whites and colors together?
It's safest not to. Dye can transfer from colored items onto whites, especially in warm water and with newer garments. If you must combine them, use cold water and skip anything new, bright, or red — but separating is the conservative choice.
Do I really need to wash new clothes before wearing them?
Washing new clothes first is a good habit. It removes finishing chemicals and excess dye. Wash new dark or bright items alone the first few times, since that's when they're most likely to bleed.
Can towels go in with regular clothes?
They can, but they often shouldn't. Towels shed lint onto other fabrics, benefit from warmer washes than many garments tolerate, and take longer to dry. A separate towel load is usually the better result for both.
What temperature should I use if I'm not sure?
Cold is the conservative default. It minimizes shrinking, fading, and dye transfer, and modern detergents are formulated to clean well in cold water. Check the care label first — if it specifies a temperature, follow it.
Why do my gym clothes still smell after washing?
Usually fabric softener or leftover body oils. Softener coats moisture-wicking fibers and traps odor; hot water can set it in. Wash activewear cold and gentle, inside out, with no softener, and air dry.
How much detergent should I actually use?
Usually less than the cap suggests — the lowest line covers an average load. Too much detergent leaves residue that stiffens towels and traps odor; scale up only for big, dirty, or hard-water loads.
Looking for a specific pairing? Browse all the "can you wash these together?" answers or the item-by-item washing pages.
These answers are general guidance. Always follow the garment care label when it differs from general guidance.