To separate colors from whites in the washing machine without hand-washing, you can follow these tips:
Sort laundry beforehand: Before loading the washing machine, sort your laundry into separate piles for whites, lights (light-colored items), and darks (dark-colored items). This initial sorting will make it easier to load the machine correctly.
Use color-catching sheets or laundry pods: Color-catching sheets or laundry pods are designed to absorb and trap colors that bleed in the wash. These products can help prevent color transfer between clothes, allowing you to wash colors and whites together more safely.
Wash in cold water: Washing your clothes in cold water can reduce the risk of colors bleeding onto whites. Cold water is less likely to cause dyes to run compared to hot water.
Select appropriate water levels: Use the appropriate water level setting for the size of your load. Overloading the machine may cause excessive friction between clothes, increasing the chances of color bleeding.
Choose the right detergent: Opt for a high-quality detergent that is specifically designed to protect colors and prevent color transfer. Some detergents come with color-safe bleach alternatives, which can be gentler on colors.
Turn clothes inside out: Turning clothes inside out before washing can help minimize color fading and reduce the risk of colors rubbing against whites directly.
Avoid washing new clothes with whites: New clothes, especially brightly colored ones, are more likely to bleed during the first few washes. Wash new garments separately or with like colors until you are confident they won't bleed.
Follow care labels: Always check the care labels on your clothes for any specific washing instructions. Some delicate or colored items may require special care or separate washing.
Use mesh laundry bags: For particularly delicate items or clothes with embellishments, consider placing them in mesh laundry bags before washing. This extra layer of protection can prevent damage and color transfer.
Run a rinse cycle between loads: If you've just washed a load of colors and want to wash whites afterward, consider running a quick rinse cycle before loading the whites. This helps remove any remaining detergent or color particles in the machine.
By following these guidelines, you can reduce the risk of color bleeding and help keep your whites and colors looking their best without having to separate them by hand. However, for critical items or when in doubt, it's still advisable to separate colors and whites to ensure the best results.