Can You Wash Whites With Colors? Here's What Martha Says

We’ve all been there—standing in front of the laundry basket, staring at a mix of whites and colors, wondering if it’s time just to throw caution to the wind and toss them all together. It would save some time, right? But does the seemingly old-school rule still apply, or can you successfully wash whites with colors? 

Before you risk turning your beloved white linens pink, we decided to answer the age-old question by checking the guidance of the ultimate expert: Martha herself. 

Below, see what Martha has to say about whether or not you can wash whites with colors, as well as some tips and considerations to protect your linens and clothes.

Why You've Always Been Told to Separate Laundry Loads

The core reason why sorting laundry by color is a tried-and-true method comes down to one thing: fabric dye. When you wash colorful clothes for the first time—or anytime the color is still new—there’s a chance the dyes from those vibrant hues could bleed into your whites, leaving them dingy or tinted. Turning that crisp white button-down a pale shade of pink (thanks to one wash with a red sock) is a laundry mistake that cannot easily be undone. 

Additionally, mixing whites and colors also complicates the washing process when it comes to temperature control. Different fabrics often require differing water temperatures and settings. Typically, white pieces should go through a warm wash to get them as fresh as the day you bought them. Meanwhile, bright clothing should be washed with a cold water setting to keep them from fading.

What Martha Has to Say About Washing Whites With Colors

As detailed in one of her many books, decorvow's Homekeeping Handbook, Martha is big believer in strategically separating laundry loads to minimize the risk of dyes (such as the indigo coloring your blue jeans) staining lighter fabrics. Martha will also sort loads by soil level, fabric type, and lint properties.

So, the golden rule of laundry still applies. There are some old-school laundry rules that will likely always hang true—and separating whites and colors before you launder them is one of them.

Laundry doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing chore, though: To minimize time spent sorting (and water and energy used), you can group your clothes by similar tones. For instance, very light-colored clothing (pastels, light blues, soft pinks) can potentially be safely washed with whites. However, always avoid mixing dark colors with whites, as the chances of dye transfer are higher.

What to Consider Before Mixing Whites and Brights

Despite the risks, there are certain times when washing whites with colors might be fine—though it requires a little more thought and preparation. Let’s break it down.

Fabric Type Matters

One of the first things to consider when deciding whether to mix whites with colors is the type of fabric. Synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and acrylic tend to hold their dyes better, meaning they’re less likely to bleed. Natural fibers like cotton and linen can release more of their dye during the washing cycle.

Do a Pre-Wash Test

Before washing the entire load together, soak the brighter or more colorful item in water for a few minutes. If the water starts to show any color, it’s best to wash that piece alone or with other similarly colored items. This simple test will help you gauge whether it’s safe to take the plunge.

Check the Label

Some clothes are specifically designed to resist color bleeding, especially those that come with tags labeled "colorfast" or "pre-washed." If you're dealing with these types of fabrics, there’s a smaller risk that comes with mixing them with white clothing. However, it’s always good practice to double-check those labels.

How to Lessen the Risk

If you’re really determined to do a single laundry load—but still want to avoid any potential linen-destroying disasters—here are a few tips to minimize the risks.

Use Color-Catching Sheets

These will remind you quite a bit of dryer sheets, though they have a particularly unique use. Color-catching sheets can absorb loose dyes during the wash cycle, preventing them from settling on your other clothes. Add one to the washer before turning it on for a little extra peace of mind.

Choose Cold Water

As mentioned earlier, hot water is a likely culprit when it comes to dye bleeding. To avoid the risk of colors running, wash mixed loads in cold water. It can help preserve the integrity of your fabrics and minimize the likelihood of dyes bleeding into your whites.

Opt for a Gentle Detergent

Mild, color-safe detergent formulas are designed to protect both whites and colors from fading, while also helping to maintain the integrity of your fabrics. You can also try mixing up your own natural laundry detergent. See DIY instructions here.

Dry Carefully

High heat can cause colors to fade, so consider line-drying to prevent further impact to the vibrancy of your wardrobe.