We are always on the lookout for ways to save time when doing laundry and sometimes shoving everything in one wash together can feel like the best approach. However, there are some things you should never wash together in the washing machine – and we are not just talking about lights and colors. Laundry experts and fabric care pros have revealed that washing certain types of fabrics together can lead to irreversible damage and a subpar clean.

Here, they break down the six things you should never wash together, explain why, and reveal how to do laundry correctly every time. Sorting clothes for laundry by fabric, size, and color may sound like the opposite of a laundry hack to save time , but it will help to save you time on chores in the long run. Getting laundry right from the start will prevent you from having to go out and repair or replace clothes and linens that have been damaged in the washing machine, saving you time, energy, and money in the long run.

With that in mind, these are the six pairings to avoid – even in the best washing machine . 1. Large items with loose small items If you have ever tried to wash bed sheets with your socks, you will know the pain of having to climb into your duvet cover to retrieve all the smaller items.

For this reason, Parima Ijaz, fabric care expert and founder of bedding specialists, Pure Parima suggests keeping larger items and smaller items in separate cycles. ‘Avoid washing heavy, bulky items with lighter pieces as the heavier.