2. Sort and separate. Sure, we all know combining whites with reds might leave you with pink socks. But it's not just colors — but textures — you should sort, too. All those fuzzy sweatshirts, nubby robes, flannels, and towels will add lint to your other clothes during washing. Avoid the fuzzy mess and wash them separately. It's a delicate matter: Why are there specialty detergents for your delicates? It's because the enzymes in regular detergents can damage silk or wool. Delicate detergents are enzyme-free to keep your clothes in good condition. But if you get a stain, take your silk blouse to the dry cleaner — enzyme-free detergents are ineffective at removing stains.