Don't wash whites with colors.
Doing extra laundry loads is well worth the effort. "Bleeding from darker colors is one of the main culprits in dinginess," says Lou Protonentis, director for technical services for dyeing and finishing for Cotton Incorporated. Another common cause is detergent residue, which acts as a magnet for dirt. Follow your machine's loading instructions to ensure proper water levels and rinsing.

Use the hottest temperature the fabric can withstand.
(but always follow a garment's care label). "A 10-degree increase in temperature will increase any detergent's effectiveness," says Jenny Botero, director of housekeeping operations for Marriott Worldwide. Shrinkage can be avoided by drying on low to medium heat.

Inspect garments before laundering.
Even if it will be days before the item makes it into the wash, treat a stain with some detergent or a stain product as soon as possible. Allowing a stain to site will discolor and weaken fabrics.

Remember to inspect garments before drying to ensure that all stains have been removed.
"Drying stained garments will bake stains into fibers," cautions Brad Singer, vice president at EISCO, which supplies the cleaning products used to launder the uniforms for most Major League Baseball teams. If stains are still visible after a wash, keep washing until they're gone. Singer also recommends treating stains as soon as possible. He sees to it that baseball uniforms are washed almost immediately after games. "The longer the wait, the harder it is to get stains out," he says.

Resist the impulse to use chlorine bleach to restore whiteness. If you do, make sure to follow the label directions.
Bleach breaks down optical brighteners (chemicals with dye that are applied to most white textiles). Over time, bleach leaves clothes yellowed or gray and dingy. "Whiteness will be stripped off a fabric by bleach over time," says Protenentis. Bleach, if over-used, will cause damage to cotto fibers and if not rinsed out, will cause further damage in the dryers.

Choose the right temperature for stain removal.
Hot water loosens fibers and helps detergents lift set stain, but it can also help set a fresh stain. Always use cold water to rinse fresh stains.

The Presoak Promise.
Soak stubborn stains for 15 for 60 minutes laundering. Check your detergent's instructions for appropriate soaking times. Some are even gentle enough to be used overnight.

Wash uniforms quickly after use.
Some stains oxidize over time, and become difficult or impossible to remove on standing.