Yes, you will need to separate your whites from the colored. You should, also be sure that your socks are not balled up, and that there aren't clothes inside of clothes, such as two shirts that you took off together, or shorts and sweats that came off together. These oversights will prevent your clothes from getting their cleanest and may result in color runs. We also suggest that women use garment bags for their bras and underwear to prevent damage and potential loss from the laundry machines (due to some of these garments being so small).