I do it whenever I feel like it. I do have a set day or times to do laundry, just when I see it pilling up I'll do some. We don't seperate colors either. If there is a new item, I will wash it with the twoels so if it does bleed, it will on those and not all the other clothes. Otherwise, it's only seperated by the kids clothes go in their own loads and the parents get their own loads. Makes it easier when I take the baskets to the rooms.