I agree that some advice is for "optimum" experience like the cheese and herb issue. Sure the bottle of freshly opened dried oregano is going to be fresher and stronger than the year old stuff, but I can probably adjust the amount I use to get the best taste. Same with the frozen parm. If it's the "star" of the show and not being heated in any way, freshly grated will taste better. But if I'm mixing it in with breadcrumbs and butter to sprinkle on top of mac&cheese, very few people will be able to taste the difference.
Mine is washing colors and whites separately. With most clothing dyes today, they are pretty well set after a few washes. So I have no problem washing my white tshirts and socks with my black yoga pants, colored tshirts, and pink undies.