Sort laundry by compatible care instructions

Build each laundry load around instructions the garments can share, then check colour and fabric considerations within that group.

1. Read washing and drying instructions before adding an unfamiliar garment. Put items with unreadable labels or unclear requirements aside until you can check the maker's guidance.
2. Group clothes only when their permitted wash method and cycle are compatible. A temperature shown on a care label is a maximum, not an instruction to choose the hottest available programme.
3. Keep a separate reminder for pieces that need a different drying method. Check pockets and closures, then compare the selected machine settings with the actual load before starting.

Do not assume permission to machine-wash also permits tumble drying. After washing, consult the drying instructions again before transferring clothes, so a convenient mixed load does not become an unsuitable dryer load.