A practical color-sorting framework
Keep whites separate when you want to preserve brightness. Group pale colors together, brighter colors together and dark colors together when their care instructions are compatible. New saturated garments deserve extra caution because they may release more dye during early washes.
Color is not the only sorting factor
After color, check fabric weight, lint behavior, soil level and care-label limits. Two items can be the same color and still belong in different loads because one is delicate and the other is heavy or abrasive.
What about cold water?
Cold water can be appropriate for many colored loads and may reduce some dye-transfer risk, but it cannot guarantee that an unstable dye will not bleed. A label that says wash separately should still be followed.
Use fewer, better-matched loads
The goal is not to create a separate load for every shade. Build compatible groups that share color risk, fabric needs and wash settings.
Garment care labels, appliance manuals and laundry-product directions can be more specific than a general guide. Use them when they set a tighter limit.