Instructions Detox Skill

Systematic review process for Copilot instruction files to eliminate bloat, identify rot, and maintain predictable AI behavior.

Purpose

This skill provides repeatable workflows for:

• •Auditing instruction file health
• •Identifying context waste
• •Maintaining lean, behavioral-focused instructions
• •Preventing instruction drift over time

When to use

• •Quarterly maintenance reviews
• •After major framework updates
• •When Copilot suggestions feel "off"
• •Before adding new instruction files
• •After multiple instruction additions without deletions

Core principle

Context is scarce. Every instruction must earn its place.

Instructions are guard rails, not a knowledge base. If it doesn't change Copilot's behavior measurably, delete it.

Success metrics

A healthy instruction ecosystem has:

• •All files under 150 lines
• •Clear, narrow applyTo scopes
• •Constraint-based rules (not philosophical)
• •No repeated patterns with different wording
• •Negative constraints to prevent unwanted behavior
• •Alignment with actual codebase patterns

Workflows

1. •Full Detox Review - Complete 8-step audit process
2. •Quick Bloat Check - Fast bloat scan (< 15 min)
3. •Rot Detection - Verify instructions match reality
4. •Scope Audit - Review applyTo patterns
5. •Maintenance Review - Quarterly check-in

Output

All workflows produce a structured markdown report with:

• •Evidence-based findings
• •Specific line numbers and quotes
• •Before/after recommendations
• •Prioritized action items
• •Success metrics

Agent

Use the Instructions Detox agent (@instructions-detox) to run these workflows.