Everybody loves their T-shirts and wants to keep them for a long time. The issue is that over time, prints may chip, wear off, crack, or gradually fade. So how to wash printed shirts?
This is especially true for screen-printed t-shirts that require a little extra care. Here’s the good news: you can totally avoid that fate by following some simple steps.
Stop washing personalized T-shirts in the same load as other clothes; treat them special instead! The same guidelines apply whether they are heat transferred, vinyl, screen printed, or digitally printed.
Your favorite t-shirts will stay like new for years to come if you follow these instructions.
Table of Contents
Hand Washing: Step-by-Step
- Cool water should be added to a tub or sink along with a mild detergent.
- Before hand washing printed shirts, turn them inside out.
- Spray an area with stain remover before treating it.
- Use a clean washcloth to gently buff stains, or rub the fabric against itself.
- Give the tees at least ten minutes to soak in soapy water.
- Rinse thoroughly and then gently wring out with cool water.
- Air-dry by hanging on a rounded hanger.
Machine Washing: Step-by-Step
- Before washing, reverse printed shirts. This will prevent other garments from rubbing against the print and the dreaded “pilling” of T-shirt fabric.
- Spray a stain-remover primer on the affected areas. to of,’taple’taple’st the the Commercial spray products are effective and safe. We advise OxyClean.
- With a fresh washcloth, gently rub stains. Avoid using brushes or anything else abrasive. In the absence of a washcloth, working the fabric against itself may be an option.
- Sort similar hues, weights, and textures apart. Avoid stuffing the washer too full or adding bulky items like towels or jeans that might irritate the fabric.
- Use cold water and mild detergent on the gentle cycle. The three most common causes of tee damage are warm water, abrasive detergents, and vigorous wash cycles.
Hang Your Clothes Out to Dry
Not everyone feels using this conventional method is conventional. Although this may be the norm for some, this solution isn’t appropriate for everyone because it depends on your living situation. The printed t-shirt can naturally dry by being hung outside. This indicates that no outside influences will affect how the drying process turns out., However, using a tumble dryer isn’t the same (we’ll get to that later).
You can also use a drying rack inside to dry your clothes if you live in a flat or are in a similar situation and don’t have access to a washing line. Using less machinery is the best solution, even though it will take longer. Really, it doesn’t take that long, especially if you stack them the night before! Using a heating device on printed clothing is not advised, to state it clearly. This is due to the fact that they will have characteristics that are comparable to using high temperatures when washing the garment. Remember to stay away from extreme heat!
Alternatively, Use a Tumble Dryer
If you own a tumble dryer and, for any reason, you are unable to dry your clothes naturally, you may use it. Use low heat when drying, just like when using the washing machine. A garment will look and feel less appealing after being exposed to high heat. You initially set out to prevent this. When a garment is dried on a line, ambient air directly blows onto it; high heat is not used. So, your tumble dryer doesn’t necessarily need to be on high heat, either.
Tips and Care Instructions for Printed T-Shirts
- After purchasing, wait before washing. Custom printed t-shirts need at least 24 hours to cure (the ink dries and sets in). Giving them a day or two to cure after being hot off the press will ensure a durable print.
- Ignore the tag. The majority of T-shirts and comparable items, especially those made of 100% cotton, will say that you can wash them normally. You can, but it might not be the best way to safeguard and maintain your custom print.
- Sort and separate the items you want to wash. Whites can be kept separate while colors and darks can mix together. Separate the items by texture and weight as well because T-shirts can become roughed up by heavy, abrasive items like towels and jeans.
- On specific stains, try using household remedies. There are many effective home stain removal remedies you can use in its place, including vinegar and baking soda, if you don’t have stain remover to pre-treat your t-shirts.
- Fabrics and prints can be ruined by hard water. Identify the hardness of the water in your home. If so, you might want to wash your clothes at a laundromat. If you can’t do that, pre-soak your items in a solution of one cup vinegar to one gallon of water.
- Use a laundry bag for extra-special shirts. You will be best protected by laundry bags designed specifically to keep specific items of clothing apart from the rest of the wash. Keep them apart at all costs.
- Use only non-chlorine bleach. Nothing is more damaging to your T-shirts than bleach. It can rob the color, fade the print, and even weaken the construction. The best bleach to use is non-chlorine, hydrogen-peroxide-based.
- Beware of fabric softeners. The ink in your print may deteriorate due to the chemicals in these products. Use vinegar as a natural remedy in its place. Even the colors can be made brighter by it. An average-sized load of laundry should have half a cup added.
- T-shirts should be taken out of the dryer before they are completely dry. Your custom-printed tee should be kept out of direct sunlight whenever possible. Before the cycle is finished, take them out and spread them out to completely dry.
- Get them dry cleaned if in doubt. There’s no shame in leaving your most difficult stains or priceless clothing in the hands of experts.
- Use a reputable, high-quality printing company. The main factor that contributes to a print fading after washing is improper printing in the first place.
Related Post: How To Fix Cracked Print On Shirt?
Things to Avoid
Avoid the below things for your printed shirts.
Do Not Bleach
Using harsh detergents or bleach on your clothes will cause the fabric to fade and will ruin any prints you have. The use of a gentle detergent is advised.
Do Not Iron over the Print
It is not advisable to iron over prints. The print may become damaged by extreme heat.
By following these suggestions, you should be able to enjoy your custom clothing for many years to come.
Conclusion on Washing Printed Shirts
Use cold water whenever possible, and try to let things air dry if you can. Reduce the amount of time you spend using a dryer or warm water.
Learn how to wash hats properly after your screen-printed T-shirts are in good condition to improve your overall appearance.
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