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How to wash printed t-shirts

Clothes inside a washing machine

Most prints fail because of heat and friction, not age. Five habits keep your shirts looking new.

The five rules

  1. Turn shirts inside out.
  2. Wash cold with similar colors.
  3. Skip bleach and fabric softener.
  4. Tumble dry low or hang dry.
  5. Never iron directly on the print: iron inside out if you must.

First wash for DTG and DTF

Wait at least 24 hours after receiving the shirts, then wash inside out on cold.

Care by print type

Print type Wash Dry Watch out for
Screen print (plastisol) Cold, inside out Low heat or hang High heat can crack thick prints
Water-based screen print Cold or warm Low or hang Fades gently over time (by design)
DTG Cold, inside out Hang dry is best Harsh detergents fade colors faster
DTF Cold, inside out Low heat Ironing directly on the film
Embroidery Cold, gentle Low or hang Snags from velcro and zippers

Storing printed shirts

Fold rather than hang heavy shirts so the neck doesn’t stretch, and don’t stack them while still damp: prints can stick together.

Why is my shirt print cracking?

Usually high dryer heat, or a thick print on a stretchy fabric. Hang dry to slow it down.

Printing questions

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