We all have that one favorite T-shirt. The concert tee that brings back unforgettable memories or the custom design that shows off your unique style. Over time, though, prints can fade, crack, or peel while the fabric wears out.

It’s a total downer when your cherished tee loses its charm. But here’s the exciting part: you can stop that from happening! With some extra care, your favorite T-shirts will stay as fresh and vibrant as the day you discovered them.

At TheInkCreations, we pour our hearts into creating high-quality prints that are made to impress and endure. We believe your T-shirt is more than just clothing. It expresses who you are. We’ve put together these simple tips to help you care for your tees correctly.

So, say goodbye to tossing your custom-printed T-shirts in with the ordinary laundry. Treat them with the love they deserve, and keep your style bold and unforgettable for years!

Washing Your Screen Printed T-Shirts:

First things first, treat your custom tees with care. Don’t just throw them in the wash with everything else! Whether they’re screen printed, heat transfer, or vinyl, the same rules apply to keep your shirts looking their best.

Hand Washing Your Tees:

The gentlest way to wash your printed tees is by hand. Here’s how:

1. Turn your shirt inside out to protect the print.
2. Fill a tub or sink with cold water and add a small amount of mild detergent.
3. Let the shirt soak for about 10 minutes or longer.
4. Gently agitate the shirt to loosen any dirt or stains.
5. Rinse thoroughly with cool water, then gently wring it out.
6. Hang to dry on a rounded hanger – air drying is the best way!
   

   How To Care For Your Screen-Printed T-Shirts

Machine Washing:

Washing machines can still be safe for your tees as long as you follow a few simple tips:

1. Turn your printed tees inside out before tossing them in the wash. This keeps the print safe from rubbing against other clothes and avoids pilling.
2. If there are stains, pre-treat them with a stain remover like OxyClean. Avoid using too much detergent. Just the right amount will do!
3. Gently buff out stains with a soft washcloth. Skip any harsh brushes or abrasive scrubbing.
4. Wash similar colors together, and avoid overloading the washer with heavy items like jeans or towels that can damage your tees.
5. Use cold water with a mild detergent and select a gentle cycle. Warm water and harsh detergents can cause wear and tear on your shirts. 
   

   Machine Washing Screen-Printed T-Shirts

   

   Machine Washing Screen-Printed T-Shirts

Bonus Tips:

• Hand washing is the way to go to keep your hats looking great.
• Always air dry your tees to prevent shrinkage and preserve the print.

Drying Your Screen Printed T-Shirts

When it comes to taking care of your favorite T-shirts, drying is just as important as washing. The heat from the dryer can do a number on your tees, especially if the dryer is rough with them. If you can, skip the machine drying and let your shirts air dry.

Air Drying:

For the safest method, hang your tees on a hanger to air dry. This prevents shrinkage and protects the print. You can hang them outside, but keep them out of direct sunlight to avoid fading. A fan can also do the trick.

Use a thick plastic hanger instead of clothespins or wire hangers, which can leave marks on the shoulders of your tees. Rounded hangers are your best bet.

 

Machine Drying (If You Have To):

If you absolutely must use the dryer, here’s how to do it with care:

1. Turn your printed tees inside out to protect the print from rubbing against other clothes.
2. Separate lighter items from heavier ones. Avoid tossing bulky stuff like towels or jeans that can rough the fabric.
3. Use the lowest heat setting or Permanent Press. Too much heat can damage the fabric and the print, even on polyester.
4. Try to take the tees out a little early to prevent over-drying.

 

 

Dealing With Wrinkles:

After all that washing, who wants a wrinkled shirt? Cotton shirts, especially, can pick up wrinkles easily. Don’t worry; ironing or steaming will do the trick of getting your tees looking fresh and smooth.

Ironing:

1. Turn the tee inside out and lay it on an ironing board.
2. Set the iron to the lowest temperature and avoid using steam.
3. Place a towel or cloth between the shirt and the iron to protect the fabric.
4. Keep adjusting the tee and towel as you iron the whole shirt.

Steaming:

1. Hang your tee inside out on a hanger and grab a handheld steamer.
2. Use the lowest heat setting and gently steam across the fabric.
3. Avoid steaming directly on the print. Instead, steam around it or use it sparingly.
4. Be sure to steam both sides and sleeves, then put it on right after for a crisp look.

Additional Tips And Care Instructions For Printed T-Shirts:

• Give your new tees time to breathe: When you first get a custom-printed tee, don’t wash it immediately. Wait at least 24 hours to let the ink fully set. This ensures a longer-lasting print.
• Don’t just follow the tag: While the care instructions on your shirt’s tag are helpful, they might not be the best for preserving your custom print. Follow these extra tips for longer-lasting designs.
• Sort your laundry: Wash similar colors together and avoid mixing in heavy fabrics like towels or jeans, which can damage your tees.
• Tackle stains with home remedies: If you’re out of stain remover, vinegar and baking soda work wonders for removing tough stains.
• Check your water quality: Hard water can damage both fabrics and prints. If you have hard water, consider pre-soaking your tees in vinegar before washing.
• Use a laundry bag for extra protection: To keep your favorite tees safe, toss them into a laundry bag to separate them from rougher items.
• Opt for non-chlorine bleach: If you need bleach, go for non-chlorine bleach (hydrogen peroxide-based). Regular bleach can weaken your fabric and fade your print.
• Skip fabric softener: The chemicals in fabric softener can break down the print. Instead, add half a cup of vinegar to your load for a natural softener and brighter colors.
• Pull tees out early from the dryer: The less heat your printed tees get, the better. Take them out early to let them air dry the rest of the way.
• Let the pros handle it: If your tees are especially valuable or have stubborn stains, don’t be afraid to get them dry-cleaned. Professionals have special techniques to lift stains without causing damage.

Trust The Right Print Quality:

The best way to keep your prints looking great after washing is to start with high-quality prints. Choose a reputable company like TheInkCreations, where we guarantee top-notch, long-lasting prints.

Conclusion:

Remember: cold water and air drying are your best friends. If you must use a dryer or warm water, keep it minimal. And avoid harsh detergents or rough handling of the fabric. Follow these tips, and your screen-printed tees will stay looking fresh for as long as possible.

Need new gear? No problem! Our easy-to-use Design Studio lets you customize your T-shirts with designs, colors, logos, and more. It’s never been easier to make your custom look!