Finding the best way to wash printed t-shirts is key to keeping those custom designs looking as bold and vibrant as the day they were printed. With proper care, your beloved band tees, souvenir shirts, and any other printed tops can maintain their color and quality wash after wash. But laundering printed tees does require some special considerations compared to washing regular plain t-shirts.
Follow these expert tips to discover the best techniques for washing printed t-shirts of all kinds. By tailoring your approach, you can safely clean custom graphics without causing premature cracking, peeling, or fading. With the right methods, your printed shirt collection will look amazing year after year.
Sort by Color
Always wash printed shirts separately from other laundry to prevent fading. First, separate lights, darks, and whites. Wash prints with like colors. Dark inks can bleed, causing lighter shirts to take on a dingy, grayish cast over time. Play it safe by sorting for the best way to wash printed t-shirts.
Wash in Cool Water
Hot water can cause printed fabric dyes to dissolve prematurely. For longest-lasting results, launder printed tees at the coolest temperature recommended on the care tag, generally around 30°C or 80°F. Warm or hot water risks setting stains and accelerating fade.
Turn Garments Inside Out
Before laundering, flip-printed tees inside out. This protects the external design from abrasion during the wash cycle. With the print on the inside, it’s less likely to crack or peel. Right-side out, graphics rub against other items, the drum surface, and own shirt fibers.
Avoid Chlorine Bleach
Never add chlorine bleach when washing printed tees, as it can strip color. Optical brighteners in detergent give sufficient whitening. If dealing with stubborn stains pretreat with an oxygen-based bleach safe for colors. But chlorine bleach risks ruining prints completely.
Line Dry When Possible
The heat of electric or gas dryers can degrade printed graphics over time. While machine drying won’t instantly ruin prints, air drying extends their lifespan. Hang printed garments on a line or rack outside or indoors. Lay flat to prevent clip marks.
Use Gentle Detergent
When possible, wash printed tees in a gentle, fragrance-free detergent without dyes or brighteners. Powder formulas are ideal as they contain fewer harsh cleaning agents than liquids. Reduced agitation protects both fabric and graphics from stress.
Act Quickly on Stains
Don’t let stains set on printed tees. Pretreat immediately with a targeted enzyme-based stain remover safe for colors. Avoid vigorous scrubbing right on prints. For sweat or deodorant marks, gently dab with baking soda paste then launder as usual.
Conclusion
Caring for printed tees takes a gentle touch, but it’s easy with the right techniques. By following these expert tips for the best way to wash printed t-shirts, you can keep those custom designs vibrant and intact for the long haul. Always wash in cool water, inside out, with a gentle detergent. Skip the bleach and line dry when possible. With personalized care, your cherished printed shirts will maintain their color and quality so the memories last a lifetime. Show off your amazing printed tee collection for years to come!
