What’s the best way to wash printed t-shirts without ruining them?

Self-expression, artistic appeal, pop-culture references: who doesn’t love a cool printed t-shirt? Whether it’s your favorite band or a shoutout to something you believe in, you want your t-shirt to last. 

Do washing and drying methods really make a difference in keeping your favorite digs looking new?

We’ll show you the best way to wash printed t-shirts that will preserve the print and fabric quality. By sticking with the recommended practices outlined in this article, you can ensure that your one-of-a-kind t-shirt remains in top condition, allowing you to enjoy it for many years to come.

Best Way to Wash Printed T-Shirts

If you want to keep your printed shirts looking brand new, using a gentle approach is highly recommended when washing and drying. Here are some rules to follow:

Use a Gentle Detergent

You’ll want to use a mild and gentle detergent when washing your printed shirts. Detergents with harsh chemicals can cause your print to crack or fade. Also, it’s best to avoid using bleach or fabric softener, as these both can damage the print and weaken the fabric. 

Wash in Cold Water

Although hot water is great for blasting out dirt and stains, it can cause colors to bleed, your clothes to shrink, and it can wear off and crack prints. Washing in cold water avoids these issues, keeping your shirts looking brand new.

Hand Wash or the Gentle Cycle

The safest and most gentle method of cleaning your shirts is washing by hand. You can fill up a sink for one to three shirts or use a bathtub for a larger batch. To wash by hand, you will:

*Fill your sink or tub with cold water and a small amount of mild detergent

*Add shirts and soak for 10 to 20 minutes

*Gently agitate the clothes with a large utensil like a cooking spoon

*Rinse thoroughly

When using a washing machine, follow these steps:

*Set the machine to the most gentle cycle available

*Use cold water and a mild detergent (no bleach or fabric softener!)

*Avoid adding heavy items like jeans and towels with your tees

Drying Your Printed Tees

It’s best to air dry your t-shirts to avoid damage that can be done by a dryer. Hang your washed printed tees on a hanger or a clothesline, or lay them flat if you have the space. If you need to use a dryer, be sure to use the lowest heat setting options to minimize possible heat damage. Quickly remove your shirts before the cycle ends to avoid further heat exposure and to avoid your prints from clumping together and wrinkling in a pile.

In Conclusion

Printed shirts are unique expressions of ourselves and often are unavailable to purchase again, giving us a huge desire to keep them looking new. When trying to preserve the vibrancy and integrity of your clothes, a mindful approach to cleaning them is necessary. Now that you know the best way to wash printed t-shirts, you can adopt these practices and enjoy wearing tees for many more occasions to come, with each wear as good as the first.