How to Wash and Dry Screen Printed T-Shirts?

We all love our T-shirts and want to make them last. We want that concert tee to stay clear and vibrant. The problem is that prints can crack, flake, wear away, or slowly fade with time like the memories of that concert. Meanwhile, the fabric gets roughed up, stretched, and discolored. Stop throwing custom printed T-shirts in the wash with everything else–give them the special treatment they deserve! Learn how to wash and dry your printed t-shirts.

The absolute best way to safely wash your custom printed tees is by hand. Turn them inside-out, mix cold water and a mild detergent in a small tub, let soak for 10 minutes or more, then gently agitate for a few minutes, rinse, and let them air dry.

Using a washer and dryer will not destroy your shirts– as long as you take proper precautions. Below are step-by-step instructions for the washing machine, dryer, de-wrinkling, and ironing, plus some general care tips to help you keep your tees looking new for a long time.

Hand Washing: Step-by-Step

1. Fill a tub or a sink with cool water and add a mild detergent.
2. Turn printed shirts inside-out before hand washing.
3. Pre-treat areas with a stain remover spray.
4. Gently buff stains with a clean washcloth, or work the fabric against itself.
5. Let the tees soak in soapy water for 10 minutes or more.
6. Rinse thoroughly with cool water and gently wring out.
7. Hang on a rounded hanger to air dry.

Machine Washing: Step-by-Step

1. Turn printed shirts inside-out before washing.This will prevent other garments from rubbing against the print, as well as the dreaded “pilling” of T-shirt fabric.
2. Pre-treat areas with a stain remover spray.Do not add extra detergent. Commercial spray products are generally safe and work well. 
3. Gently buff stains with a clean washcloth. Do not use brushes or anything abrasive. Working the fabric against itself can work if you don’t have a washcloth.
4. Separate similar colors, weight, and textures.Avoid overfilling the washer or adding heavy materials such as jeans and towels, which can aggravate the fabric.
5. Use mild detergent with cold water on a gentle cycle.Warm water, harsh detergents, and aggressive wash cycles is the number one thing that damage tees.

Air Drying

Hang the tees on a hanger to air dry.  Air drying is the safest method to avoid shrinkage or damage. Put them outside (not in direct sunlight) or in front of a fan.

Machine Drying

Turn printed shirts inside-out before drying. This will prevent other garments from rubbing against the print. Avoid overfilling the dryer or adding heavy materials such as jeans and towels, which can aggravate the fabric.