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How to Wash Custom Printed Apparel (Without Ruining the Design)
Custom apparel—whether it’s screen printed, heat transfer, or embroidered—needs proper care to stay vibrant and long-lasting. Washing it the wrong way can cause cracking, fading, or peeling.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to wash custom printed shirts and hoodies, so they look new for years.
Why Proper Washing Matters
Custom prints aren’t like regular fabric—they sit on top of the garment fibers. That makes them more sensitive to:
- Heat
- Friction
- Harsh detergents
Improper washing is the #1 reason designs fade, crack, or peel prematurely.
Step-by-Step: How to Wash Custom Printed Apparel
1. Turn Your Apparel Inside Out
Always flip your garment inside out before washing.
Why it works:
- Protects ink from abrasion
- Reduces friction on the printed surface
2. Use Cold Water Only
Wash in cold water to preserve both fabric and print.
Avoid:
- Warm cycles (can weaken adhesive prints)
- Hot water (causes cracking and fading)
3. Choose a Gentle Cycle
Use a delicate or normal cycle—never heavy-duty.
Best practice:
- Wash with similar fabrics
- Avoid mixing with heavy items like jeans or towels
4. Use Mild Detergent
Stick with a standard, non-aggressive detergent.
Avoid:
- Bleach
- Fabric softeners (can break down print layers)
5. Skip the Dryer (If Possible)
Heat is the biggest enemy of custom prints.
Best option:
- Air dry/ hand dry
If you must use a dryer:
- Use low heat
- Keep garment inside out
Don’t Iron Directly on the Print
If ironing is needed:
- Turn garment inside out
- Or place cloth over design
Direct heat can melt or distort prints.
How to Wash Different Types of Printed Apparel
Screen Printed Shirts
- Very durable
- Still require cold water + low heat
- Avoid over-drying
Heat Transfer / Vinyl Prints
- More sensitive to heat
- Always air dry if possible
- Avoid stretching the fabric
Direct-to-Garment (DTG)
- Wash gently
- Avoid harsh detergents
- Turn inside out every time
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Washing in hot water
- Drying on high heat
- Using bleach or strong detergents
- Not turning garments inside out
- Overloading the washer
- Ordering low-quality custom prints
Pro Tips to Make Your Prints Last Longer
- Wash less often (only when needed)
- Use garment bags for extra protection
- Air dry whenever possible
- Store folded instead of hanging (prevents stretching)
- Order prints created by a quality screen printer with top-of-the-line printing equipment.
FAQ – Washing Custom Apparel
Q: Can I put custom shirts in the dryer?
A: Yes, but only on low heat. Air drying is best.
Q: How do I stop prints from cracking?
A: Use cold water, avoid heat, and turn garments inside out.
Q: How often should I wash custom apparel?
A: Only when needed—over washing wears down prints faster.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of your custom printed apparel is simple—but it makes a huge difference. Follow these steps and your designs will stay sharp, vibrant, and long-lasting. Ready to order? Check out this brand favorites apparel catalog.
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