{"id":4503,"date":"2026-04-06T13:26:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-06T13:26:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brokenarrowwear.com\/blog\/?p=4503"},"modified":"2026-04-06T21:08:57","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T21:08:57","slug":"how-to-wash-custom-printed-apparel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brokenarrowwear.com\/blog\/how-to-wash-custom-printed-apparel\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Wash Custom Printed Apparel | No Cracking"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class='booster-block booster-read-block'>\n                <div class=\"twp-read-time\">\n                \t<i class=\"booster-icon twp-clock\"><\/i> <span>Read Time:<\/span>2 Minute, 33 Second                <\/div>\n\n            <\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Wash Custom Printed Apparel (Without Ruining the Design)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Custom apparel\u2014whether it\u2019s screen printed, heat transfer, or embroidered\u2014needs proper care to stay vibrant and long-lasting. Washing it the wrong way can cause cracking, fading, or peeling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this guide, you\u2019ll learn&nbsp;<strong>exactly how to wash custom printed shirts and hoodies,<\/strong>&nbsp;so they look new for years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why Proper Washing Matters<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Custom prints aren\u2019t like regular fabric\u2014they sit&nbsp;<strong>on top of the garment fibers<\/strong>. That makes them more sensitive to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Heat<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Friction<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Harsh detergents<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Improper washing is the #1 reason designs fade, crack, or peel prematurely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step-by-Step: How to Wash Custom Printed Apparel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:24% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"372\" height=\"418\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brokenarrowwear.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/step1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6679 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.brokenarrowwear.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/step1.png 372w, https:\/\/www.brokenarrowwear.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/step1-267x300.png 267w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 372px) 100vw, 372px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Turn Your Apparel Inside Out<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Always flip your garment inside out before washing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why it works:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Protects ink from abrasion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduces friction on the printed surface<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:24% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"372\" height=\"418\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brokenarrowwear.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/step2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6680 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.brokenarrowwear.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/step2.png 372w, https:\/\/www.brokenarrowwear.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/step2-267x300.png 267w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 372px) 100vw, 372px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Use Cold Water Only<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Wash in cold water to preserve both fabric and print.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Avoid:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Warm cycles (can weaken adhesive prints)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hot water (causes cracking and fading)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:24% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"372\" height=\"418\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brokenarrowwear.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/step3-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6685 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.brokenarrowwear.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/step3-1.png 372w, https:\/\/www.brokenarrowwear.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/step3-1-267x300.png 267w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 372px) 100vw, 372px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Choose a Gentle Cycle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Use a delicate or normal cycle\u2014never heavy-duty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong>Best practice:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Wash with similar fabrics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid mixing with heavy items like jeans or towels<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:24% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"372\" height=\"418\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brokenarrowwear.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/step4.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6682 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.brokenarrowwear.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/step4.png 372w, https:\/\/www.brokenarrowwear.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/step4-267x300.png 267w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 372px) 100vw, 372px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Use Mild Detergent<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Stick with a standard, non-aggressive detergent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong><strong>Avoid:<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bleach<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fabric softeners (can break down print layers)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:24% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"372\" height=\"418\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brokenarrowwear.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/step5.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6683 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.brokenarrowwear.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/step5.png 372w, https:\/\/www.brokenarrowwear.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/step5-267x300.png 267w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 372px) 100vw, 372px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Skip the Dryer (If Possible)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Heat is the biggest enemy of custom prints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong><strong><strong>Best option:<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Air dry\/ hand dry<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If you must use a dryer:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use low heat<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep garment inside out<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:24% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"372\" height=\"418\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brokenarrowwear.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/step6.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6684 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.brokenarrowwear.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/step6.png 372w, https:\/\/www.brokenarrowwear.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/step6-267x300.png 267w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 372px) 100vw, 372px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don\u2019t Iron Directly on the Print<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If ironing is needed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Turn garment inside out<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Or place cloth over design<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Direct heat can melt or distort prints.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Wash Different Types of Printed Apparel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Screen Printed Shirts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Very durable<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Still require cold water + low heat<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid over-drying<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Heat Transfer \/ Vinyl Prints<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>More sensitive to heat<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Always air dry if possible<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid stretching the fabric<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Direct-to-Garment (DTG)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Wash gently<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid harsh detergents<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Turn inside out every time<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common Mistakes to Avoid<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Washing in hot water<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Drying on high heat<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Using bleach or strong detergents<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Not turning garments inside out<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Overloading the washer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ordering low-quality custom prints<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pro Tips to Make Your Prints Last Longer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Wash less often (only when needed)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use garment bags for extra protection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Air dry whenever possible<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Store folded instead of hanging (prevents stretching)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Order prints created by a <a href=\"http:\/\/www.brokenarrowwear.com\/\">quality screen printer<\/a> with top-of-the-line printing equipment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQ \u2013 Washing Custom Apparel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Can I put custom shirts in the dryer?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>A:<\/em><\/strong> Yes, but only on\u00a0<strong>low heat<\/strong>. Air drying is best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: How do I stop prints from cracking?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>A:<\/strong><\/em> Use cold water, avoid heat, and turn garments inside out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: How often should I wash custom apparel?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>A:<\/em><\/strong> Only when needed\u2014over washing wears down prints faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Taking care of your custom printed apparel is simple\u2014but 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brokenarrowwear.com\/catalog\/\">apparel catalog<\/a>.<\/p>\n        <div class=\"booster-block booster-reactions-block\">\n            <div class=\"twp-reactions-icons\">\n                \n                <div class=\"twp-reacts-wrap\">\n                    <a react-data=\"be-react-1\" post-id=\"4503\" class=\"be-face-icons un-reacted\" href=\"javascript:void(0)\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brokenarrowwear.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/booster-extension\/\/assets\/icon\/happy.svg\" alt=\"Happy\">\n                    <\/a>\n                    <div class=\"twp-reaction-title\">\n                        Happy                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"twp-count-percent\">\n                                                    <span style=\"display: none;\" class=\"twp-react-count\">1<\/span>\n                        \n                                                <span 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href=\"javascript:void(0)\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brokenarrowwear.com\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/booster-extension\/\/assets\/icon\/angry.svg\" alt=\"Angry\">\n                    <\/a>\n                    <div class=\"twp-reaction-title\">Angry<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"twp-count-percent\">\n                                                    <span style=\"display: none;\" class=\"twp-react-count\">1<\/span>\n                                                                        <span class=\"twp-react-percent\"><span>25<\/span> %<\/span>\n                        \n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n\n                <div class=\"twp-reacts-wrap\">\n                    <a react-data=\"be-react-5\" post-id=\"4503\" class=\"be-face-icons un-reacted\" href=\"javascript:void(0)\">\n                        <img decoding=\"async\" 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Washing it the wrong way can cause cracking, fading, or peeling. In this guide, you\u2019ll learn&nbsp;exactly how to wash custom printed shirts and hoodies,&nbsp;so they look new for years. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":6686,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[752],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4503","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tips-and-resources"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brokenarrowwear.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4503","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brokenarrowwear.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brokenarrowwear.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brokenarrowwear.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brokenarrowwear.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4503"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.brokenarrowwear.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4503\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6687,"href":"https:\/\/www.brokenarrowwear.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4503\/revisions\/6687"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brokenarrowwear.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6686"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brokenarrowwear.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4503"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brokenarrowwear.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4503"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brokenarrowwear.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4503"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}