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Knowing how to wash a printed t-shirt properly is crucial to keeping your favourite designs bright and intact. Whether it's your go-to graphic tee or branded workwear, the right washing techniques can prevent fading, cracking, and wear. Printed clothing is an investment, so a little extra care goes a long way!
If you're looking for durable printed t-shirts that are built to last, check out our collection or contact us today for a free consultation. With over 100 years of industry knowledge, we specialise in high-quality printing, embroidery, and workwear that stand up to daily demands.
Before you throw your printed t-shirt in the wash, a few quick pre-wash steps can help protect the design:
Turn Inside Out: Protect the print by turning your shirt inside out before washing. This simple step reduces friction between the design and other clothes, helping to keep the print sharp and vibrant longer.
Make Sure The Water is Cold: Always wash printed clothing in cold water. Hot water can break down inks, causing the print to fade over time. Cold water, on the other hand, is gentle on the fabric and helps preserve the brightness of colours.
Avoid Overloading: Resist the urge to pack the washing machine! When clothes are tightly packed, they rub against each other more, leading to quicker wear on printed designs. Giving your shirt room in the drum reduces stress on the print and ensures a gentler wash.
The detergent you use is key in how to wash a printed t-shirt effectively. Opt for a gentle or mild detergent, as harsh chemicals can weaken the ink, causing the design to fade or crack. Specialised detergents designed for delicate fabrics or colours are great options, as they’re formulated to clean without being too abrasive.
Avoid bleach and fabric softeners at all costs. While bleach may seem like a quick way to brighten clothes, it can be too harsh on printed designs, causing them to fade faster. Fabric softeners can also leave a residue on prints, which can dull colours and weaken the fabric over time. Stick to mild detergents to keep your printed clothes looking fresh and vibrant!
Selecting the right wash settings is crucial to keeping your printed designs in the best condition. Always choose the gentle or delicate cycle on your washing machine—often labelled as “Delicates” or “Hand Wash” on UK models. This setting reduces agitation, which helps prevent cracking or peeling on printed designs. Even for sturdy fabrics, this gentler cycle preserves both the fabric and the print.
For the spin cycle, keep speeds at or below 800 RPM (revolutions per minute). Many washing machines offer settings like “Slow Spin” or “Low Spin,” ideal for printed clothes, as they apply less pressure and reduce wear on designs.
These simple settings help prevent unnecessary friction and maintain your t-shirts’ shape and design quality. By following these steps on how to wash printed clothes, you’ll keep your favourite prints looking vibrant, wash after wash.
Drying your printed t-shirts carefully can make a big difference in maintaining vibrant designs. Air drying is the best method for how to wash printed t-shirts safely. After washing, lay your shirt flat on a drying rack to prevent stretching or wrinkling. If using an outdoor clothesline, turn the shirt inside out to protect the design from direct sunlight, which can cause colours to fade. Line drying also allows natural airflow to gently dry the shirt, which is easier on both fabric and print.
If you’re short on time, machine drying can work with caution. Opt for the lowest heat setting, typically labelled “Low” or “Cool,” and remove the shirt before the cycle completes to prevent prolonged exposure to heat. Excess heat is a quick way to weaken the design and cause cracking or fading. A short tumble on low can help reduce wrinkles if needed, but overall, air drying is your safest bet for keeping printed t-shirts looking fresh and vibrant over time.
Keeping your printed t-shirts looking new takes a bit of extra care beyond just washing and drying. Knowing how to wash a printed t-shirt is essential, but what you do afterward matters, too. For starters, avoid ironing directly on the print; high heat can damage the design, causing it to crack or peel. Instead, place a cloth over the design or turn the shirt inside out before ironing to shield it from direct heat, allowing you to smooth out wrinkles without risking damage.
When it comes to storing printed t-shirts, folding is usually better than hanging. Hanging can stretch out the fabric over time, especially around the shoulders, which may distort the design. If you need to hang them, use padded hangers to minimise stretching and keep the shirt’s shape intact. For long-term preservation, avoid tightly packed drawers or storage spaces that press against the print, as this can cause the design to stick, fade, or lose vibrancy.
The same care tips generally apply to all printed clothing, whether it’s a sweatshirt, jacket, or pair of trousers. If your printed item is bulkier, like a hoodie or jacket, consider air drying flat to help it retain its shape. Following these tips across all printed clothing will help extend the life and look of each piece, no matter the fabric or type.
Learning how to wash printed clothes properly is key to keeping your favourite designs looking fresh. From pre-wash steps to drying and storage, these tips can extend the life of any printed clothing, helping to prevent fading, cracking, and wear. Whether it's your favourite tee or customised workwear, a little extra care goes a long way.
If you’re interested in high-quality printed workwear built to last, contact CTS for a free workwear and PPE consultation. With options for printing and embroidery, we provide durable, custom clothing tailored to your needs.
If you love a printed t-shirt, check out our full range of customisable workwear:
