Screen-printed shirts are a popular choice for both personal wear and promotional merchandise. Proper care is essential to maintain their vibrant designs and extend their lifespan. This guide provides detailed instructions on how to wash and care for your screen printed shirts effectively.
How to wash screen printed shirts?
To wash printed shirts, turn the shirt inside out, wash in cold water on a gentle cycle or hand wash with mild detergent, and air dry to preserve the print.
Key Takeaways
- Preparation: Read care labels, turn shirts inside out, use mild detergent.
- Washing: Cold water, gentle cycle, or hand wash preferred.
- Drying: Air dry for best results; avoid high heat.
- Avoid: Harsh chemicals, hot water, and direct heat exposure.
- Preserve Quality: Proper care extends the lifespan and vibrancy of your screen printed shirts.
Understanding Screen Printing
Screen printing involves applying ink through a mesh screen onto fabric, creating durable and vivid designs. However, improper washing can lead to fading, cracking, or peeling of the print.
Therefore, following appropriate washing techniques is crucial to preserve the quality of your screen printed apparel.
Preparation Before Washing
Read the Care Label
Always start by reading the care label on your shirt. Manufacturers provide specific instructions tailored to the fabric and print type, ensuring you follow the best practices for washing and drying.
Turn the Shirt Inside Out
Before washing, turn your shirt inside out. This simple step reduces friction on the printed design during the wash cycle, helping to prevent fading and cracking.
Choose the Right Detergent
Opt for a mild, colour-safe detergent. Harsh chemicals can degrade the print and fabric over time. Avoid using bleach or strong stain removers, as they can cause discolouration and damage to the design.
Keep in mind that the materials on embroidery and printing are different. For those who may not know, I have shared the differences between embroidery vs printing in detail.
Washing Techniques
Hand Washing
Hand washing is the gentlest method for cleaning screen printed shirts. Fill a basin with cold water and add a small amount of mild detergent.
Submerge the shirt, gently agitate it with your hands, and let it soak for about 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with cold water until all detergent is removed.
Machine Washing
If you prefer machine washing, use the gentle cycle with cold water. Ensure the shirt is turned inside out to protect the print.
Avoid washing with heavy or abrasive items like jeans or towels, as they can cause friction and damage the design.
Water Temperature
Always use cold water when washing screen printed shirts. Hot water can cause the print to crack and fade over time. Cold water helps maintain the integrity of both the fabric and the design.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Steer clear of bleach, fabric softeners, and other harsh chemicals. These substances can weaken the fabric and deteriorate the print. Stick to mild detergents to ensure the longevity of your shirt.
Drying Tips
Air Drying
Air drying is the best method to preserve the quality of screen printed shirts. After washing, gently squeeze out excess water without wringing the fabric. Lay the shirt flat on a clean, dry towel or hang it on a clothesline away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Avoid Tumble Drying
Tumble dryers can expose your shirt to high heat, leading to shrinkage and damage to the print. If you must use a dryer, select the lowest heat setting and remove the shirt while it's still slightly damp to finish air drying.
Sunlight Exposure
While air drying, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, as UV rays can cause colours to fade. Drying in a shaded area or indoors is preferable to maintain the vibrancy of the print.
Ironing and Storage
Ironing Tips
If ironing is necessary, turn the shirt inside out and use a low heat setting. Avoid ironing directly over the printed area, as the heat can damage the design. Placing a thin cloth between the iron and the shirt can provide additional protection.
Proper Storage
Store your screen printed shirts in a cool, dry place. Folding them neatly and placing them in a drawer or on a shelf helps prevent wrinkles and maintains the print's quality. Avoid hanging them for extended periods, as this can cause the fabric to stretch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Harsh Detergents
Harsh detergents can break down the fabric fibres and damage the print. Always opt for mild, gentle detergents suitable for delicate fabrics.
High-Temperature Washing
Washing in hot water can cause the print to crack and fade. Stick to cold water washes to preserve the integrity of the design.
Direct Heat Exposure While Drying
Exposing your shirt to direct heat sources, such as radiators or high-heat dryers, can lead to shrinkage and print damage. Air drying in a shaded area is the safest option.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How do you wash screen printed shirts?
Turn the shirt inside out, use a gentle detergent, wash in cold water on a gentle cycle or hand wash, and air dry for best results.
2. Can you put screen printed shirts in the dryer?
It's best to air dry screen printed shirts to avoid heat damage. If needed, use the lowest heat setting and remove when slightly damp.
3. What detergent should I use for screen printed shirts?
Use a mild, colour-safe detergent without bleach or harsh chemicals to keep the print and fabric intact.
Conclusion
Proper care of your screen printed shirts ensures they remain vibrant and durable over time. By following these washing and drying guidelines, you can enjoy your favourite designs for years to come.
For high-quality screen printed apparel, consider exploring the branded clothing collection at Promo Store, which offers a wide range of customisable options such as personalised clothing, personalised shirts to suit your needs.
