Screen-printed T-shirts look awesome, but to keep them looking fresh, you need to wash and care for them the right way. Here are some simple tips:
Basic Washing & Drying Tips
- Turn your shirt inside out before washing. This helps protect the design.
- Use cold water. Hot water can fade the print and shrink the shirt.
- Use a gentle cycle on your washing machine.
- Don’t use bleach, fabric softener, or stain removers. These can damage the print.
- Hang dry your shirt if you can. If you use a dryer, use the lowest heat setting.
Will My Shirt Shrink?
It depends on the fabric:
- 100% preshrunk cotton: Might still shrink a little—about 5–7%.
- 50/50 cotton and polyester: Shrinks less—around 3–5%.
- 100% polyester (like Dri-Fit or athletic shirts): Won’t shrink.
👉 To avoid shrinkage, always wash in cold water and hang your shirt dry.
Will My Shirt Fall Apart in the Wash?
No! That’s a common myth. Screen-printed shirts are made to handle regular washing. As long as you follow the care instructions, your shirt and design will stay in good shape.
Will the Print Wash Off?
Not if the shirt was made properly. High-quality inks (like plastisol) are heat-set during printing so they bond to the fabric. Your print won’t wash away—just make sure to:
- Wash inside out
- Use cold water
- Avoid harsh chemicals
- Avoid high heat
If printed correctly, your design can last 100 washes or more!
Will the Shirt Color Fade Over Time?
Yes, all clothes fade a bit eventually. But here’s how to slow it down:
- Wash inside out in cold water
- Don’t bleach and don’t use fabric softeners
- Let your shirt air dry, or use the dryer on the lowest heat setting.
- Keep out of direct sunlight as much as possible
Will the Print Crack or Peel?
Only if you wash it the wrong way. Here’s how to keep it looking good:
- Wash inside out
- Use cold water
- Avoid bleach, softeners, and stain removers
- Dry on low heat or hang dry
Things to Keep in Mind
Printed T-shirts are a favorite for everyday wear. These work great when you are relaxing at home or hanging out with friends. To keep them looking bright and new, just follow these easy care tips:
1. Skip Bleach and Fabric Softeners
Don’t use bleach or fabric softeners. They can fade or damage the print. Instead, use a gentle, eco-friendly detergent.
2. Use Cold Water
Wash your printed tees in cold water. Hot water can make the print fade and shrink the shirt.
How do people maintain their printed clothes?
byu/Brokeboyhustling inlifehacks
3. Turn Them Inside Out
Always turn your T-shirt inside out before washing. This helps protect the print from rubbing and wearing out.
4. Don’t Dry-Clean Certain Prints
If your T-shirt has plastisol ink (a thick, rubbery print), don’t dry-clean it. The chemicals can ruin the design. Use cold water and a gentle wash instead.
5. Air-Dry Instead of Using a Dryer
Avoid dryers—they can shrink the shirt and damage the print. Instead, lay the shirt flat in a shady spot and let it dry naturally.
6. Hand-Wash When You Can
Washing machine is ruining the printing on these shirts. How do I hand wash them without causing more damage?
byu/thoxo inlaundry
7. Wash Similar Items Together
Wash your T-shirts with clothes that are similar in color and texture. This prevents damage from zippers or color bleeding.
8. Treat Stains Before Washing
If you spill something, spray a stain remover before washing. It helps remove the stain without harming the print.
9. Iron Carefully
Use low heat when ironing printed shirts. Always turn the shirt inside out and place a cloth over the print to protect it.
10. Store Them Flat
Fold and store your tees in a dry, cool place. Hanging can stretch them out and sunlight can fade the print.
11. Keep Them Out of the Sun
Too much sunlight can make the print fade. Try not to wear your printed tees for long periods in direct sunlight.
12. Avoid Lint Rollers
Lint rollers can leave sticky residue. Use a soft brush or a damp cloth to clean off lint or dust instead.
Can I Use Bleach or Stain Removers?
No. These can:
- Fade your shirt
- Damage or discolor the print
- Make the design crack or peel
Will the Shirt Bleed in the Wash?
Most screen-printed shirts won’t bleed. But garment-dyed shirts (specially dyed for a faded look) might. Wash these by themselves the first time to be safe.
Will White Ink Turn Pink?
It shouldn’t—but sometimes it can happen due to dye migration, especially on 100% polyester or red-colored shirts. Good printers take special steps to prevent this, like using special inks or barrier layers.
