Increase the lifespan of your favorite printed t-shirt by following these simple tips. 

 

The pain of watching the print on one of your favorite t-shirts slowly fading into oblivion is quite heartbreaking. There is no doubt that if you have owned a printed t-shirt, you've witnessed the results of repeated washing and drying on the printed ink. Unfortunately, the truth is your t-shirt is doomed to the forces of deterioration surrounding us in the world we live in. Nevertheless, when we learn to care and respect our things, we slow this process, and our blessings last longer. Clothing does need to be washed, but it can be done in a way to help preserve the garment.

 

1. Before putting your garments in the washing machine, turn them inside out. This is the oldest trick in the book. If you take away one nugget from this lesson, let it be this. The concept is the print will have less direct contact with other garments and t-shirts and deliver more "protection" for the garment. Less friction in the wash prevents graphics from peeling or cracking and the shirt from pilling or fading. Although this simple step is easy and effective, it will ensure that printed t-shirts are more durable and the print lasts longer. Trust me; your graphic tees will thank you and me for teaching you.😉

 

2. Wash your tees with cold water. When it comes to graphic t-shirts, they have hot water problems. You see, hot water and prints have never liked each other. It's best just to keep them apart. Keep the peace. Coldwater is always better than hot or warm water. There is no need to wash your t-shirts in hot water, and cold water will do the job in most cases. Minimizing contact with heat can increase the longevity of your garment.

 

3. Avoid using fabric softeners or bleach. These products dissolve the adhesive under the graphics on your t-shirts. Also, avoid harsh detergents. Instead, aim for a gentler, more mild detergent that will take care of your printed t-shirts. It is sufficient to make your t-shirts clean and fresh. Occasionally you want to skip throwing your graphic tee in the dryer and handwash that baby. It may be a hassle, but you're giving your tee a better chance at a longer life.

 

4. Avoid Dryers. Parroting the fundamental 'hot = bad' notion, attempt not to throw your graphic tees in the dryer. Dryers are great as they save us time; however, they are particularly awful for t-shirts and prints. As already mentioned, heat is always bad for prints! In addition, they shrink garments and t-shirts (especially cotton t-shirts) and damage t-shirt prints, making them crack or peel. So hang dry your clothes the old fashion way, the best method. This isn't a hard-fast rule, but your tees will last much longer if you skip the dryer. Though if you're in a pinch, dry the shirt inside out, too. Also, some of our tops are pre-shrunk, but not all. Please consider this when choosing size if you plan on using the dryer.

 

5. Do not Iron T-shirt Prints. Repetition is the mother of skill. Heat is no good. No, it is not good, Never is heat good for your graphic t-shirts. Don't ever iron directly on t-shirt prints. If ironing is necessary, turn down the iron to the lowest setting. LOWEST SETTING! Next, turn the t-shirt inside out and iron it. Nevertheless, keep in mind heat is always bad for t-shirt prints. ALWAYS. Excessive ironing will cause the prints to crack, peel, and significantly dull the design.

 

6. Wash Similar Clothes Together. An example is to wash white-colored shirts together and not mix them with other colored shirts. Also, avoid washing jeans or harsher fabric with printed t-shirts. Rougher fabrics like denim may cause prints to peel when rubbed with softer material or prints during washing.

 

Together these tips will help your graphic from peeling or fading. It will drastically help in the longevity of the t-shirt, but there's no way to entirely prevent the decline of your beloved t-shirt unless you leave it on a hanger and never wear it. These tips serve as a defense against the inevitable. When your clothing does start to crack and fade...that's a style. Distressed clothing is pretty popular right now.