You’ve invested in custom-printed T-shirts and tote bags to express your style or promote your brand. Now, how do you ensure these pieces continue to look their best for years to come? Proper fabric care is key. This guide provides essential tips for printed T-shirt maintenance and tote bag washing tips to maximise the lifespan of your custom apparel.
1. Wash with Care
One of the most important steps in fabric care is washing your custom-printed T-shirts and tote bags properly. To protect the intricate custom prints, always turn your garments inside out before washing them. This simple step helps shield the print from direct contact with the washing machine drum, reducing the risk of fading and wear. Preserve the vibrancy of your custom prints by washing them in cold water on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent. Also, steer clear of harsh chemicals like bleach or strong additives as they often degrade the print’s quality.
2. Avoid High Heat
Custom prints are particularly vulnerable to high heat. Whether from hot water or a hot dryer, exposure to high temperatures can cause the ink or transfer to break down, leading to cracking, peeling, or fading. This significantly impacts the design’s quality and the overall lifespan of the printed item.
To preserve the integrity of your custom T-shirt printing or customised tote bags, air drying is always the best option. This method helps prevent any heat-related damage. When air drying, simply hang your items in a well-ventilated area. Let them dry naturally without the risk of shrinking or fading. If you need to use a dryer, select the lowest heat setting possible.
3. Iron with Caution
Ironing your custom-printed T-shirts and tote bags requires extra attention. Direct heat may cause irreversible damage to custom prints by weakening the adhesive bond between the ink and the fabric. Materials like plastisol or water-based inks are particularly sensitive to heat, as they expand and contract when exposed to high temperatures. Repeated exposure is likely to disrupt this balance, leading to distortion and degradation of the design.
Don’t let your awesome prints fade away into oblivion! Follow these ironing tips to ensure proper fabric care:
-
Avoid Direct Heat on Prints
To prevent cracking, peeling, or warping, never iron directly over the printed area .
-
Use Protective Barriers
Turn the garment inside out before ironing. Alternatively, place a thin cotton cloth or parchment paper over the design to shield it from direct heat.
-
Select Appropriate Heat Settings
Always use a low to medium heat setting when ironing to avoid scorching or melting the fabric and print.
4. Store Properly
Are your custom prints getting creased in storage? That’s easily avoidable! Start with neatly folding your T-shirts, especially around the design. Lie the printed area flat to prevent unnecessary stress on the design. For extra fabric care, you may even place acid-free tissue paper between folds to protect your custom T shirt printing against creases and discolouration. Next, avoid creating a āT-shirt mountainā by stacking heavy items on top as this can crush the fabric. Instead, store your T-shirts in a dedicated drawer or shelf. Alternatively, store them in breathable garment bags to keep them free from dust.
For customised tote bags, make sure to store them in a cool, dry place to prevent mildew or fabric deterioration. Laying them flat or gently filling them with tissue paper helps them retain their original structure. It is also important to avoid hanging them by the straps for long periods, as this can lead to stretching and distortion.Ā
5. Follow Manufacturer Guidelines
Every custom item comes with fabric care instructions from the manufacturer or printing shop. These custom apparel care guidelines are tailored to the specific materials and printing techniques used, helping to maintain the integrity of your prints. For example, instead of machine washing, the guidelines might suggest spot cleaning for customised canvas tote bags to prevent fabric damage or print distortion.
Keep Your Custom Apparel Looking Fresh and Vibrant
Give your custom prints the love they deserve! From preserving vibrant colours to preventing cracks and peels, the aforementioned tips will allow you to enjoy the long-lasting vibrancy of your custom designs.
Partner with MonsterPrints to transform your creative visions into high-quality custom apparel. From the initial concept to the final product, we take pride in crafting one-of-a-kind printable tee shirts and apparel that reflect your unique style.
Contact us today for more information.