Screen printing is a great way to add graphics and text to clothing. It is durable, and can last for many years when properly cared for. In this guide, we will teach you how to wash screen printed shirts so that they stay looking great!
To wash your custom-printed tees safely, turn them inside-out and mix cold water with a mild detergent in a small tub. Soak for 10 minutes or more, then gently agitate for a few minutes. Rinse and let them air dry.
Pre-treat the shirt with a stain remover:
If you have a screen printed shirt that has a stain, it is important to treat it before washing. Otherwise, the stain may become permanent. To pre-treat a stain, apply a small amount of stain remover to a clean cloth. Rub the cloth onto the stained area in a circular motion. Repeat this step until the stain is gone.
Wash the shirt in cold water on a gentle cycle:
After pre-treating the stained area, you can wash the shirt in cold water on a gentle cycle. Be sure to use mild detergent, as harsh chemicals can damage the screen print over time. If your shirt is white or light colored, you can add bleach to the wash cycle if necessary.
Hang the shirt to dry:
After washing, it is best to hang your shirt to dry. Do not put it in the dryer, as this can cause the screen print to fade or peel. If you must use a dryer, set it on low heat and remove the shirt as soon as possible.
Iron if necessary:
If your shirt is wrinkled, you can iron it on a low setting. Be sure not to iron over the screen print, as this can damage it. If your shirt is made of delicate fabric, such as silk, you may want to skip this step altogether.
Machine Washing: Step-by-Step
- To prevent your T-shirts from getting pilled, turn them inside-out before washing them. This way, the fabric won’t rub against other clothes and cause the fabric to pill.
- Before treating any areas that may be stained, use a stain remover spray. Do not add extra detergent. Commercial spray products are safe and work well. We recommend OxyClean.
- You can remove stains by gently buffing them with a clean washcloth. Do not use brushes or anything abrasive. You can also try working the fabric against itself if you don’t have a washcloth.
- Separate clothes by color, weight, and texture. Don’t add too many clothes to the washer at once, and avoid adding heavy materials like jeans and towels.
- Use a mild detergent with cold water on a gentle cycle. Warm water, harsh detergents, and aggressive wash cycles are the number one things that damage tees.
Hand Washing:
To hand wash a shirt, fill a tub or sink with cool water and add a mild detergent. Turn the shirt inside-out before washing it. Pre-treat any areas with a stain remover spray. Gently buff any stains with a clean washcloth, or work the fabric against itself. Let the shirt soak in soapy water for 10 minutes or more. Rinse thoroughly with cool water and gently wring out the shirt. Hang it on a rounded hanger to air dry.
Tips and Care Instructions for Printed T-Shirts
- Wash shirts in cold water on a gentle cycle
- Hang to dry or dry on low heat
- Do not iron over the print
- Do not use bleach or harsh chemicals
Does screen printing wash off?
No, screen printing will not wash off. However, over time it may fade if you do not wash it properly. Be sure to follow the tips in this guide to keep your screen printed shirt looking its best.
Should I wash screen printed shirts?
Yes, you should wash screen printed shirts. However, it is important to wash them on a gentle cycle and hang them to dry in order to preserve the print.
How do you dry a screen printed shirt?
Hang the shirt to dry. Do not put it in the dryer, as this can cause the screen print to fade or peel. If you must use a dryer, set it on low heat and remove the shirt as soon as possible.
How do you wash a shirt without ruining the graphic?
To wash a shirt without ruining the graphic, pre-treat any stains, wash the shirt on a gentle cycle in cold water, and hang it to dry. Do not put the shirt in the dryer. If necessary, iron on a low setting. Be careful not to iron over the screen print. Follow these steps and your shirt will stay looking great!