How To Care For Custom-Printed Clothing
Eric BolingCustom-printed clothing is a popular way to express your personal style and make a statement. Whether you've created a one-of-a-kind t-shirt for a special event or ordered a set of custom-printed uniforms for your team, it's important to know how to care for your custom-printed clothing to ensure it lasts as long as possible. Here are some tips for caring for your custom-printed clothing.
- Read the Care Label
Before you wash your custom-printed clothing, make sure you read the care label. The care label will provide important information about how to care for the fabric, including the recommended washing temperature, whether the garment can be tumble dried, and whether it can be ironed. If the care label recommends dry cleaning, be sure to follow those instructions carefully.
- Wash Your Custom-Printed Clothing Inside Out
To protect the print on your custom-printed clothing, it's important to wash it inside out. This helps to prevent the print from rubbing against other clothing in the wash, which can cause it to crack or fade over time. It also helps to protect the print from rubbing against the agitator in the washing machine.
- Use a Gentle Detergent
When washing your custom-printed clothing, use a gentle detergent. Harsh detergents can cause the print to fade or crack, so it's important to choose a detergent that is designed for delicate fabrics. You can also use a detergent that is specifically designed for printed clothing.
- Wash Your Custom-Printed Clothing in Cold Water
To prevent the print from fading or cracking, it's important to wash your custom-printed clothing in cold water. Hot water can cause the print to shrink or fade, so it's best to avoid it. If the care label recommends a specific temperature, be sure to follow those instructions.
- Avoid Using Bleach
Bleach is a harsh chemical that can cause the print on your custom-printed clothing to fade or become discolored. It's best to avoid using bleach altogether when washing your custom-printed clothing. If you need to brighten white clothing, you can use a non-chlorine bleach alternative.
- Don't Overload Your Washing Machine
When washing your custom-printed clothing, it's important not to overload your washing machine. Overloading your washing machine can cause the print to rub against other clothing in the wash, which can cause it to crack or fade over time. It can also cause the print to become distorted if the garment is stretched or pulled in the wash.
- Don't Tumble Dry Your Custom-Printed Clothing
Tumble drying your custom-printed clothing can cause the print to crack or fade over time. It's best to air dry your custom-printed clothing to ensure it lasts as long as possible. If you need to speed up the drying process, you can use a low heat setting on your dryer or hang your clothing outside on a clothesline.
- Iron Your Custom-Printed Clothing Inside Out
If your custom-printed clothing requires ironing, be sure to iron it inside out. This helps to protect the print from the heat of the iron, which can cause it to crack or fade over time. If you're unsure about the appropriate ironing temperature, check the care label or test a small, inconspicuous area of the garment first.
- Store Your Custom-Printed Clothing Carefully
To ensure your custom-printed clothing lasts as long as possible, it's important to store it carefully. Avoid hanging your clothing in direct sunlight, as this can cause the print to fade over time. It's also important to store your clothing in a dry, cool place to prevent moisture from damaging the fabric or the print.
- Don't Wear Your Custom-Printed Clothing Every Day
While you may love your custom-printed clothing, it's important not to wear it every day. Over-wearing your clothing can cause it to become worn out more quickly, which can cause the print to crack or fade over time. It's best to rotate your clothing so that you're not wearing the same custom-printed garment too often.
- Avoid Contact with Harsh Chemicals
If your custom-printed clothing comes into contact with harsh chemicals, it can cause the print to fade or become discolored. To avoid this, be careful when using cleaning products, hair dye, or other chemicals around your clothing. If your clothing does come into contact with harsh chemicals, wash it as soon as possible to minimize any damage.
- Treat Stains Immediately
If your custom-printed clothing gets stained, it's important to treat the stain immediately. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to remove the stain. Follow the instructions on the stain remover carefully, and avoid using any harsh chemicals that could damage the fabric or the print.
- Handle With Care
Finally, it's important to handle your custom-printed clothing with care. Avoid pulling or stretching the fabric, as this can cause the print to become distorted. When removing your clothing from the washing machine, be gentle to avoid damaging the print. With proper care and handling, your custom-printed clothing can last for many wears to come.
In summary, caring for your custom-printed clothing involves reading the care label, washing it inside out with a gentle detergent and in cold water, avoiding bleach, not overloading your washing machine, air drying instead of tumble drying, ironing inside out, storing carefully, not wearing it every day, avoiding harsh chemicals, treating stains immediately, and handling with care. By following these tips, you can keep your custom-printed clothing looking great for as long as possible.