How to take care of your printed clothing?
It’s not hard to imagine a situation where we buy a t-shirt or sweatshirt with a dream design – at first, it looks great, but after just a few washes, the print starts to crack or completely disappears. It’s a shame not only for the design itself, which is the result of the work of many people, but also for our money.
What can you do to avoid such situations and enjoy the print for a long time? Below you will find some tips that will help you take care of your printed clothing.
Washing inside out
Washing clothes with the print on the outside is one of the most common reasons for their damage – and at the same time, one of the most often overlooked issues. Turning the garment inside out protects the print from rubbing against other clothes or elements of the washing machine, preventing mechanical damage.
Washing at low temperature
High temperature can cause the print to crack or fade, resulting in so-called "wash out." This especially applies to washing at 60°C or higher. It is recommended to wash in cold water or at a maximum temperature of 30°C.
Drying
It is best to dry clothing traditionally – on a standing drying rack, outdoors, or indoors. It is important to dry it the same way it was washed – inside out. This protects the print from sunlight, which in summer can quickly damage it.
Do not iron the print
Ironing directly on the print works similarly to washing at a high temperature – it mainly causes cracking. However, if you must iron such clothing, set the iron to the lowest temperature and iron through a fabric, e.g., a towel, paper, or another garment – but without a print.
Read the labels
Many people skip this step, often removing the labels immediately after purchase. This is a mistake because they contain valuable information – including what material the garment is made of and pictograms showing recommended care methods.
Cleaning agents
There are many products on the market that support cleaning and maintaining clothing, but special care must be taken when choosing them. Many laundry powders (especially those for whites) contain bleach, which negatively affects the appearance of both the fabric and the print. These agents are designed to whiten the fabric, but at the same time, they can lighten the decoration itself.
Particular caution should be exercised when using solvents or stain removers – they are strong enough to not only damage the print but also destroy the fabric itself.
Summary
Prints are delicate and easy to damage through carelessness. However, by paying them a little attention and taking proper care of decorated clothing, it will reward you with durability and serve you for many years.
