Printed T-shirts look great when they’re new — but cracking, peeling, and fading can happen fast if you wash them the wrong way. Whether your tee uses DTG, screen printing, vinyl, or heat-transfer, these methods will help you keep your prints fresh and long-lasting.
1. Wash Inside Out
Friction is the #1 cause of cracked prints. Turn tees inside out to protect the artwork from rubbing against other clothes.
2. Use Cold Water Only
Heat weakens print adhesives. Always use cold water to prevent peeling and fading.
3. Choose Gentle Cycle
Avoid heavy-duty cycles that twist or stretch the print area.
4. Avoid Bleach, Strong Detergents & Fabric Softeners
- Bleach fades inks.
- Harsh detergents break down adhesives.
- Fabric softener coats the print, causing cracking.
5. Never Machine-Dry Printed Tees
The dryer is the biggest enemy of printed shirts.
- Use air-dry or hang-dry.
- If using a dryer: low heat only.
6. Iron Carefully
Never iron directly on the print — it will melt.
- Turn inside out.
- Use low heat.
- Place a cloth between iron and fabric.
7. Store Properly
Don’t fold shirts with prints face-to-face. Use tissue paper layers to avoid ink sticking.
8. Why Prints Crack (Root Causes)
- High heat drying
- Hot water washing
- Poor-quality inks or vinyl
- Detergent buildup
Internal Links
Pair this with:
– How to Wash T-Shirts the Right Way
– How to Prevent Color Fading
Final Tip: Print longevity = low heat, gentle washing, and zero friction.
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