We all love our favorite T-shirts—whether it’s a concert tee, a custom design, or a shirt from a special event. But nothing’s worse than watching a vibrant print crack, fade, or peel after just a few washes.

The good news? You can make your screen printed shirts last for years with just a little extra care.

Whether your shirts are screen printed, digitally printed, vinyl pressed, or heat transferred, the same rules apply. Treat them right, and they’ll stay bright, soft, and wearable for the long haul.

Here’s everything you need to know.

🧼 How to Wash Screen Printed T-Shirts

🔹 Best Method: Hand Washing

Hand washing is the safest, most gentle way to preserve both the fabric and the print.

Step-by-Step Hand Washing Instructions:

1. Fill a clean sink or tub with cold water and a mild detergent.
2. Turn your shirt inside-out to protect the print.
3. Pre-treat stains with a safe stain remover (like OxiClean).
4. Soak for at least 10 minutes.
5. Gently agitate the shirt with your hands—don’t scrub!
6. Rinse thoroughly in cool water.
7. Gently wring out excess water (avoid twisting).
8. Hang on a wide, rounded hanger to air dry.

Pro Tip: This method is also perfect for washing hats and other delicate printed items.

🔹 Machine Washing (If You Must)

Using a washing machine is okay—if you follow a few simple rules.

Step-by-Step Machine Washing Instructions:

1. Turn shirts inside-out to protect the print from rubbing or abrasion.
2. Pre-treat stains using a spray stain remover. No need for extra detergent.
3. Buff stains gently using a soft cloth—never scrub with brushes or sponges.
4. Sort by color and fabric type. Keep heavy items like jeans and towels out of the mix.
5. Use cold water on the gentle cycle with a mild detergent (avoid harsh chemicals).

🌬️ How to Dry Screen Printed T-Shirts

Heat is your shirt’s worst enemy. If you want your prints to stay crisp and bright, air drying is best.

🔹 Air Drying

• Hang shirts inside-out on wide plastic or wooden hangers (avoid wire).
• Place them in a well-ventilated area, but keep out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.
• A fan can help speed up drying without adding heat.

🔹 Machine Drying (When Necessary)

• Turn shirts inside-out.
• Use the lowest heat setting or permanent press cycle.
• Dry similar fabrics together to avoid rough textures.
• Remove shirts early and lay flat or hang to finish drying.

🚫 Wrinkle Removal: Ironing & Steaming Tips

Your shirt’s clean—but now it’s wrinkled. Here’s how to fix that without ruining the print.

🔹 Ironing Tips:

1. Turn your shirt inside-out.
2. Set your iron to low heat (no steam).
3. Place a cloth or towel between the shirt and the iron.
4. Press gently and keep repositioning the cloth as you go.

🔹 Steaming Tips:

1. Hang the shirt inside-out.
2. Use a handheld steamer on the lowest heat setting.
3. Avoid steaming directly on the print—go around it if possible.
4. Steam both front and back, then wear it right away or hang smooth.

🧼 Extra T-Shirt Care Tips

Keep your shirts in top shape with these pro care tips:

• Wait 24–48 hours before the first wash after printing to let the ink fully cure.
• Ignore the tag. Manufacturer tags don’t account for printed graphics—stick to cold water and gentle cycles.
• Sort laundry by color and weight. Heavy or abrasive fabrics (like denim or towels) can damage tees.
• Use home stain solutions like vinegar or baking soda when you’re out of spray treatments.
• Check for hard water. If your water is mineral-heavy, pre-soak shirts in a vinegar solution (1 cup per gallon of water).
• Try a laundry bag. Mesh laundry bags protect extra-special tees during machine washes.
• Avoid fabric softener. It can degrade your print over time. Try a splash of vinegar instead—it softens fabric and brightens colors.
• Only use non-chlorine bleach. Regular bleach weakens fabric and fades prints.
• Pull shirts out early from the dryer if you must use one. Less heat exposure = longer life.
• When in doubt, dry clean. Got a beloved tee with a big stain? Let the pros handle it.
• Use a high-quality printer. Prints that peel or fade quickly are often the result of poor printing, not poor care. (We can help with that.)

✅ Final Takeaways

To keep your custom printed T-shirts looking brand new:

• Wash in cold water
• Air dry whenever possible
• Avoid harsh heat, friction, and chemicals
• Turn shirts inside-out to wash, dry, and iron
• Use mild detergents and gentle cycles

With just a little TLC, your T-shirts will stay bright, soft, and crack-free for years to come.

🎨 Ready for a Refresh?

If your favorite tee is beyond saving—or you’re ready to design something new—check out our easy-to-use Design Studio. Choose your product, customize your design, pick your colors, and bring your vision to life.

👉 Start Designing Your Next Favorite T-Shirt

Your wardrobe (and your laundry routine) will thank you.