You’ve just unboxed a fresh batch of custom tees — whether it’s for your team, your customers, or your next event, they look amazing. The colors are sharp, the fit is great, and your branding has never looked better.
But here’s the thing: even the best custom t-shirts won’t look that good forever if they’re not cared for properly. Just like printing quality matters, how you care for screen-printed garments can make or break their long-term wearability.
So if you want your printed designs to stay crisp, vibrant, and wearable for months (or years), this post is for you. Let’s walk through the do’s and don’ts of screen print care so your shirts keep looking fresh — just like the day they rolled off the press.
💡 Why Screen Print Care Matters
Screen printed designs are made with specialty inks that bond to the fabric — but they’re still vulnerable to heat, abrasion, and harsh chemicals.
A single trip through the dryer on high heat or a splash of bleach can lead to:
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Cracked or faded prints
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Peeling or flaking ink
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Distortion of the design
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Fabric shrinkage that affects the print layout
The good news? It’s easy to avoid those problems with a few simple habits.
✅ Screen Print Care: The Do’s
These tips will help protect the quality of your shirts and extend their lifespan:
🔄 Wash Inside Out
Turning your shirt inside out before washing reduces friction on the printed design, protecting it from contact with other garments or the washer drum.
👕 Wash with Similar Fabrics
Avoid mixing screen-printed garments with heavy fabrics like denim or fleece. Washing with similar weights reduces lint transfer and pilling.
🧼 Use Mild Detergent
Skip the heavy-duty detergents. Mild, non-abrasive detergents are gentle on inks and reduce the risk of fading or cracking.
❄️ Wash in Cold Water
Keep water temps below 90°F (cool/cold cycle). Hot water accelerates ink breakdown and may shrink your garment.
✋ Gentle Cycle or Hand Wash
Use your machine’s gentle cycle — or better yet, hand-wash when possible. It’s softer on both the fabric and the print.
🌬️ Air Dry is Best
Skip the dryer. Hang or lay flat to dry instead. If you must use a machine, choose the low heat setting.
🧺 Iron Carefully
If you need to iron, do it inside out on a low setting. Even better: place a cloth between the iron and the shirt. This protects the ink from heat damage.
🚫 Screen Print Care: The Don’ts
These common mistakes can wear down your print faster than you think:
❌ Don’t Dry Clean
Dry cleaning chemicals are too harsh and can stain or degrade screen-printed designs.
❌ No Bleach
Even color-safe bleach can be too abrasive. It may break down ink, discolor designs, or weaken fabric.
❌ Skip the Fabric Softener
Softeners leave residues that interfere with ink durability and make prints fade faster over time.
❌ Don’t Use Steam When Ironing
Steam introduces moisture and pressure that can cause ink to warp, lift, or bubble.
🧵 Final Tips for Long-Lasting Tees
Custom apparel is an investment — whether you’re promoting your business, outfitting a team, or giving away swag at an event. Following proper care guidelines not only protects that investment but ensures your brand stays visible and polished every time someone wears it.
To recap:
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Treat your tees gently
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Avoid heat, bleach, and harsh chemicals
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Stick to cool water, mild detergent, and air drying whenever possible
Your shirts will thank you — and your design will stay sharp for months to come.
