Cracking in custom t-shirts is one of the most frustrating issues for many graphic tee enthusiasts to grapple with. Improper washing and drying methods are the primary culprits contributing to peeling off the prints and fades the ink.
This article is the ultimate care guide on how to wash graphic tees without cracking, ensuring your favorite screen printed shirts stay vibrant and intact after many washes.
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Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Graphic Tees without Cracking
Before Washing Graphic Tees
It’s essential to keep in mind the following things before you start washing graphic tees without cracking:
- Turn your graphic t-shirts inside out before washing to protect the print from friction.
- Wash light and dark colors separately to avoid color bleeding
- Wash graphic tees in cold water to prevent ink from fading and cracking.
- Choose mild and color-safe detergent for your graphic tees that harsh chemicals may damage the print after washes.
- Apply a gentle stain remover on dirty spots before washing your graphic tees to avoid scrubbing the graphic.
Washing Methods for Graphic T-shirts
Hand Wash Graphic Tees
Hand washing is preferred washing methods to keep graphic t-shirts from cracking. However, it is also essential to remember these steps when you wash your screen printed shirts properly:
Step 1: Fill in a basin or sink with cold water to avoid any heat damage to your graphic prints.
Step 2: Pour the right amount of any mild detergent into the water until it’s dissolved. Note that choose the right one for delicate fabrics.
Step 3: Turn your graphic tees inside out to prevent the print from peeling off or cracking during the washing process.
Step 4: Spark your graphic tees between 10 and 30 minutes to loose dirt and stains without scrubbing the print directly. The soaking time is needed, which allows the detergent to work on the stains without any need for harsh washing on the dirt or stains.
Step 5: Rub the graphic gently, especially in stained spots. No brushed or rough cloths used in hand washing.Simply use your hands to gently agitate the water and fabric to clean the tees without damaging the prints.
Step 6: Finally rinse your graphic tees in cold water until no detergent residues are left. NO wringing the tees because it can cause the print to crack.
Washing Graphic Tees in Washing Machine
You can save your time while preserving your favorite graphic tees from cracking in the washing machine. Please keep in mind the following practical guide to wash your tee appropriately.
Step 1: Turn your graphic tees inside out as mentioned earlier before you place them in the washing machine.
Step 2: Set the program to a gentle or delicate cycle, which is best to minimize agitation and gentle on fabrics and prints. Hence, this step really matters to prevent your graphic tees from cracking in the washing machine.
Step 3: Always use cold water and pour color-safe detergent formulated for delicate fabrics. Do not overload the washing machine at a time to prevent the graphic from rubbing against other items and maintain the graphic’s quality.
How to Keep Graphic Tees from Cracking after Washing
In addition to washing graphic tees properly to avoid peeling or cracking, it’s important to keep an eye out for ways to remain vibrant and crack-free while drying and ironing printed t-shirts after washing.
Drying Methods for Graphic Tees
Air drying is the safest method to dry your graphic tees without damaging the print after washes.
- Hang dry is the optimal way for drying graphic tees: Simply hang your printed shirts on a drying rack or clothesline in a shaded area to avoid direct sunlight, which causes color fading and heat damage for cracking in graphic tees as a result.
- Lay flat is also effective to dry your printed t-shirts after washing them. Lay your tees on a clean and dry towel to maintain the shape and quality of the print without stretching them. Remember to smooth out any wrinkles with your hands while laying graphic tees flat.
Note:
You shouldn’t use the dryer for drying your tees, especially screen printed shirts. If necessary, choose the lowest heat setting. Excessive heat from dryers is also a reason for a graphic tee to crack and shrink the fabric as well.
Ironing and Removing Wrinkles on Graphic Tees
- Like washing your graphic tees, always turn the tees inside out before you iron them to avoid causing the print to melt or crack due to direct heat.
- Set your iron to the lowest heat settings to remove wrinkles effectively without damaging the print or fabric.
- You can layer a clean pressing cloth or cotton cloth over the graphic print before ironing as a protection layer to reduce the risk of cracking in graphic tees.
Washing Graphic Tees without Cracking: Common Mistakes to Avoid
To keep your printed t-shirts from cracking, please say NO with the following things:
- Harsh chemicals and bleach
- Overload the washing machine
- Use hot water for both machine washing and hand washing
- Iron directly on the printed design
- Direct sunlight for drying your graphic tees
- Ignore the care label
Sum Up
Hopefully, this article gives you practical advice on washing your graphic tees and print preservation tips that helps you to extend the lifespan of your favorite printed designs effortlessly after multiple washes. Follow this ultimate care guide to keep your graphic tees stay vibrant and look like new and share these awesome tips with your friends today!
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FAQs for washing graphic tees without cracking
Graphic tees can last over 50 washes or more in years if cared for properly. In addition to appropriate washing and dying techniques, the quality of the ink and the fabric also matter on the lifespan of a printed shirt.
Yes, definitely. When you wash graphic tees inside out no matter your washing method, this protects the print from friction and direct exposure to detergent and other clothes. As a result, it minimizes the risk of fading and cracking in graphic tees.
No, you should not wash graphic tees with bleach. Bleach can weaken the fabric and damage the graphic print, leading to cracking and fading.
OxiClean can be safe for graphic tees if used sparingly and according to the product’s instructions. It’s best to test on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't affect the print.
Yes, hot water is one of the major culprits that cause graphic prints to crack and fade. Always use cold water to wash graphic tees to preserve the print and fabric.
In fact, acid wash involves using bleach to create a distressed look. So It is risky for graphic tees because bleach can lead to damaging the print. A barrier should be applied as a protection layer to protect the print from cracking.
No. The high heat may cause graphic tees to crack easier and the fabric to shrink in the dryer. Air drying is the safest method to preserve your graphic tees in the long run.
Graphic tees should be folded and placed in a drawer or a shelf instead of hanging them to avoid stretching the fabric and print. In case you want to hang your graphic t-shirts, let’s use wide hangers to prevent the neckline of the shirt from stretching.
