Custom Care Instructions for Apparel
Care Instructions for Apparel: Washing, Drying & Ironing Best Practices
Caring for custom apparel properly is the key to keeping prints, embroidery, and designs looking fresh for the long run. Whether your apparel is made with DTF (Direct-to-Film) transfers, heat press applications, embroidery, or screen printing, each method has its own care needs. Simple adjustments—like how you wash, dry, or iron your clothing—can make all the difference in preserving colors, preventing cracks, and maintaining quality. Below, you’ll find practical tips and step-by-step instructions to help your apparel stay vibrant and durable wash after wash.
How to Care for DTF (Direct-to-Film) or Heat Press Apparel:
- Wash Inside Out – Helps protect the print from friction and fading.
- Cold Water Only – Use a gentle cycle, ideally under 30°C / 85°F.
- Mild Detergent – Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, or strong fabric softeners.
- Do Not Overload – Clothes need space to move, reducing stress on the print.
- Air Dry Preferred – Hang to dry for longest life.
- If Using Dryer – Tumble dry on low heat only. High heat can cause peeling or cracking.
- Do Not Iron Directly on Print – If needed, turn inside out or place parchment paper over design.
- Avoid Steam – Excess moisture + heat can weaken adhesion.
- No dry cleaning.
- No bleach or stain removers directly on the print.
- No fabric softener sheets in the dryer (they can break down the transfer).
- First wash: wait 24–48 hours after pressing before washing.
- Store garments in a cool, dry place – avoid long-term folding directly on printed areas.
- With proper care, DTF and heat-pressed prints can last 50+ washes.
How to Care for Embroidered Apparel:
- Turn Inside Out – Protects embroidery from abrasion.
- Cold Water Wash – Gentle cycle is best.
- Mild Detergent – Avoid bleach and strong stain removers (they can weaken threads and discolor embroidery).
- Air Dry Recommended – Lay flat or hang to dry.
- If Using Dryer – Tumble dry low heat only.
- Iron Inside Out – Place a cloth or towel between the embroidery and iron.
- Avoid Direct Heat – High heat can scorch or melt embroidery threads (especially polyester).
- No Steam – Excess moisture can cause puckering.
- Do not wring or twist embroidered areas.
- Avoid fabric softener (may coat threads and reduce sheen).
- No dry cleaning (chemicals can damage embroidery).
- Wash similar colors together (to prevent bleeding onto embroidery).
- If embroidery looks wrinkled, use a warm iron with pressing cloth on the reverse side.
- Proper care keeps embroidery crisp and vibrant for years.
How to Care for Screen-Printed Apparel:
- Turn Inside Out – Protects the ink surface from rubbing against other fabrics.
- Cold Water Wash – Gentle cycle is best.
- Mild Detergent – No bleach or strong chemicals.
- Wash With Similar Fabrics – Avoid rough items like towels or jeans that can abrade the print.
- Air Dry Preferred – Keeps prints vibrant and prevents cracking.
- If Using Dryer – Tumble dry low heat only. High heat can cause ink to soften and crack.
- Do Not Iron Directly on Print – Turn inside out or place parchment paper over design if ironing is needed.
- Avoid High Heat – Heat weakens and damages ink over time.
- No dry cleaning.
- No fabric softener sheets in the dryer (they can break down the ink).
- Don’t soak for long periods (can loosen adhesion).
- First wash: wait 24–48 hours after printing before washing.
- Store folded with print area flat to avoid creasing or sticking.
- With proper care, screen prints can stay sharp for 50+ washes.