If you've ever bought a graphic tee, you know that the design is bound to crack and, maybe, even fade. This is inevitable with any t-shirt design. Whether it be a vinyl design or screen print, you will eventually start to see cracks in the design. If you're like me, you want the design to stay as fresh and crisp as long as possible. If you want to know how I keep my t-shirts looking like new for as long as possible, keep reading.
1. Machine wash COLD!
Heat can cause your design to crack. Washing with cold water will help your t-shirt design stay in tip top shape. It also helps to turn the shirt inside out, so as to not allow other clothing with buttons and/or zippers to scrape against the design. Also, be sure to wash your shirt with like colors, of course.
2. Do NOT use liquid fabric softener.
Using liquid fabric softener can often remove the adhesive from the vinyl, causing it to peel, or crack, and fall off of the shirt. We recommend washing with only a mild detergent, no bleach, no fabric softener. Doing so will definitely help to prolong the life of your shirt.
3. Hang to dry.
Sure, you can dry your t-shirt in the dryer. We recommend that if you do so, dry on low, inside out. If you do decide to dry your shirt in the dryer, avoid using dryer sheets. As mentioned above, the dryer sheets can also damage the vinyl on your t-shirt, just like with the liquid fabric softener. While it's okay to dry your shirt in the dryer, we recommend removing the shirt immediately after the dryer stops, and fold and/or hang it so that the vinyl design isn't touching itself or other vinyl from another shirt. The best way to prolong the life of the design is to hang it or lay it flat to dry. This is the best drying method and will keep your design looking brand new for some years to come if you do. This is my go-to method for keeping my graphic tees looking their best for as long as possible. I have several shirts that I've only ever hanged, and there are no cracks in the designs, even after several years. Yes, I keep clothes for years, even decades, as nothing ever really goes out of style, because people love vintage looks.
4. Do NOT leave shirt crumpled in the basket before or after wash.
We've all done it. Wadded our clothes up and tossed them into the basket where they wait until they're either thrown in the washer or are ready to be folded. I do NOT recommend this. I like to keep my graphic tees separate from my non-graphic clothes, and I like to make sure they're not crumpled up in a pile somewhere. I turn them inside out and lay them neatly in a safe place so the vinyl isn't touching itself or other shirts' vinyl until time to wash, and I like to immediately remove them from the wash and hang them, or if I do use the dryer, I remove and fold or hang them immediately, so the vinyl doesn't get crinkled, as that can cause the vinyl to start cracking, too.
5. Do NOT iron the design.
If you've ever had a graphic tee and read the washing instructions, you'll know that ironing over the design is a big NO-NO! This will cause the vinyl to melt, ruining the design and, also, will cause some damage to your iron, as the vinyl will stick to the surface and make ironing more difficult.
If you follow these instructions, your shirt will have a long-lasting life. It may even make it to vintage status without looking vintage. Hope you find these tips helpful. If you have any questions or other tips, leave a comment below. Enjoy your new tee and have an awesome day!
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