How to Care for Your Screen Printed Apparel to Ensure Longevity
Screen printed apparel is a popular choice for custom clothing, offering vibrant designs and durability. However, to keep your screen printed garments looking fresh and vibrant for as long as possible, it’s essential to follow proper care instructions. With the right washing, drying, and storage techniques, you can extend the life of your custom apparel and maintain the quality of the print. Here’s a guide on how to care for your screen printed clothing to ensure it lasts.
1. Washing Instructions
Proper washing is key to preserving the quality of screen printed apparel. Here’s how to do it right:
- Turn Garments Inside Out: Before washing, always turn your screen printed garments inside out. This helps protect the printed design from friction and direct contact with other clothes, which can cause fading or cracking.
- Use Cold Water: Wash your screen printed apparel in cold water. Hot water can cause the ink to break down over time, leading to fading or damage to the print. Cold water is gentler on both the fabric and the ink.
- Choose a Gentle Cycle: Opt for a gentle or delicate wash cycle. This reduces the agitation and stress on the fabric and the print, helping to preserve the integrity of both.
- Avoid Harsh Detergents: Use a mild, color-safe detergent that is free from bleach or harsh chemicals. Strong detergents can break down the ink and cause fading. Avoid fabric softeners, as they can create a residue that affects the print’s vibrancy.
2. Drying Tips
How you dry your screen printed apparel is just as important as how you wash it:
- Air Dry When Possible: The best way to dry screen printed clothing is to air dry it. Lay the garments flat or hang them up to dry naturally. This helps prevent shrinking, which can distort the print, and also reduces wear on the fabric.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: If air drying outside, keep your garments out of direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause the colors in the print to fade over time.
- Use Low Heat for Machine Drying: If you must use a dryer, choose a low heat setting. High heat can cause the print to crack, peel, or fade. Remove the garments from the dryer while they are still slightly damp to minimize heat exposure.
3. Storage Recommendations
Proper storage of screen printed apparel can also help prolong its life:
- Fold Instead of Hanging: It’s best to fold screen printed garments rather than hanging them. Hanging can cause the fabric to stretch, which may distort the print over time.
- Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Keep your screen printed clothing in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing them in damp areas, which can lead to mold or mildew, or in direct sunlight, which can cause fading.
- Avoid Heavy Stacking: When folding and storing your garments, avoid stacking them too heavily. Excessive weight can cause the prints to stick together or become misshapen.
4. Additional Care Tips
A few extra precautions can go a long way in preserving the quality of your screen printed apparel:
- Ironing: If you need to iron your screen printed clothing, turn it inside out and use a low heat setting. Avoid ironing directly on the print, as the heat can damage the ink. You can also place a cloth or parchment paper between the iron and the print to protect it.
- Spot Cleaning: For minor stains, spot clean your garments instead of washing the entire piece. This reduces the number of washes and helps preserve the print. Use a gentle soap and a soft cloth, and dab gently on the stain.
- Avoid Rough Surfaces: Be mindful of rough surfaces that can snag or rub against the print, causing it to wear away. When wearing screen printed apparel, avoid leaning on rough surfaces or placing heavy bags or items over the printed area.
By following these care tips, you can ensure that your screen printed apparel remains vibrant and in good condition for years to come. Proper washing, drying, and storage practices are essential to extending the life of your custom clothing, keeping the prints looking fresh and the fabric in top shape. Investing a little time in caring for your screen printed garments will pay off in the long run, allowing you to enjoy your custom designs for as long as possible.
