The ultimate guide to caring for custom shirts. Wash custom shirts inside-out in cold water, use mild detergent, skip bleach and fabric softener, and tumble dry low or hang dry. Avoid ironing directly on prints or embroidery. These basics preserve color, shape, and print quality across screen print, embroidery, DTG, and DTF.
Why Proper Care Matters
No matter the custom apparel you get from Shirt.co, here’s why proper care matters:
- Longer life: Good care easily doubles the usable life of prints and fabrics.
- Better look & feel: Colors stay bright; shirts keep their shape and softness.
- Lower costs: Fewer replacements, fewer reorders, happier wearers.
Universal Care Rules (Works for All Print Methods)
These care methods work regardless of the printing method you choose for your custom shirts:
- Turn inside out before washing and drying.
- Cold water, gentle cycle with mild detergent.
- No bleach, no fabric softener (both degrade inks, adhesive, and fibers).
- Dry low or air dry; high heat shortens print life.
- Do not iron directly on printed/embroidered areas, use a pressing cloth or iron the reverse.
Print-Method-Specific Care of Custom Shirts from Shirt.Co
These care methods go a bit deeper, depending on the print method you choose:
Screen Printing
- Best care: Cold wash, mild detergent, low heat or hang dry.
- Avoid: High dryer heat and harsh chemicals; they can crack or fade ink over time.
- Tip: If you must iron, flip the shirt or place a thin cloth between iron and the print.
Embroidery
- Best care: Cold wash, gentle cycle; low tumble or air dry.
- Avoid: Snagging (zip garments before wash), aggressive wringing, harsh chemicals.
- Tip: If stitches pucker, steam from the inside and smooth flat—don’t press hard on the thread.
DTG (Direct-to-Garment)
- Best care: Cold, gentle wash; hang dry preferred.
- Avoid: Hot dryers. Heat can accelerate fading, especially on dark garments.
- Tip: Wash before first wear to remove any pre-treatment residue.
DTF (Direct-to-Film)
- Best care: Cold, gentle wash; low tumble or hang dry.
- Avoid: High heat (dryers, ironing) directly on the transfer; it can soften adhesives.
- Tip: If the transfer edge lifts after many washes, cool-press through parchment for a few seconds (home iron on low), but never overheat.
Detergent & Additives for Custom Shirts: What to Use (and Skip)
Use: Mild, liquid detergents; enzyme formulas are fine for stains.
Skip:
- Chlorine bleach (breaks down fibers, fades dye, weakens prints).
- Fabric softeners (leave films that reduce vibrancy and ink adhesion over time).
- Oxygen boosters only on non-printed zones and with caution; always test first.
Drying & Heat: The #1 Print Killer
- Best: Air dry on a rack or hanger; reshuffle once mid-dry to avoid shoulder bumps.
- If using a dryer: Low heat and short cycles. Remove while slightly damp; finish with air dry.
- Never: High heat, commercial “hot” cycles, or overdrying—these stress fibers and inks.
Ironing & Steaming Custom Shirts
- Screen print / DTG / DTF: Iron inside-out on low heat, or place a thin cloth between iron and design. Better yet, steam gently from the back.
- Embroidery: Steam is safest. If ironing, use low heat with a pressing cloth; avoid flattening the stitch texture.
Stain Removal on Custom Shirts (Without Ruining Prints)
Steps to the stain removal process for custom shirts:
- Blot, don’t rub. Push stains out with a clean cloth.
- Pre-treat gently. Mild liquid detergent or a diluted enzyme cleaner dabbed onto the spot.
- Cold water first. Heat sets stains.
- Rinse thoroughly before a full wash cycle.
- Air dry to inspect. Heat-drying can set any remaining stain.
Avoid: Acetone, paint thinner, pure alcohol directly on prints/threads; they can dissolve or discolor designs.
Custom Shirts Storage & Travel
- Fold or hang in a cool, dry space out of direct sun (UV fades prints).
- For embroidery: Fold with the design cushioned (a soft cloth over the stitching).
- Pro travel tip: Roll shirts instead of folding to reduce crease lines across prints.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Caring for Custom Shirts
- Hot water + hot dryer = rapid fading/shrinkage.
- Bleach or softeners = dull colors and degraded prints.
- Ironing directly on prints/transfers = sticking, melting, or gloss marks.
- Commercial high-heat laundries = fast track to wear and tear.
Care for Different Fabrics of Custom Shirts
- 100% Cotton: Soft; may shrink 3–5%—cold wash, low dry.
- Cotton/Poly Blends: Better shape retention; still treat prints gently.
- Poly & Performance: Wash cold; avoid high heat (can cause “shiny” heat marks).
- Tri-Blends: Supersoft; often slimmer fit—go gentle on heat to keep drape and feel.
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Wash inside-out in cold water | Use hot water or heavy soil cycles |
| Use mild detergent | Use bleach or fabric softener |
| Tumble dry low or air dry | Overdry on high heat |
| Iron on reverse with a cloth barrier | Iron directly on prints or embroidery |
| Spot-treat gently; test first | Use harsh solvents on designs |
| Store out of direct sunlight | Leave damp or crumpled in piles |
Why Choose Shirt.Co for Care of Custom Shirts?
A great print is only as good as its lifespan. At Shirt.Co, we don’t just focus on making your custom shirts look amazing on day one, we make sure they stay that way. From the materials we choose to the guidance we provide, caring for your custom apparel is built into everything we do. Here’s how we do it:
- 1. Premium Materials That Last
We print on trusted brands with fabrics designed to hold shape, resist shrinking, and withstand regular washes. That means your custom shirts won’t fade, crack, or stretch out after just a few wears. - 2. Durable Printing Methods
Whether it’s screen printing, embroidery, DTG, or DTF, we use techniques proven for long-term durability. Each print method is matched to your project so your design holds strong — whether it’s a bold logo, fine detail, or full-color artwork. - 3. Care Instructions You Can Count On
Every order comes with clear, easy-to-follow washing and drying instructions. From water temperature to detergent choice, we give you the tips that extend the life of your print. - 4. Reduced Risk of Damage
We test our inks and materials to ensure they won’t peel, crack, or fade prematurely. Your shirts are made to handle everyday life, not just a single event. - 5. Support Beyond Delivery
Have questions about how to wash or store your shirts? Our team is available to provide care advice, replacement recommendations, and even reorders if you need to refresh your stock.
FAQ: How to Best Care for Custom Shirts From Shirt.Co
Do custom shirts shrink?
100% cotton can shrink slightly; blends resist shrinkage. Cold wash + low dry minimizes it.
How long will prints last?
With proper care, quality screen prints and embroidery often outlast the garment; DTG/DTF can look great for dozens of washes when laundered on gentle, low-heat settings.
Can I dry-clean custom shirts?
Generally not recommended for printed tees. Embroidered polos/jackets may be dry-clean safe, but check the garment tag first.
Why avoid fabric softener?
Softeners leave a hydrophobic film that dulls colors and can weaken ink/adhesive bonds over time.
What if a DTF edge lifts?
Place parchment over the area and lightly press on low heat for a few seconds from the outside; allow to cool flat. If lifting persists, contact support.
Shirt.Co is the Place to Turn for the Ultimate Care of Your Custom Shirts
At Shirt.Co, we care about the long game. We don’t just sell you custom shirts — we help you protect your investment so your team, event, or brand looks great wear after wear.
Ready to create shirts that last? Call Shirt.co at 636-926-2777 or start a quote online and let’s get started.
