How To Maintain Your Custom Screen Printed Apparel
Custom screen printed apparel is a great way to showcase your style, promote your brand, or express your individuality. Whether you have a especially designed tee shirt, hoodie, or jacket, taking care of your apparel is essential to ensure it stays looking great for a long time.
Here are some tips on how to maintain your completed apparel:
- Follow the care instructions
Before washing it, always check the care label for any specific instructions. The apparel may require different care instructions than regular clothing, especially if it has patches or logos. If your garment has been digitally printed using DTG (direct-to-garment) or DTF (direct to film) technology, follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging the image.
- Wash inside out
Washing your T-shirt inside out will help protect the image from rubbing against other clothing or surfaces. This will also help prevent it from cracking or fading over time.
- Use a gentle cycle
Washing your items on a gentle cycle will help protect the design from excessive friction and stretching. Avoid using hot water, as this can damage it and cause it to fade faster.
- Avoid bleach and harsh detergents
Bleach and harsh detergents can fade the application on your custom apparel. Instead, use a mild detergent that is gentle on fabrics and colors.
- Hang or lay flat to dry
Avoid using a dryer to dry it as this can cause the image to crack or fade. Instead, hang or lay flat to dry, preferably in a shaded area away from direct sunlight.
- Store properly
Store your items in a cool, dry place to avoid exposure to humidity and moisture, which can cause peeling or fading. Avoid folding the garment in a way that may crease or damage it.
In conclusion, maintaining your custom screen printed apparel requires a bit of extra care and attention, but it’s worth it to ensure that your investment lasts as long as possible. By following these simple tips, you can keep your garments looking great for years to come.
- Handle with care
When handling your decorated merchandise be mindful of the logo. Avoid pulling or stretching the fabric too hard, as this can damage it. If your garment has patches, be careful not to catch them on anything that could pull them off.
- Don’t iron over the design
Ironing can cause it to melt or stick to the iron, which can ruin the image. Instead, iron the garment inside out or place a cloth between the iron and the print to protect it.
- Avoid exposure to direct sunlight
Direct sunlight can cause to fading over time. If possible, store it in a shaded area, and avoid leaving it out in the sun for extended periods of time.
- Keep it clean
Regularly washing will help keep it looking great. Avoid wearing it multiple times without washing, as sweat and dirt can build up and damage it over time. If you notice any stains, treat them as soon as possible to avoid setting the stain.
- Address any damage quickly
If you notice any damage, address it as soon as possible. Avoid wearing the item until the damage has been repaired, as this can cause the damage to worsen. If you’re unsure how to make the repair , take it to a professional to avoid causing further damage.
By following these tips, you can keep your clothes looking great for years to come. Whether you have a designed t-shirt, hoodie, or jacket, taking care of it properly will help ensure that it stays in great condition and continues to make a statement for years to come. With a little extra care and attention, your custom apparel can be a long-lasting investment in your style or brand.
- Avoid dry cleaning
Dry cleaning can cause damage . The harsh chemicals used in the process can cause it to peel or fade, so it’s best to avoid dry cleaning altogether.
- Be mindful of the material
Different materials require different care instructions, so be sure to check the label before washing. For example, some fabrics may shrink in the wash or require special care to prevent damage.
- Treat patches with care
If your using patches, be sure to follow any specific care instructions for them. Depending on the type of patch, it may require special care or handling to ensure that it stays in place and doesn’t become damaged. This also would apply to custom embroidery.
- Consider professional cleaning
If you’re unsure how to properly care for your embroidery, or if it requires special care or handling, consider taking it to a professional cleaner. A professional cleaner can help ensure that your garment is cleaned properly without damaging it.
- Be cautious with DIY repairs
If your embroidery does becomes damaged, it may be tempting to try to repair it yourself. However, DIY repairs can often make the damage worse, so it’s best to leave it to the professionals. A professional can assess the damage and determine the best course of action for repairing it without causing further damage.
In conclusion, taking care of your DTF apparel application requires some extra attention and care, but it’s well worth it to ensure that your investment lasts as long as possible. By following these tips, you can keep it looking great for years to come, and continue to make a statement with your unique style or brand.
When at all possible, always try to use a local St. Louis embroidery company over an out of town option.