How to Care for DTF Garments: Washing Tips for Long-Lasting Wear
You just received your order from House of Printed Expressions. The colors are popping, the details are crisp, and the garment feels great. We know you want it to stay that way for the long haul. DTF (Direct-to-Film) technology is famous for its durability and resilience, often outlasting traditional printing techniques.
However, like any high-quality custom apparel, it needs a little TLC to look brand new wash after wash. Here is our Ultimate Guide to caring for your custom gear to ensure the design lasts as long as the fabric itself.
The Golden Rule: Inside Out
Before you do anything else, turn the garment inside out. This is vital. By washing the item inside out, the fabric acts as a shield, protecting the print from friction against other clothes, buttons, or zippers inside the washing machine.
Washing Instructions: Gentle and Cold
Heat and harsh chemicals are the natural enemies of any print.
- Use Cold Water: Always wash with cold water. Hot water can soften the DTF adhesive over time and cause the design to crack prematurely.
- Gentle Cycle: Select a gentle or delicate wash cycle. Less agitation means less stress on the print.
- Mild Detergent: Use standard liquid detergents.
- AVOID Bleach and Fabric Softeners:
-
- Bleach is too abrasive and will fade or damage the design colors. o Fabric softeners contain chemicals that can degrade the glue bonding the design to the fabric.
- Fabric softeners contain chemicals that can degrade the glue bonding the design to the fabric.
Drying: Patience Pays Off
The absolute best way to dry a DTF garment is to air dry (hang dry). The intense heat of a dryer is the number one cause of cracked prints.
- If you must use a dryer: Use the lowest heat setting possible (Tumble Dry Low) and remove the garment as soon as it is dry. Never use high-heat cycles.
Ironing: Never Direct
Is your shirt wrinkled? Be careful!
- Never iron directly on top of the design. The direct heat of the iron will re-melt the print, ruining both the shirt and your iron.
- The Solution: Iron the garment inside out, or place a cotton cloth or parchment paper over the design to protect it from direct contact with the heat.
Quick Cheat Sheet for Daily Care
To keep your House of Printed Expressions gear looking fresh for years, remember these 4 simple steps:
- Turn inside out.
- Wash with cold water.
- No bleach or softeners.
- Dry on low heat or hang dry.
By following these steps, your custom designs will keep turning heads long after the first wear!