How to Wash DTG Shirts So They Last
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How to Wash DTG Shirts So They Last
Direct-to-garment (DTG) prints look best when you treat them right. Here’s a dead-simple guide to keep your BitThreads tees crisp for the long haul—no laundry degree required.
TL;DR
- Wash: Cold water, inside-out, gentle cycle
- Detergent: Mild, no bleach, no fabric softener
- Dry: Hang dry (best) or tumble low, still inside-out
- Iron: Never directly on the print
- Storage: Fold or hang away from direct sun
Why DTG Care Matters
DTG ink bonds with the cotton fibers. Excess heat and friction can break that bond over time. A few small tweaks—cold temps, gentle motion, and low heat—dramatically extend the life of your print.
Washing Settings That Work
| Setting | Recommended | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Water Temp | Cold | Less dye migration, kinder to fibers & ink |
| Cycle | Gentle | Reduces abrasion/pilling on the print |
| Load Size | Light → Medium | Prevents heavy items from scrubbing the tee |
| Prep | Turn inside-out | Protects the printed face of the fabric |
| Detergent | Mild | No harsh chemicals to weaken the print |
Drying & Ironing
- Best: Hang dry on a rack or hanger. Keeps heat low and fibers happy.
- If you must tumble: Use low heat, keep the shirt inside-out, and remove promptly.
- Ironing: Avoid the graphic. If needed, iron inside-out on low, or place a cloth between iron and fabric.
- Steam: Steaming is gentler than ironing—just keep steam off the print surface.
Spot-Treating & Deodorant Marks
Treat stains before washing, and avoid harsh spot-treaters directly on the design.
- Food/coffee: Rinse cold ASAP, dab (don’t rub), then mild stain remover around—but not on—the print.
- Deodorant lines: Gently rub with a clean, damp cloth; a small amount of mild detergent helps.
- Oil/grease: Pre-treat with a drop of mild dish soap on the non-printed area; rinse, then wash cold.
Storage (So Prints Don’t Fade)
- Fold or hang in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight.
- Don’t cram your closet—tight friction = premature wear.
Shop the Tees Shown
Seen around BitThreads:
FAQ
Can I tumble dry DTG shirts?
Yes—use low heat and keep the shirt inside-out. Hang drying is still the best option for print longevity.
Do DTG shirts shrink?
Most cotton tees can shrink slightly with heat. Wash cold and hang dry (or tumble low) to minimize shrinkage.
How do I remove wrinkles safely?
Steam or iron inside-out on low. Avoid direct contact between a hot iron and the printed graphic.
PS: If you try these tips and something still looks off, send a photo to support@bitthreads.com — we’ll help.