You've picked the shirt, designed the print and picked up your order. A few habits now keep it looking sharp for years. Here's how to care for a DTF-printed shirt, hoodie or tote, and why each step matters.
1. Wait 24 hours before the first wash
A DTF print is heat-pressed onto the shirt. Giving it a day to settle before it meets water and detergent is the easiest way to protect it. You can wear the shirt in the meantime.
2. Wash it inside out
Turning the shirt inside out keeps the print from rubbing against other clothes and the washing machine drum. Wash printed shirts with similar colors, and skip heavy items like jeans or towels with zippers and rough hardware.
3. Use cold or warm water and a mild detergent
Cold or warm water is gentle on both the fabric and the print. Hot water is harder on prints and can shrink cotton. Use a mild detergent, and leave out bleach and fabric softener, which can break down the film over time.
4. Tumble dry low, or hang dry
High heat is the print's biggest enemy. Tumble dry on low or hang the shirt to dry. Hoodies and thick fleece can take longer to dry on low, so give them a little extra time rather than turning up the heat.
5. Don't iron on the print
If a shirt needs ironing, turn it inside out and iron on a low setting, or put a thin cloth between the iron and the print. Never press the iron directly on the print. Skip dry cleaning too: the solvents aren't kind to transfers.
A few quick answers
- Will the print crack? A DTF print is flexible and stretches with the fabric. Following the steps above keeps it that way.
- Can I store the shirt folded? Yes. Just let it dry completely first.
- What about a stain on the print? Dab it with mild soap and water. Don't scrub or use a stain remover with bleach.
- Something looks wrong with my order? Contact us or call (614) 860-5757 and send a photo. We'll take a look.
Why DTF holds up so well
Because the design goes on as one thin, flexible layer, it keeps its full color wash after wash when cared for like this. Curious how it compares with other methods? Read DTF vs screen printing.
Need a new batch? Design it online: no minimums, printed within 2 business days, free pickup in Hilliard.
