How to Wash Graphic Tees
You can save money you would spend on new graphic tee shirts if you know how to properly care for the ones you have. Using proper laundering techniques keeps the shirts in excellent condition. The last thing you want to see is pilling, color fading and cracks in the graphics after only a couple of washes. One mistake in your laundering routine can ruin a tee shirt, so it is important to follow a few simple rules each and every time you do laundry. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Buy a detergent specially formulated for delicate fabrics or one that is gentle on colors. This detergent can be more expensive than your usual detergent, but this is no time to scrimp. If you insist on buying cheap detergent, the money you save will be spent on buying new shirts much sooner than if you buy the right detergent to begin with.
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Group light-colored shirts with other light-colored garments and dark ones with other dark-colored garments. Wash bright-colored tees with other similar garments. Wash all groupings separately to prevent dyes in darker garments from fading onto lighter-colored ones.
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Wash the shirts in cold water and inside-out only; these two techniques will prevent shrinkage, graphic cracking and color fading.
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Hang the shirts to dry. Keeping your graphic tee shirts out of a dryer will prevent fading, shrinkage and pilling. Iron if necessary (see Tips).
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Tips & Warnings
Hanging the shirts to dry will also prevent wrinkles and keep your shirts looking like new. If you want to smooth out wrinkles, use an iron on a low setting when the shirts are completely dry. Be sure to iron the shirts inside-out. Use spray starch if needed.
Use a separate laundry bag or basket just for your tees so that you do not accidentally wash them in hot water with your socks or sheets.
Never iron directly onto the graphic of a tee shirt; doing so can cause cracks in the design.
Using a detergent without color-guard technology or one not meant for delicates will likely ruin your shirts.
Never use bleach for a white tee shirt if there is a graphic on it.
