Graphic tee guide
How to Wash Graphic Tees (Without Cracking or Fading)
Turn the tee inside out, wash it in cold water on a gentle cycle with mild detergent, skip bleach and fabric softener, then hang it dry or tumble dry on low. Never iron directly on the print.
How to wash a graphic tee: step by step
- Turn it inside out. Turning the tee inside out keeps the print from rubbing against other clothes and the drum.
- Wash cold on gentle. Use cold water and a gentle or delicate cycle. Heat and agitation are what crack prints.
- Use mild detergent. Skip bleach and fabric softener — both break down printed ink over time.
- Wash with similar colors. Wash darks with darks so nothing transfers onto the print.
- Hang dry or tumble low. Air drying is best. If you use the dryer, choose the lowest heat setting and take it out promptly.
- Iron inside out — never on the print. If it needs ironing, turn it inside out and iron on low, or put a cloth between the iron and the design.
Why do graphic tees crack?
Prints crack from heat and friction. Hot water, high dryer heat and rough cycles stretch and dry out the ink until it splits.
Cold water, a gentle cycle and low heat avoid all three.
Can you put graphic tees in the washing machine?
Yes. Machine washing is fine as long as the tee is inside out, the water is cold and the cycle is gentle.
Hand washing is gentler still, but it isn’t necessary for everyday wear.
How to keep graphic tees from fading
Fading comes from hot water, harsh detergent and sunlight. Wash cold, use a mild detergent, and dry indoors or in the shade.
Washing less often helps too — a tee worn for a few hours can usually be aired out and worn again.
How to store graphic tees
Fold graphic tees rather than hanging them on thin hangers, which stretch the shoulders. Avoid folding directly across the print when you can.
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FAQ
How do you wash graphic tees without cracking?+
Inside out, cold water, gentle cycle, then hang dry or tumble dry on low. Heat and friction are what crack prints.
Should graphic tees be washed in cold water?+
Yes. Cold water protects the print and the fabric and reduces shrinking.
Can you put a graphic tee in the dryer?+
You can on the lowest heat setting, but hang drying is better for the print.
How do you stop graphic tees from peeling?+
Avoid high heat in the wash, dryer and iron. Peeling usually starts after a hot dryer cycle.
How long do graphic tees last?+
With cold washes and low or no dryer heat, a quality graphic tee lasts for years of regular wear.