Caring for your custom garments properly ensures their longevity, vibrancy, and durability. Whether you have screen-printed, embroidered, or heat-pressed apparel, following the right care routine will help maintain their quality over time.

At The Print Plug, we take pride in delivering high-quality custom apparel, and we want to help you preserve your investment. Always refer to the care instructions on the garment tag(s) or the manufacturer’s website for specific recommendations. In addition to those guidelines, here are some general care tips on caring for your custom garments to keep your apparel looking its best.

Essential Garment Care Tips to Preserve Your Custom Apparel

Washing Guidelines

• Wash custom garments inside out in cold water to help preserve the print and prevent fading.
• Use gentle detergents and avoid bleach, which can weaken fabric fibers and dull colors.
• Wash light and dark garments separately to prevent color bleeding and staining.
• Avoid fabric softeners, as they can break down certain types of prints and coatings over time.
• Following these washing tips is crucial when caring for your custom garments, ensuring they stay fresh and damage-free.

Drying and Ironing

• Air drying is the best way to preserve custom prints and embroidery.
• If using a dryer, choose a low heat setting to minimize shrinkage and prevent print damage.
• When ironing, never place a hot iron directly on printed or embroidered areas. Instead, use a thin cloth between the iron and the garment or opt for steam ironing to remove wrinkles safely.

Stain Removal

• Treat stains promptly by gently dabbing the area with a mild detergent solution.
• Avoid vigorous scrubbing, as it may weaken fabric fibers and damage prints.
• For embroidery, use a damp cloth to blot stains rather than rubbing.
• Proper stain removal is an important part of caring for your custom garments, ensuring their colors and materials remain intact.

Storage

• Store custom garments in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
• Fold screen-printed tees rather than hanging them to prevent fabric stretching.
• Keep embroidered items stored flat or on padded hangers to avoid thread damage.

Avoid Rough Handling

• Be mindful of rough surfaces or activities that could snag embroidery stitches or wear down screen prints.
• Avoid abrasive washing methods such as heavy-duty wash cycles or harsh scrubbing.

Professional Cleaning for Embroidery

• For high-end embroidered garments, consider professional cleaning to ensure thread integrity and long-lasting color vibrancy.

By following these essential garment care tips, you’re ensuring that caring for your custom garments becomes second nature, allowing you to enjoy your apparel for years to come.

How to Care for Screen Printed Garments

Caring for your custom garments with custom screen printing is largely similar to the above instructions. Screen printing is one of the most durable and vibrant printing methods available, but proper care is essential to maintain the integrity of your design. Follow these care instructions to keep your screen-printed garments from The Print Plug looking fresh for years to come.

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Washing Your Screen-Printed Apparel

Hand washing is the best method to preserve the vibrancy of your prints. To do this:

• Turn the garment inside out before washing.
• Soak in cold water with a mild detergent for at least 10 minutes.
• Gently agitate the fabric, avoiding scrubbing or harsh brushes.
• Rinse thoroughly and gently wring out excess water.

If using a washing machine, follow these precautions:

• Turn the garment inside out to prevent friction and fading.
• Use cold water on a gentle cycle with mild detergent.
• Separate garments by color, weight, and fabric texture to prevent damage.

Drying Your Screen-Printed Apparel

• Air drying is best – hang shirts on a rounded hanger away from direct sunlight.
• If using a dryer:
  • Turn shirts inside out before drying.
  • Avoid overloading the dryer and use a low heat setting.
  • Remove garments before fully dry to prevent excessive heat exposure.

Ironing Your Screen-Printed Apparel

• Never place a hot iron directly on the print.
• Turn the shirt inside out before ironing.
• Use the lowest heat setting, preferably with no steam.
• Place a thin towel or cloth between the iron and the printed area.

Additional Care Tips for Screen-Printed Garments

• Allow newly printed tees at least 24 hours to cure before washing them.
• Avoid harsh chemicals such as chlorine bleach; opt for non-chlorine bleach or vinegar when necessary.
• Be cautious with hard water, as it can cause premature fading.
• Sort laundry properly by color and fabric type to prevent unnecessary wear.
• For valuable or delicate clothing, professional dry cleaning is a safe alternative.

By following these best practices, your screen-printed apparel will maintain its vibrancy and durability for a long time. For additional questions on caring for your custom garments, visit our FAQ section or reach out to our team!

📌 Read More in Our FAQ
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How to Care for Embroidered Garments

Embroidery adds a premium, high-quality look to custom apparel, but proper care is essential to maintain the intricate stitching and vibrant colors. Follow these steps to keep your embroidered garments from The Print Plug in excellent condition.

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Washing Your Embroidered Apparel

Hand washing is the safest option to prevent fraying or loosening of embroidery threads.

• Turn the garment inside out before washing.
• Use cold water with a mild detergent for delicate fabrics.
• Avoid washing embroidered items with zippers, buttons, or abrasive fabrics that may cause friction damage.
• Rinse thoroughly and lay flat to dry.

If using a washing machine:

• Use cold water on a gentle cycle.
• Turn the item inside out and place it in a mesh laundry bag to protect the embroidery.
• Avoid fabric softeners, as they may weaken embroidery threads.

Drying and Ironing Your Embroidered Apparel

• Air drying is best to preserve embroidery threads.
• If using a dryer:
  • Set it to the lowest heat setting.
  • Remove items while still slightly damp to avoid shrinkage.

Ironing

• Never place the iron directly on embroidery.
• Use a pressing cloth or iron on the reverse side of the fabric.
• Avoid steam, as excess moisture can weaken embroidery threads over time.

Additional Care Tips for Embroidered Garments

• Store embroidered garments flat or on padded hangers to maintain the stitching’s integrity.
• Avoid excessive friction against embroidery when wearing or storing garments.
• For valuable embroidered items, professional dry cleaning is a great option.

By following these best practices, your embroidered apparel will maintain its elegance and durability for years. For additional information on caring for your custom garments, check out our FAQ section or reach out to our team!

📌 Read More in Our FAQ
📌 Contact Us for Additional Care Questions

How to Care for Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printed Garments

Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing produces high-resolution, full-color prints that are soft to the touch and blend seamlessly with fabric. To maintain print vibrancy and fabric quality, follow these care instructions for DTG-printed garments from The Print Plug.

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Washing Your DTG Apparel

• Always turn garments inside out before washing to reduce friction and protect the print.
• Wash with cold water and use a gentle cycle to prevent fading or ink breakdown.
• Use mild detergents without bleach or harsh additives that can damage the ink.
• Wash similar colors together to prevent color bleeding.

Drying Your DTG Apparel

• Air drying is the best option to maintain print vibrancy.
• If using a dryer:
  • Set it to low heat or tumble dry on a delicate cycle.
  • Remove garments while slightly damp to prevent overheating.

Ironing Your DTG Apparel

• Turn garments inside out before ironing.
• Set the iron to low heat or synthetic setting.
• Never iron directly over the print; instead, place a pressing cloth between the fabric and iron.
• Avoid steam ironing, as excess moisture can weaken ink adherence.

What to Avoid

• Do not use bleach—it causes discoloration and weakens fabric fibers.
• Avoid high heat drying, as excessive heat can cause premature fading or cracking.
• Never dry clean DTG-printed garments, as the chemicals used can break down the ink.

By following these best practices, your DTG-printed apparel will maintain its color vibrancy and fabric integrity for years to come. For additional questions on caring for your custom garments, check out our FAQ section or reach out to our team!

📌 Read More in Our FAQ
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How to Care for Heat-Transfer Vinyl (HTV) Printed Garments

Heat-Transfer Vinyl (HTV) is a durable and flexible printing method that adheres well to fabric. However, proper care is essential to prevent peeling, cracking, or premature wear. Follow these care instructions to maintain the quality and longevity of your HTV garments from The Print Plug.

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Washing Your HTV Apparel

• Always wash inside out to protect the vinyl from friction and abrasion.
• Use cold or warm water (never exceeding 178°F/81°C) to prevent weakening of the adhesive.
• Opt for mild detergents without additives like “whiteners,” “stain fighters,” or “color brighteners,” as these can degrade the vinyl.

Drying Your HTV Apparel

• Hang drying is the best option to preserve HTV designs.
• If using a dryer:
  • Select a low heat setting to prevent vinyl damage.
  • Remove garments promptly to reduce wrinkles and avoid excessive heat exposure.

Ironing Your HTV Apparel

• Never iron directly on the vinyl, as high temperatures can melt or burn the adhesive.
• If ironing is necessary:
  • Turn the garment inside out.
  • Use low heat and place a pressing cloth or towel between the iron and the vinyl.

What to Avoid

• Avoid bleach and fabric softeners, as they can degrade the adhesive and vinyl over time.
• Do not dry clean, as the harsh chemicals can break down the heat-transfer vinyl.

By following these best practices, your HTV-printed apparel will maintain its durability and vibrant appearance for years. For additional questions and information on caring for your custom garments, check out our FAQ section or contact our team!

📌 Read More in Our FAQ
📌 Contact Us for Additional Care Questions

How to Care for Direct-to-Film (DTF) Printed Garments

Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing is a versatile, high-quality transfer method that allows for vibrant, durable designs on a variety of fabrics. While DTF prints are known for their flexibility and longevity, proper care is essential to prevent lifting, cracking, or fading. Follow these care instructions to maintain the quality and longevity of your DTF garments from The Print Plug.

📌 Learn More About Our DTF Printing Services

Washing Your DTF Apparel

• Turn garments inside out before washing to protect the print from friction and wear.
• Wash using cold or warm water (not exceeding 178°F/81°C) to maintain adhesive strength.
• Use mild detergent and avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, or fabric softeners that could degrade the print.
• Wash with similar colors and fabrics to prevent unnecessary stretching or damage.

Drying Your DTF Apparel

• Air drying is recommended to maintain print adhesion and color vibrancy.
• If using a dryer:
  • Set it to low heat or delicate cycle to prevent the print from cracking.
  • Remove garments while slightly damp to avoid excessive heat exposure.

Ironing Your DTF Apparel

• Never place a hot iron directly on the design, as excessive heat can affect adhesion.
• Turn the garment inside out and use low heat.
• Place a thin cloth or parchment paper over the design before ironing to protect the print.

Best Practices for Long-Lasting DTF Prints

• Avoid excessive stretching of printed areas when wearing or washing.
• If you notice any lifting or peeling, place parchment paper over the design and use a low-heat press or iron for a few seconds to re-adhere the print.
• Do not dry clean DTF garments, as harsh chemicals can break down the print over time.

By following these best practices, your DTF-printed apparel will remain vibrant, flexible, and durable for years to come. For additional information on caring for your custom garments, check out our FAQ section or contact our team!

📌 Read More in Our FAQ
📌 Contact Us for Additional Care Questions

FAQs – Your Garment Care Questions Answered

Can I dry clean custom-printed or embroidered garments?

Dry cleaning is not recommended for most custom-printed apparel, as the harsh chemicals can weaken prints, adhesives, and embroidery threads. If professional cleaning is necessary, consult with a dry cleaner experienced in handling decorated garments.

How do I remove stains without damaging the design?

• For minor stains, blot the affected area with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
• Avoid scrubbing, as excessive friction can cause fading or lifting of prints and embroidery threads.
• For stubborn stains, consider using a fabric-safe stain remover, but test on a hidden area first.

What’s the best way to keep my prints from cracking over time?

• Wash inside out to reduce friction against the print.
• Use cold water and mild detergent to preserve ink integrity.
• Avoid high heat drying, which can cause cracking over time.
• Store garments flat to prevent bending and creasing of printed areas.

How do I store custom t-shirts long-term?

• Fold shirts instead of hanging them to maintain shape and prevent stretching.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to avoid fading.
• If using a storage container, place acid-free tissue paper between garments to prevent sticking.

📌 Read More in Our FAQ

Final Tips for Long-Lasting Custom Apparel

To keep your custom apparel looking new for years, follow these essential care tips:

• Always wash in cold water and air dry when possible.
• Avoid excessive heat exposure from dryers and irons.
• Store garments properly to maintain fabric integrity.
• Handle with care, avoiding unnecessary friction and stretching.

At The Print Plug, we are committed to ensuring our customers get the best quality apparel. If you ever have concerns about caring for your custom garments or experience unexpected damage, we’re here to help!

📌 Contact Us for Additional Care Questions

Shop High-Quality Custom Apparel at The Print Plug

We take pride in offering premium-quality custom apparel, ensuring that your garments are durable, vibrant, and long-lasting. Plus, we stand behind our work with a replacement or money-back guarantee.

Why Choose The Print Plug?

✔ No minimum orders – order as little or as much as you need.
✔ Bulk pricing available – save on large orders.
✔ Satisfaction guaranteed – we stand behind every custom piece we produce.

📌 Explore Our Custom Apparel Services:

• Screen Printing
• Embroidery
• DTG Printing
• HTV Printing
• DTF Printing

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