Taking good care of your custom apparel helps it stay vibrant, comfortable, and ready to wear again and again. Whether you’ve chosen screen printing, embroidery, direct-to-garment (DTG), or heat-transfer vinyl (HTV), a little maintenance can go a long way in preserving your shirts, hoodies, hats, and other items.

At The Print Plug, we’re proud to deliver top-quality custom apparel—and we want to help you protect your investment. While you should always follow the instructions listed on your garment tag or the manufacturer’s website, this guide offers general custom apparel care instructions to help you care for custom clothing and maintain that fresh-from-the-printer look.

Universal Apparel Care Tips

Washing Guidelines

• Turn garments inside out to protect prints and stitching.
• Use cold water and a gentle cycle.
• Choose mild detergent and skip bleach, softeners, or harsh additives.
• Wash with similar fabrics and colors to reduce wear and color bleeding.

Drying

• Air drying is best for preserving both fabric and design.
• If you use a dryer, stick with a low heat setting and remove items while they’re still slightly damp.

Ironing

• Never iron directly on printed or embroidered areas.
• Turn garments inside out or place a pressing cloth between the fabric and the iron.
• Use low heat only. Avoid steam, which can loosen threads or adhesives.

Stain Removal

• Spot-treat stains gently using a mild detergent and water.
• Skip scrubbing, especially on designs. For embroidery, blot instead of rubbing.
• Always test stain removers on a small hidden area first.

Storage

• Fold garments neatly and store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
• Use padded hangers for embroidered items to avoid stretching or creases.
• Keep items away from rough surfaces to prevent snagging or cracking.

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.

Print-Specific Care Tips

While the core care principles above apply to most items, here are a few quick reminders based on print type:

Screen Printing

• Wait at least 24 hours after printing before the first wash.
• Avoid abrasive brushes or anything that could wear down the design.

Direct-to-Garment (DTG)

• Skip the dry cleaner, as chemicals can damage the ink.
• Keep the dryer heat low to prevent cracking or fading.

Heat-Transfer Vinyl (HTV)

• Use a max water temp of 178°F (81°C).
• Avoid fabric softeners and brighteners, as they can weaken the adhesive.
• Never iron directly over the vinyl.

Direct-to-Film (DTF)

• Avoid stretching the printed area.
• If a design starts to lift, you can reapply heat gently using parchment paper and a warm iron.
• Do not dry clean.

Embroidery

• Use a mesh laundry bag in the washer.
• Avoid contact with zippers, Velcro, or rough fabrics that can snag threads.
• Iron from the reverse side only, using a pressing cloth.

FAQs – Your Garment Care Questions Answered

Can I dry clean custom apparel?
It’s best to avoid it. Dry cleaning chemicals can weaken prints, adhesives, and threads. If you absolutely need to dry clean an embroidered item, use a cleaner familiar with decorated garments.

What’s the safest way to remove stains?
Blot gently with water and mild detergent—don’t scrub. If needed, use a fabric-safe stain remover, but always test a small area first.

How can I prevent cracking, fading, or peeling?
Turn items inside out, wash in cold water, and use low heat. Air drying is a great way to reduce stress on your garments.

How should I store my custom apparel?
Fold printed shirts rather than hanging them to avoid stretch. Store items in a dry, dark space, and if you’re packing them away, add tissue paper between layers.

📌 Read More on Our FAQ Page

Final Tips for Long-Lasting Custom Apparel

To recap:

• Wash garments in cold water and inside out
• Air dry whenever you can
• Avoid high heat and harsh chemicals
• Handle gently and store carefully

At The Print Plug, we stand behind every item we create. If you have questions about garment care or need help choosing the right print method, we’re here to help.

📌 Contact Us for Additional Care Questions

Shop High-Quality Custom Apparel with Confidence

Our team is all about quality, service, and results that last. Whether you’re ordering one shirt or outfitting a full team, you’ll get durable, vibrant custom apparel—backed by our satisfaction 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 Transfers in Nampa

Let’s Create Something Great

Have a question or ready to start your order? Contact us or request a quote—we’re here to help.

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Order your next batch of custom apparel with confidence at The Print Plug!