How to Wash Custom T-Shirts
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Time to read 9 min
Why Proper Washing Matters for Custom T-Shirts
We’ve all been there—your favorite shirt comes out of the wash looking faded, stretched, or worn out. The good news? With the right care, you can keep your favorite pieces looking fresh for years.
Hi, I’m Kurt Rajavong, founder of Utmost Province®. With over 5 years in the apparel industry, I’ve learned what really helps custom, handmade shirts last—and what causes them to wear out too soon.
In this article, you’ll learn 8 simple steps on how to wash custom F1 shirts, Pokémon tees, and One Piece anime t-shirts the right way—without losing color or damaging the design.
Table of Contents
Why Proper Washing Matters for Custom T-Shirts Intro: Caring For Your Custom Graphic Tees Youtube Short For Properly Washing Custom Apparel Summary Of What You Will Be Learning 8 Step Guide: How to Wash Custom T-Shirts 1. Turn The Garment Inside Out 2. Use Delicate Wash Cycles 3. Use Only Cold Wash Temperature Settings 4. Opt For Mild or Delicate Detergent 5. Wash In Smaller Batches 6. How to Dry Your Custom T-Shirts 7. How To Remove Wrinkles 8. Properly Store Your Graphic Tees 8 Step Checklist: For Washing Custom T-Shirts Frequently Asked Questions? The Author: Kurt Rajavong Related Blogs
8 Step Guide: How to Wash Custom T-Shirts
Step 1: Turn the Garment Inside Out
Before Washing:
For brand-new graphic tees, wash the first three cycles using water only. This helps the ink fully set into the fabric and better preserves the printed design.
Turn Your T-Shirt Inside Out:
Always flip your custom F1, Pokémon, or anime t-shirts inside out before washing. This simple habit protects the quality of your designs and prevents early fading.
Why This Matters:
In the washer, clothes rub against each other. That friction can cause prints to fade, crack, or peel. Turning garments inside out reduces this.
Turn Your Custom T-Shirts Inside Out Before Washing
Step 2: Use a Delicate Wash Cycle
Avoid Heavy-Duty Cycles:
Heavy-duty wash cycles are too aggressive. They can weaken fabric fibers and cause your shirt’s graphic designs to distort or fade faster.
Set Your Washer to “Delicate”:
Always choose the delicate setting for every wash. This cycle uses slower spin speeds which reduces the friction between your clothes, therefore, protect the quality of your custom F1, Pokémon, and anime tees.
Why This Matters:
A delicate wash cycle helps preserve fabric strength and keeps the colors of your custom graphic tee vibrant.
Step 3: Cold Wash Only
Avoid Hot Water:
Washing your clothes in hot water will cause the fabric fibers to expand and contract. This will lead to a faster breakdown of your graphic tees. The solution: use only cold water setting on your washer.
Wash in Cold Water:
Always wash your custom F1, Pokémon, and One Piece anime t-shirts in cold water. Cold temperature settings will keep the fabric fibers more stable and reduce the risk of color fading.
Why Use Only Cold Wash Setting:
The simple step of setting your washing machine to "Cold Wash" will maintain the quality of the designs on your graphic tees.
Set Your Washing Machine's Setting To Cold Wash Only
Step 4: Use a Delicate Laundry Detergent
Avoid Harsh Detergents & Fabric Softeners:
Many common detergents and fabric softeners contain strong chemicals that break down fibers and leave residue. This buildup causes your prints to fade and your t-shirts to wear out faster.
Choose Mild Detergent:
Use a gentle or fragrance-free detergent designed for delicate fabrics. They clean effectively without damaging the fabric or designs on your custom tees.
My Recommended Laundry Detergents:
- Tide Free & Gentle ($10.99)
- All Free & Clear ($14.99)
- Ecos Pack of 2 ($20.99)
- Molly Suds (premium option) ($24.99)
Prices checked on 04/01/2025 — may vary.
Step 5: Wash in Small Batches
Don’t Overload the Washer:
Large laundry loads create unnecessary friction between your clothes. This can cause colors to bleed and fabrics to stretch or distort.
Wash in Small Loads:
Washing in smaller loads give your clothes the space they need to move and reduces friction. Smaller loads allow the laundry detergent and water to circulate better in wash cycles. Great right, now you won't smell like dirty laundry.
Quick Tip:
Use a single-item honeycomb mesh laundry bag for any custom shirt that you cherish. It’s a quick and effective way to minimize damage and keep your custom F1, Pokemon, or One Piece anime graphic tees safe during each wash.
Step 6: Drying Your Clothes
Avoid High Heat:
Heat is one of the most common reasons custom graphic tees wear out too soon. It can cause the prints to crack, fabrics to shrink, and colors to fade. So what should you do?
Use Low Heat or Air Dry:
If you prefer to use a dryer, stick to low-heat settings. Otherwise, hang-dry your clothes. Try to avoid direct sunlight, it can cause your garments colors to fade.
Why Should You Properly Dry Your Clothes:
Proper drying methods extend the life of your custom F1, Pokémon, and anime tees.
Supima Cotton T-Shirts Used For Utmost Province Graphic Tees
Step 7: Removing Wrinkles
Avoid Improper Ironing:
Wrinkles can ruin the crisp look of your custom tees, but ironing the wrong way can burn or damage your prints.
Option A – Iron Carefully:
If you use an iron, always flip your shirt inside out and place a thin cloth over the design. Use the correct temperature setting for the fabric (e.g., cotton or polyester).
Option B – Use a Steamer (Best Choice):
A garment steamer is gentler and safer. It removes wrinkles and can even lift light stains by loosening fabric fibers without harming the design.
Why This Matters:
Proper wrinkle care keeps your custom F1, Pokémon, and anime tees looking sharp without risking damage to the prints.
Quick Tip:
I recommend this affordable garment steamer on Amazon ($24.99). It’s simple, effective, and saves time compared to ironing.
Step 8: Store Your Shirts Properly
Avoid Damp or Humid Spaces:
Never store your shirts while they’re damp. Moisture can cause mildew, odors, and weaken the fabric over time.
Fold Instead of Hang:
Heavy graphic tees and hoodies should be folded rather than hung. Hanging can stretch the shoulders and distort the shape of your shirt.
Choose the Right Spot:
Keep your tees in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Sun exposure can fade prints and weaken fabrics.
Why This Matters:
Proper storage ensures your F1, Pokémon, and anime t-shirts stay fresh, hold their shape, and keep their designs looking vibrant for years.
Utmost Province Organic Cotton Hoodies Being Prepared
8 Step Checklist: For Washing Custom T-Shirts
Checklist For Washing Custom Graphic Tees
Steps |
Utmost Province Recommendations |
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1. Turn Garment Inside Out
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To protect the design from friction and fading:
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| 2. Use Gentle or Delicate Wash Cycle |
Always Wash Your Custom Apparel on Delicate Cycle:
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| 3. Cold Wash |
Wash Using Only Cold Water:
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| 4. Use Mild Detergent |
Always Wash Using Mild or Color-Safe Detergent
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| 5. Avoid Overloading Wash Machine |
Avoid Overloading Your Washing Machine:
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| 6. Air Dry or Tumble Dry Low |
Dry Your Apparel with Care: Air Drying:
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| 7. Ironing or Steaming |
Iron When Needed or Steam: Ironing Your Apparel:
Using a Steamer:
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| 8. Handling Stains Gently |
When Handling Stains It Can Be Tricky:
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Why Use Only Water For First 3 Wash Cycles?
To preserve the ink on DTG-printed F1 shirts, it's essential to wash them inside out using cold water only (without detergent) for the first three wash cycles. This allows the ink to fully cure and bond to the fabric, which will help prevent fading, cracking, or premature wear. After the third wash, we recommend using delicate laundry detergent to maintain the print's vibrancy and longevity.
What Wash Temperature Should I Use?
Always wash your F1 apparel in cold water. Hot water causes fabric fibers to expand and contract, which can crack or peel your print designs, shrink the garment, and fade the colors. Cold washing keeps the fabric stable, prevents bleeding, and helps your designs maintain their vibrancy over time.
What Is The Best Laundry Detergent To Use?
Use a delicate detergent. Something gentle, clean, and free from harsh additives. Traditional detergents and softeners can break down fabric fibers and leave a residue that will cause your prints to fade over time. Delicate laundry detergent helps your F1 apparel hold its color, softness, and design detail after every wash. There are a few we recommend to use in #3 from the article above.
Will Colors Fade If I Use A Washing Machine?
Not if you do it right — and that starts with how the shirt was made. The truth is, quality varies wildly between manufacturers. If your custom F1 shirt was made with proper pre-treatment, high quality in, proper curing, and premium garments, it can handle machine washing when done correctly:
Cold water
Delicate cycle
Inside out
No harsh detergents
At Utmost Province, we build every piece to last — always follow the care instructions provided by the producer of your shirts.
How Do I Remove A Stain On My Graphic Tee?
Stain removal takes finesse with printed apparel. Aggressive scrubbing or too much stain remover can weaken the fabric or cause the print to fade, peel, or distort.
Here’s how to do it right:
Blot the stained area gently with a soft, damp cloth — start with just water. Never rub, as it can wear down the fibers.
Apply stain remover to the cleaning cloth, polyester cloths work best for for this situation.
Avoid oversaturating the area. A little goes a long way — too much can leave a chemical ring or enlarge the stain.
After pretreating, wash the item inside out , using cold water and a delicate cycle to protect the fabric and print.
Can I Use Bleach On My Custom T Shirt?
No — even on white garments, bleach is not recommended for printed F1 apparel. While it may seem like a quick fix for stains or brightening, bleach can break down fabric fibers, weaken the garment, and cause printed designs to fade, crack, or discolor.
Why should you avoid bleach?
It deteriorates print adhesives and ink
It can yellow the fabric over time
It shortens the lifespan of your shirt
For white F1 merchandise, stick to cold water and a delicate detergent, and properly pretreatment them before washing.
How Often Should I Wash My Custom Tees?
You can wash your F1 shirt whenever you need to. At Utmost Province, we properly pretreat and cure your custom t-shirt. Then, we print the designs using an Epson SureColor F3070 DTG that uses UltraChrome DG Ink to ensure consistency in every print.
Founder | Creative Director
The Author: Kurt Rajavong
Kurt is a visual storyteller who turns words into art. Known for his text montage designs, he transforms simple language into wearable expression — creating apparel that speaks. Founder of Utmost Province®, his work draws from motorsport, culture, and lived experience — fusing emotion and design into pieces that move with meaning.
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