How to Care for Your DTF Printed Shirts (So They Last)

You just got your custom DTF printed shirts and they look amazing. Here's how to keep them looking that way for years.

The Golden Rules

  1. Turn inside out before washing
  2. Wash cold
  3. Don't use bleach
  4. Tumble dry low or hang dry
  5. Don't iron directly on the print

That's it. Follow those five rules and your prints will last through dozens (even hundreds) of washes.

Detailed Care Instructions

Washing

  • Turn the shirt inside out to protect the print from friction
  • Use cold water (hot water can damage the adhesive over time)
  • Wash with similar colors
  • Use regular detergent—no bleach, no fabric softener on the print area
  • Gentle cycle is best, but normal cycle is fine

Drying

  • Tumble dry on low heat
  • Even better: hang dry or lay flat
  • High heat won't destroy the print immediately, but it reduces longevity over time
  • Remove promptly to prevent wrinkles

Ironing

  • If you must iron, turn inside out
  • Never put the iron directly on the print
  • Use a pressing cloth or parchment paper between iron and print
  • Low to medium heat only

Storage

  • Fold normally or hang
  • Avoid storing in direct sunlight for extended periods (fading)
  • Don't stack heavy items on top of printed area

What NOT to Do

  • Don't bleach. Ever. It will destroy the print.
  • Don't dry clean. The chemicals can damage DTF prints.
  • Don't use high heat. This includes hot water, high dryer settings, and hot irons.
  • Don't scratch or pick at the print. It's durable, but it's not indestructible.

How Long Will My Print Last?

With proper care, DTF prints typically last:

  • 50-100+ washes without noticeable fading
  • 2-5+ years of regular wear
  • The life of the shirt itself (prints often outlast the fabric)

The most common cause of print damage isn't washing—it's high heat. Keep temperatures low and your prints will last.

What If Something Goes Wrong?

If you notice cracking, peeling, or fading within the first few washes, contact us. Quality issues are rare with proper application, but we stand behind our work.

Shop DTF transfers | Contact us

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