washing shirts when they're done

[packerbeth]

I made a whole bunch of shirts for our trip, and now that we've worn them, I am not sure how to wash them. I don't want to ruin the designs I worked so hard to make!

So the question is, warm or cold wash? Thanks.

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

I just turn mine inside out and wash and dry as normal.

But then again, I am one of those people that detests hand washing, line drying, etc.. I have a few that have not washed real well but most of them are still nice, even a year later. I think it just depends on the quality of the transfers - or at least that is what I have found.

I am so excited to say, the design on your shirts is one of my old Disney designs. It's so nice to still see them out there being used. Thanks for sharing the picture.

 

[noahdove]

Your family is so perfect I wash my shirts inside out and I hang to dry..I line dry all of my shirts...and I am still wearing shirts that my sister made for me 3 years ago I wash in warm water...good luck

 

[packerbeth]

I just turn mine inside out and wash and dry as normal.

But then again, I am one of those people that detests hand washing, line drying, etc.. I have a few that have not washed real well but most of them are still nice, even a year later. I think it just depends on the quality of the transfers - or at least that is what I have found.

I am so excited to say, the design on your shirts is one of my old Disney designs. It's so nice to still see them out there being used. Thanks for sharing the picture.

I knew there was a reason I posted that particular picture. I'll have to post some more of the ones I got from you. Everywhere I went, people said how much they liked the designs! Thank you so much!

Just to clarify, for a light colored shirt, I would wash warm, but a dark colored one cold?

 

[noahdove]

Actually, I wash them all in warm.

 

[packerbeth]

Thanks!

 

[heartbeeps]

Actually, I wash them all in warm.

Actually, I wash them all in cold (turned inside out). Dry them on low.

hmmm, now what to do - one for hot; one for cold... perhaps you'll decide "warm" is best?

 

[okwoodsmith]

Heat is really not an issue. The truth is that heat actually helps to set the ink from inkjet printers. You'll even notice that when you iron the designs on to begin with that the heat from the iron will make the design much more vibrant and saturated.

Detergents and fabric softener are much more likely to shorten the life of an inkjet transferred design. If you really want to extend the life of your designs, I recommend washing the tees separate from you other laundry and using as little detergent as possible (maybe 1/4 of recommended amount). Treat spots separately. Also, don't use fabric softener. Fabric softener is the number one killer of ironed-on designs.

This is of course a mileage-will-vary subject. Many factors can contribute to design deterioation. But, from someone who has made a lot of tees, these are things I've found to be true.

JimmieD

 

[LAH LAH]

Ok...so what are doing wrong? We did the transfers, turned them inside out, washed them on a delicate cycle and they ALL bled terribly...to the point of not being able to wear them. And that was BEFORE we wore them.

I am nervous to try again and have an additional $100+ go down the drain!

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

Ok...so what are doing wrong? We did the transfers, turned them inside out, washed them on a delicate cycle and they ALL bled terribly...to the point of not being able to wear them. And that was BEFORE we wore them.

I am nervous to try again and have an additional $100+ go down the drain!

Did you wash the shirts before ironing on the transfers?

 

[LAH LAH]

Did you wash the shirts before ironing on the transfers?

Yes...we follow the instructions that come with the transfers. We have always used Avery transfers...

 

[KristineN]

if you printed the transfers using a high quality print setting...the paper can not absorb all the ink...bleeding could always be an issue then.

a couple of helpful hints:

wash shirts prior to ironing on

use a "normal" print setting

after you iron them on...spray scotch guard onto the design...and then turn the shirt inside out and spray scotch guard onto the back of the design

don't wash them until after you wear them..

 

[heartbeeps]

if you printed the transfers using a high quality print setting...the paper can not absorb all the ink...bleeding could always be an issue then.

a couple of helpful hints:

wash shirts prior to ironing on

use a "normal" print setting

after you iron them on...spray scotch guard onto the design...and then turn the shirt inside out and spray scotch guard onto the back of the design

don't wash them until after you wear them..

I believe it was the HP instructions that specifically stated we should use the "best" quality print setting. I don't recall seeing that instruction on the Avery ones but then again, it's been awhile.

Very interesting about the scotchgard idea!

 

[mtblujeans]

I understand that the scotchguard would protect the decal that is ironed on....what does it do to spray it on the inside of the t-shirt?

 

[KristineN]

You are spraying the back side of the iron on....it helps to make he transfer water proof

 

[LAH LAH]

Never thought to use Scoth Guard!!!!

Well...30 days till we go...gotta buy NEW shirts, more transfer paper, and SCOTCH GUARD!

Thanks for the advise!

~Melissa

 

[LAH LAH]

...don't wash them until after you wear them..

We did this last August and we were so sweaty that all the red in the shirts streaked! And these were the only shirts we brought...we intended to wash them every night...that first night was alot of scrubbing and stain removal...we got them decent but I vowed never to wear them before washing again!

 

[KristineN]

did you wash them prior to ironing on?

I wash them...do the iron on...spray on the scotch guard and then pack them. I have never had them bleed from wearing them

 

[dogodisney]

Does anyone else have suggestions about washing after applying the iron-ons and before wearing?
Just want to know everyone else's experiences before I make some of my own.

Thanks!

 

[mickeyfan1226]

Boy am I glad I came across this thread. I always wash my shirts after i apply the iron on but then again I have not done that many. I never thought to use the scotch guard. This site can be sooooo helpful.