To effectively clean screen printed fabric, use a gentle approach to maintain the print's quality and longevity.
Washing Screen Printed Items
General Guidelines
Proper washing is crucial for preserving screen printed designs. Here are the key steps:
- Turn garments inside out: This protects the printed side from direct abrasion during the wash cycle.
- Use cold water: Cold water helps prevent fading and minimizes the risk of the print cracking.
- Wash on a gentle cycle: A gentle cycle is less likely to damage the print compared to more aggressive cycles.
Detergent Choice
- Use mild detergents: According to the provided reference, USE MILD DETERGENTS AND AVOID BLEACH. Mild detergents are effective at cleaning while being gentle on the printed design.
- Avoid bleach: Bleach and other harsh chemicals can cause the print to fade, crack, or peel away from the fabric.
Stain Removal
- Act quickly: Treat stains as soon as possible for the best chance of removal.
- Use stain remover: Apply a stain remover directly to the stain before washing.
- Test the stain remover: Test the stain remover on an inconspicuous area of the fabric first to ensure it doesn't damage the print.
Drying Screen Printed Items
Drying Guidelines
- Air dry if possible: Air drying is the gentlest method and minimizes the risk of damage.
- Avoid high heat: High heat in a dryer can damage the print and cause it to crack or fade. If using a dryer, use a low heat setting.
- Turn items inside out: Continue to protect the print by keeping the garment inside out, even when drying.
Key Takeaways
| Cleaning Step | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Washing | Turn garment inside out, use cold water, gentle cycle |
| Detergent | Use mild detergent, avoid bleach |
| Stain Removal | Treat promptly, use targeted stain remover |
| Drying | Air dry if possible, low heat if using dryer |
By following these steps, you can keep your screen printed garments looking great for years to come.
