To properly wash onesies decorated with fabric markers, you must first allow the ink to set for 24 hours, then proceed with either hand washing in cold water with a mild detergent or machine washing the garment inside out on a gentle cycle.
Fabric markers offer a fun way to personalize baby onesies, but proper care is essential to ensure the designs remain vibrant and do not bleed or fade. Following specific washing instructions helps preserve the artwork for longer enjoyment.
Essential Steps for Washing Fabric Marker Onesies
Properly washing your fabric-marked onesies involves a few crucial steps to protect the artwork.
1. Pre-Wash Preparation: The 24-Hour Wait
The most critical first step before washing any garment decorated with fabric markers is to allow the ink to cure or set properly.
- Wait 24 hours before washing. This waiting period is crucial as it allows the fabric marker ink to fully dry and bond with the fabric fibers, significantly reducing the chances of smudging, fading, or bleeding during washing.
2. Washing Methods
Once the 24-hour waiting period is complete, you can choose between hand washing or machine washing. Both methods require cold water and gentle care.
Option A: Hand Washing Method
Hand washing is often the gentlest method for delicate items or garments with intricate designs, providing maximum control over the washing process.
- Use cold water: Fill a basin or sink with cold water. Cold water helps prevent the ink from bleeding and fading.
- Apply a mild detergent: Add a small amount of mild detergent to the water. A good example is a product like Small Loads Pods. Ensure the detergent is fully dissolved before introducing the onesie.
- Gently submerge and agitate: Place the onesie into the soapy water. Gently swish it around and softly rub any soiled areas. Avoid harsh scrubbing or twisting, which can damage the fabric or the marker design.
- Rinse thoroughly: Drain the soapy water and rinse the onesie under cold, running water until all detergent is removed.
- Squeeze excess water: Gently squeeze out excess water, but do not wring the onesie.
Option B: Machine Washing Method
For convenience, machine washing is an option, but it requires specific settings to protect the fabric marker design.
- Turn garment inside out: Before placing the onesie in the washing machine, turn it inside out. This protects the fabric marker design from direct friction with other clothes and the washing machine drum, minimizing wear and tear on the artwork.
- Wash on a gentle cycle: Select your washing machine's gentle or delicate cycle. This setting uses slower agitation and spin speeds, which are much kinder to the fabric and the marker ink.
- Use cold water: Set the water temperature to cold.
- Add a mild detergent: Use a mild detergent, such as Small Loads Pods, for the wash cycle.
Summary of Washing Guidelines
Here's a quick overview of the recommended washing guidelines:
| Feature | Hand Washing | Machine Washing |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Wash Wait | 24 hours | 24 hours |
| Water Temp. | Cold water | Cold water |
| Detergent | Mild detergent (e.g., Small Loads Pods) | Mild detergent (e.g., Small Loads Pods) |
| Preparation | None (directly into water) | Turn garment inside out |
| Cycle/Method | Gentle submersion and soft agitation | Gentle or delicate cycle |
| Wringing | Gently squeeze, do not wring | (Machine handles spin) |
3. Drying the Onesie
After washing, proper drying also contributes to the longevity of the fabric marker design.
- Air dry: The best method for drying is to air dry the onesie by laying it flat or hanging it to dry. This prevents potential heat damage to the ink and fabric, which can occur in a dryer.
- Low heat tumble dry (optional): If you must use a dryer, select the lowest heat setting or an air-fluff cycle. Remove the onesie as soon as it is dry to avoid over-drying and potential damage.
By following these specific steps, you can ensure your fabric marker creations on onesies remain vibrant and intact for many washes to come.
