When it comes to custom merch, DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing is the holy grail of vibrancy and durability.
By printing your custom logo or design directly onto film and then transferring this design onto fabric using heat, DTF printing ensures you can flaunt your brand whenever, wherever with confidence in the sturdiness of your art or logo.
Whether you’re interested in printing custom designs on products like custom t-shirts, custom polo shirts or even custom sweaters, it’s crucial to know the ABCs of washing and caring for DTF products to ensure the best possible experience.
That’s where we come in. Below is an ultimate guide on how to wash DTF transfers to maintain those eye-catching prints and make them last through constant wear and tear.
How to wash DTF shirts
With the right design, DTF prints can turn simple shirts into branding masterpieces, and just like any artwork, they deserve the right treatment to stay fresh and fabulous.
When it comes to washing your DTF shirts, there are a few things you need to do to keep them looking sharp:
- Washing Temperature: Opt for a cold-water wash to preserve colours and prevent any unwanted fading.
- Washing Cycles: Use a gentle or delicate cycle to show your prints some tender love and care.
- Mild Detergent: Stick to a mild detergent to avoid any harsh chemicals that might erode your DTF prints.
There are also a few important things to avoid:
- Fabric Softeners: Avoid using fabric softeners or bleach, as they can mess with your DTF prints’ vibrant hues.
- Wearing under 24 Hours: Patience is key. Allow your DTF-printed shirts to sit for 24 hours after washing before wearing them again to give them time to recover and reset.
So, there you have it. Follow these simple instructions on how to wash DTF transfers and enjoy their outstanding quality long into the future.
But for an even better experience, let’s go one step further. Let’s talk about drying.
How to dry DTF shirts after washing
When it comes to drying your custom DTF shirts, you have two options: air dry or tumble dryer.
Air drying is like giving your prints a breath of fresh air – it’s gentle and prevents any potential heat damage. It’s also what we recommend to our customers. Although we don’t recommend tumble drying your garments, if this is your only option, make sure it’s set on low heat to minimise the chances of harming your branding masterpieces or shrinking your garment (though we can’t promise that you won’t be sporting a midriff top)!
How to iron DTF shirts
As we all know, a good wash does end with drying your shirt – ironing can be just as important.
When doing so, flip your custom shirt inside out to protect the print from direct heat. Also, use a low-temperature setting, avoid steam and apply the iron with a smooth touch careful not to overwhelm the fabric. Again, your patience pays off – wait at least 24 hours before wearing your shirt after ironing.
PrintLocker offers DTF printing options for your custom merch
Now that you have all the instructions you need on how to wash DTF transfers, why not consider securing some DTF (Direct-to-Film) products for yourself?
If you are after DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing, you can’t go past PrintLocker. We are the top manufacturer of custom clothing in Sydney, Melbourne and right across Australia. The high quality of our prints, and our wide range of custom clothing, including custom t-shirts, custom polo shirts and custom hoodies, make us the ideal choice for long-lasting custom prints in Australia.
Learn more about PrintLocker’s range of custom-printed clothing today.
Frequently asked questions
Should you wash printed T-shirts inside out?
Yes, we recommend you turn your pressed shirt inside out before washing as this adds another layer of protection to prevent other garments from rubbing against your custom print.
