Get a Quote

Info · Wash Care

Wash Care Guide

There is nothing better than getting your delivery from 1WorldPrint and opening your brand new printed garments. Your garments need to be carefully looked after post printing to ensure they last for the longest amount of time available. We have set out some steps that will allow for you to have the longest possible amount of time out of your printed garments.

Four Simple Steps for Every Printed Garment

Wash Inside Out

This is a very simple step but can make a huge difference to the longevity of your printed garments. Turning the print inside out will protect the print against the other items in your cycle.

Wash On A Low Temperature

The lower heat you wash your garments will also help reduce the risk of damage to both the print and the material. The lower temperature is also better for the environment so it's a double win.

Do Not Tumble Dry

We always recommend naturally drying your garments as the introduction of high heat from the tumble dryer can damage the print and material.

Iron Inside Out

If you need to iron your garment, we recommend ironing it inside out as sometimes the prints can get caught on the iron and ruin both your iron and the print. We also recommend using the lower iron setting.

Care Tips by Print Type

Every printing technique bonds to the fabric in a different way, so some need a little more care than others. Here is how to look after each one.

Screen printing

One of the most durable finishes. Wash inside out at 30°C, avoid bleach and never iron directly over the print.

Direct to Garment

The ink sinks into the cotton. Washing inside out at a low temperature keeps colours bright for longer.

Direct to Film

Wash inside out at a low temperature and avoid ironing directly over the print, as heat can soften the transfer.

Embroidery

Very hard wearing. Use a cool, gentle wash, reshape while damp and iron on the reverse with a cloth.

All over printing

The dye becomes part of the polyester, so it will not crack or peel. Wash cool and avoid high heat, which can mark polyester.

Puff printing

Turn inside out, wash at 30°C or cooler, hang to dry and never iron over the raised print.

Foil and metallic

Foil is the most delicate finish. Wash inside out on a cool wash and avoid the tumble dryer and ironing over the print.

Hoodies and sweatshirts

Wash with similar colours, fasten zips first and dry flat or on a hanger so the fleece keeps its shape.

More Ways to Make Printed Clothing Last

Skip the bleach and harsh detergents. A mild, colour safe detergent is kinder to both the print and the fabric.
Go easy on fabric softener. Heavy use can build up on prints and embroidery over time.
Wash with similar colours and fabrics. Washing a printed t-shirt with jeans, zips or Velcro can rub and snag the print.
Avoid overloading the machine. Garments need room to move so they are not crushed or stretched.
Do not dry clean printed garments. Dry cleaning chemicals can damage printed inks and transfers.
Store prints flat or on a hanger. Avoid folding sharply across a large print, especially foil or puff.

Add Care Instructions to Your Own Brand

If you are selling printed clothing under your own label, we can add your care instructions to every garment with an inside neck print or a woven label, alongside your logo and sizing. Find out more about our garment finishing and relabelling services.

Wash Care FAQs

What temperature should I wash printed clothing at?

Wash printed and embroidered clothing at 30°C or below where the garment label allows. A cooler wash is gentler on the print, the fabric and the colour, and it uses less energy too.

Can I tumble dry printed t-shirts?

We recommend drying printed garments naturally. The high heat of a tumble dryer can damage prints, especially foil, puff and DTF prints, and can shrink cotton garments.

Can I iron over a print?

No. Iron the garment inside out on a low setting and never iron directly over the print, as heat can mark the print and the ink can stick to the iron.

How do I wash embroidered clothing?

Wash embroidered garments inside out on a cool, gentle cycle, then reshape them while damp and dry them flat or on a hanger. If you need to iron, press on the reverse of the embroidery with a cloth between the iron and the stitching.

Why has my print faded?

Most fading comes from hot washes, tumble drying, bleach or strong detergents. Following the steps on this page will keep prints looking their best for as long as possible, and if you have a concern about an order, contact your Account Manager.

Please note all the information provided is advice but 1WorldPrint will not accept responsibility for any issue during the washing process.

Need printed clothing that lasts?

hello@1worldprint.co.uk · 0208 064 1315