Thread by @dreamsellercult

[THREAD]

How To Prevent Graphic T-Shirts From Cracking

RT to save another graphic t-shirts life

Graphic t-shirts tend to crack after you put them in the wash. This is not too surprising, though—after all, they do get a “beating” in the machine along with the rest of your clothes.

For this reason, you want to be extra careful when you’re machine washing your tee.

1) Turn Your Graphic Tees Inside Out in the Washer

Friction often causes the ink to loosen & flake during the wash cycle. To prevent this, turn your graphic t-shirt inside out. It will minimize the amount of friction between your laundry & it will prevent the colors from fading

2) Always Wash With Cold Water

Hot water is great for stains, but it’s not so great for washing graphic tees. As it is, the heat can be quite harsh on the fabric, whether it’s polyester or cotton.

To make matters worse, cracking commonly occurs when the ink dries up—something that typically happens when you wash with hot water.

For these reasons, you always want to wash your graphic t-shirt with cold water. Even warm water is better than hot water.

3) Select The Gentlest Setting On Your Washing Machine

In doing so, you’ll be able to reduce the amount of friction between your laundry. If possible, use a washing machine that does not have a spinner. They’re known for being quite rough on clothes.

4) Pass On The Dryer

As mentioned earlier, graphic t-shirts do not do well with heat. For this reason, you do not want to put them in the dryer—even the low setting will cause the ink to crack.

Instead, hang them up on a drying rack under a cooling spot to dry naturally.

5) Do Not Put Them Under Direct Sunlight

Line drying is great but you want to avoid putting your graphic tees under direct sunlight.

The direct heat will distort & damage the ink on your shirt, which will lead to premature cracking.

6) Hand Wash Your Graphic T-Shirts

The best way to bypass this problem is to wash your graphic tees by hand.

Remember these tips:
- Turn your t-shirt inside out
- Soak it in cold water for at least 15 to 30 min
- DO NOT twist the t-shirt—that will damage the ink & fabric!

7) Do Not Use Too Much Laundry Detergent

Limit the amount of detergent that you add when you’re washing your graphic tees—only add the necessary amount (follow the instructions on the packaging).

If you add too much, the detergent will get embedded in the clothing fibers.

8) Invest In A Laundry Bag

You might want to consider investing in a laundry bag.

By putting them in a laundry bag, you’ll be reducing the amount of friction that they'll have with other items. Remember to turn then inside out before putting them in the bag!