For your t-shirt design to stand the test of time without aging, here are a few golden rules to follow daily.
1. The inside-out reflex
The key step: Always wash your garment inside out.
2. Aim for gentleness
Prefer mild liquid cleaners (like Marseille soap or eco-friendly detergent) over overly aggressive industrial formulas.
3. Freshness and moderation in the machine
Heat is the enemy of ink. Always choose a short cycle at a maximum of 30°C (or cold wash). For spinning, stay moderate: a maximum of 800 rpm prevents breaking fibers and cracking the design.
4. Natural drying (zero calories)
Tumble drying is strictly forbidden, as it can cause the design to bake and crack. Lay the t-shirt flat in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight (UV rays fade prints).
5. Ironing with high protection
Never place a hot iron directly on the illustration. Iron on the reverse side or place a protective cloth between the iron's soleplate and the design. Set your iron to a low temperature (maximum 110°C) to relax the cotton without damaging the ink.