How to Properly Care for Your Screen Printed Apparel

Screen printed apparel is a staple for sports teams, businesses, and events, offering a durable and versatile way to display logos, slogans, and designs. At Team Connection, we understand the value of maintaining the quality of your screen printed items to ensure they last as long as possible. Proper care can significantly extend the life and appearance of your screen printed apparel, keeping your team or brand looking its best. Here are our top tips for caring for your screen printed garments:

1. Wash Gently

The key to keeping your screen printed apparel in top condition starts with how you wash it. Always turn your garments inside out before washing. This protects the screen printed surface from abrasions and direct contact with other items in the wash. Use cold water and a mild detergent, and set your washing machine to a gentle cycle. Hot water and harsh detergents can degrade the ink and adhesive used in the screen printing process.

2. Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Bleach and fabric softeners are not friends with your screen printed apparel. These chemicals can break down the ink used in the screen printing, leading to fading and cracking. If you need to remove a stain, gently spot treat it with a mild, bleach-free cleaner before washing.

3. Dry with Care

High heat is another enemy of screen printed apparel. Whenever possible, air dry your garments by laying them flat or hanging them up. This prevents the ink from overheating and cracking. If you must use a dryer, use the lowest heat setting and remove the garments while they are still slightly damp to air dry completely.

4. Ironing

If you need to iron your screen printed apparel, never iron directly on the print. Always turn the garment inside out or use a thin cloth barrier between the print and the iron. Use a low heat setting to avoid melting the screen printing ink.

5. Proper Storage

Store your screen printed garments in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Folding the garments along the lines of the print can cause creases and cracks, so try to store them flat or hang them up. Avoid cramming them into a drawer, as this can also lead to unnecessary wear on the printed areas.

6. Handle with Care

Be mindful of how you treat your screen printed apparel. Continuous stretching, pulling, or scratching can deteriorate the print over time. Wear and use your garments with care to preserve their look and longevity.

At Team Connection, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality screen printed apparel that, with the right care, will serve your team, business, or event for a long time. Remember, the better you care for your screen printed items, the longer they will maintain their vibrant colors and crisp designs, keeping your spirit alive and your team looking sharp.