Sublimation Washing Instructions: How to Wash a Sublimated Shirt

Do you know how washing sublimated shirts work and how to avoid spoiling the prints of a sublimated shirt during washing?

how long after sublimation can you wash

You can wash your item immediately after sublimation, as sublimation is a process that permanently embeds the design into the material. There’s no need to wait.

Here are some more sublimation washing instructions

Let’s Start!

After Sublimating or printing the graphics on a shirt, the next concern is about washing a sublimated shirt. However, using the wrong chemicals and detergents can lead to fading out of the graphics on a shirt.
Therefore, here are some quick sublimation washing instructions and How to wash a sublimated shirt that can help you avoid fading colors while washing a sublimated shirt. Here are some instructions for washing a sublimated shirt which are mentioned below.

Sublimation Shirt Care Instructions

Caring for Sublimation-Printed Shirts:

1. Washing:
   • Turn the shirt inside out before washing to preserve the vibrant print.
   • Use cold water and a mild detergent to prevent color fading and maintain print integrity.
   • Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners, as they may affect the sublimated colors.
2. Drying:
   • Air-dry the shirt whenever possible to prevent excessive heat exposure.
   • If using a dryer, use a low heat setting to maintain the fabric’s quality and print vibrancy.
3. Ironing:
   • Iron the shirt inside out to protect the sublimation print.
   • Use a low heat setting, and avoid direct contact with the printed area.
4. Storage:
   • Hang sublimation shirts to avoid wrinkles and maintain their shape.
   • Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent color fading.
5. Avoid Abrasives:
   • Refrain from washing sublimation shirts with abrasive materials to prevent damage to the print.
6. Gentle Handling:
   • Handle the shirt with care to ensure the longevity of the sublimated design.

Sublimation Shirt Washing Instructions

Washing a Sublimated Shirt:

After knowing the instructions start washing the shirt using non-phosphorus detergent or mild soap in cold water.

If washed in hot water, a sublimated shirt will open its pores and destroy its prints. Therefore, avoid washing sublimated shirts in hot water.

If the shirt has grease or similar stains, spray a mixture of peroxide and water on them and rub them with a towel to remove them. The stains will disappear after drying, and then you can wash the shirt on your hands while using cold water or even in a washing machine.

Add Mild Soap/ Non-Phosphorus Detergent:

After adding cold water, add mild soap or non-phosphorus detergent. Ensure you are not adding the detergent with a high quantity of phosphorus. So, avoid using detergents that contain phosphorus which may result in fading sublimated prints on a shirt.

Furthermore, avoid using bleaching chemicals while washing a printed shirt, as it can also ruin the sublimated prints.

Moreover, if you are washing a cotton sublimated shirt, avoid using fabric softener as it will harm the prints and the shirt itself. Fabric softener contains chemicals that create an extra layer on the shirt while washing which can fade away the prints, resist complete drying, and softens the material.

Gentle Cycle:

Set your washing machine to a gentle cycle or use a delicate setting. This will minimize agitation and reduce the risk of the design rubbing against other garments.

Rinsing and Drying the Shirt:

Remove the shirt from the washing machine immediately after washing the shirt with cold water and mild soap. The recommended method to dry a shirt is to use air drying or hang them on a wooden hanger.
If you have an air dryer and want to dry your shirt, adjust it to its minimum heat, as higher heat can result in a mishap of sublimated prints. Therefore, be careful while drying a sublimated shirt with an air dryer.

Avoid Direct Sunlight:

 When drying, avoid hanging the shirt in direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can lead to fading of the sublimated design over time.

Hanging a Sublimated Shirt:

The best way to hang a sublimated shirt is to hang it in shadow with a wooden hanger. Avoid hanging Sublimated shirts in sunlight. Hanging them in sunlight can fade the colors of a shirt which has been sublimated or printed.

Ironing a Sublimated Shirt:

After drying in a recommended way, you can iron the sublimated shirt at the lowest possible temperature. Also, ensure that you are ironing the inner side of a printed shirt, as ironing the outside of the sublimated shirt can spoil the prints.

Related Post: 15 Sublimation Project Ideas for Beginners

Conclusion:

so, these were some sublimation washing instructions. Washing a sublimated shirt requires a gentle touch and some extra care to maintain the brilliance of the design. Turning the shirt inside out before washing and using cold water with a mild detergent will help protect the sublimated design from fading or damage. Opting for a gentle cycle and avoiding fabric softeners are essential steps to preserve the integrity of the design during washing.

Once the washing is complete, air drying the shirt away from direct sunlight is recommended, as high heat can harm the sublimated design. If needed, iron the shirt inside out on a low heat setting. By following these simple washing guidelines, you can extend the life of your sublimated shirt and continue to enjoy its vibrant and personalized beauty for many years to come. Treat your sublimated shirt carefully, and it will reward you with lasting memories and showcase your unique style.