How to Wash DTF Shirts So Your Prints Last (Plus a Free Care Card for Your Customers)

You pressed a perfect shirt, so now let's keep it that way! 🩷 How a DTF shirt is washed makes a huge difference in how long the print stays bright and stuck down. Here's how to care for DTF prints, plus care card wording you can send to your own customers.

How to wash DTF printed shirts

• ✅ Wait 24 hours after pressing before the first wash so the adhesive fully sets.
• ✅ Turn it inside out. This protects the print from rubbing against other clothes.
• ✅ Use cold or warm water on a gentle cycle.
• ✅ Use a mild detergent. No bleach!
• ✅ Skip the fabric softener. It can break down the adhesive over time.

How to dry DTF shirts

• ✅ Tumble dry on low, or hang dry for the longest life.
• ✅ Avoid high heat. A hot dryer is one of the fastest ways to make a print crack or lift.

Ironing and other care

• 🚫 Don't iron directly on the print. Iron inside out, or put parchment paper over the design.
• 🚫 Don't dry clean.
• 🩷 Edges lifting after a wash? Cover the design with parchment or a Teflon sheet and re-press with heavy pressure. That usually seals it right back down.

Free DTF care card wording for your customers

Selling shirts? Tuck a care card into every order! It cuts down on wash complaints and makes your shop look extra professional. Copy and paste this:

Thank you for your order! 🩷

To keep your shirt looking its best:

• Wait 24 hours before the first wash
• Turn inside out and wash cold or warm on gentle
• No bleach or fabric softener
• Tumble dry low or hang dry
• Do not iron directly on the design

[Your Shop Name] · [Your Website or Social Handle]

Print it on business cards, sticker labels or a little thank-you note. You could even make it a UV DTF sticker!

Prints still peeling after washing?

If prints are lifting even with good care, the cause is usually in the press: pressure, temperature or moisture. Check out Why Are My DTF Transfers Peeling? and our step-by-step pressing guide.

Shop DTF transfers

Thousands of ready-to-press designs, plus rolling gang sheets where you only pay for what you use. Ready-to-print orders placed by 12 PM CST ship SAME DAY! ⚡

🛍️ www.lovietdesign.com · More questions? Visit our DTF Transfer FAQ.