A Guide to Washing Toddler T-Shirts with Silkscreened Art

When washing toddler t-shirts with silkscreened artwork, it’s essential to take some specific steps to preserve the print's integrity. 

• Start by turning the clothing inside out to shield the artwork from friction and fading. 
• Use a gentle detergent, free from bleach and harsh chemicals, which can degrade the fabric and print over time. 
• Before washing, it’s a good practice to test for colorfastness by lightly dabbing a small hidden area with water and detergent to ensure the colours won’t run. 
• Set your washing machine to a gentle cycle with cold water to minimise agitation and prevent the print from cracking or peeling. 
• To further safeguard the design, place the garments in a mesh laundry bag. This additional layer of protection helps reduce the risk of damage caused by rubbing against other items in the wash. 

By following these steps, you can maintain the vibrant look of your toddler’s clothing and extend the life of the prints.

Pre-Washing Tips:

Turn the clothing inside out to protect the artwork.

By turning the clothing inside out, you minimise the direct abrasion of the silkscreened artwork against the walls of the washing machine and other clothes, which helps in preserving the print’s vibrancy and preventing peeling or cracking.

Use a gentle detergent that’s free from bleach and harsh chemicals.

Gentle detergents are formulated to clean effectively while being kind to the fabric and prints. Avoiding bleach and harsh chemicals ensures that the colours of the artwork stay bright and do not fade prematurely.

Test for colorfastness by dabbing a small hidden area with water and detergent.

Before the first wash, it’s crucial to test for colorfastness to ensure that the colours in the fabric and print do not run or bleed. Dab a hidden part of the garment with water and detergent, then check if the colours stay intact.

Washing Machine Settings:

Opt for a gentle cycle with cold water.

Using the gentle cycle reduces the agitation during washing, which is gentler on the fabric and the print. Cold water helps to preserve the colours of the silkscreened artwork and prevents shrinkage of the fabric.

Avoid overcrowding the washing machine to prevent friction damage.

Overcrowding can cause excessive rubbing between garments, which can lead to damage. Ensuring enough space allows the clothes to move freely, reducing the risk of friction that can degrade the print.

Special Considerations:

Use a mesh laundry bag to add an extra layer of protection.

Placing the garment in a mesh laundry bag provides an additional barrier against the mechanical action of the washing machine, which can help prevent damage to delicate prints and fabrics.

Avoid using fabric softeners as they can affect the print.

Fabric softeners can leave a residue that might deteriorate the adhesive properties of the silkscreen print, causing it to crack or peel over time. Instead, opt for natural fabric softening methods like using a vinegar rinse if needed.