Six Care Mistakes That Ruin Graphic Tees

September 24, 2026 · 5 min read

A DTG print bonds to cotton fibres. Every one of these mistakes attacks that bond, usually with heat.

Washing hot

Anything above 30°C accelerates both fading and fibre shrinkage, which pulls at the printed area. Cold water cleans a worn-once tee perfectly well.

Tumble drying on high

The single biggest cause of cracking. Low heat or a hanger indoors adds years to a print.

Ironing the print directly

Iron inside out, or place a cloth over the graphic. Direct contact glazes the ink.

Bleach and 'brightening' detergents

Optical brighteners are mild oxidisers. They lighten the shirt and the ink at the same rate, which flattens the contrast that makes the type readable.

Overloading the drum

Crowded loads mean more abrasion between garments. Abrasion is what fuzzes letter edges.

Hanging heavy and wet

Wet cotton on a thin hanger stretches at the shoulders permanently. Dry flat or use a wide hanger.

The short version

Cold, inside out, low heat, no bleach, small loads, dry flat. Six habits, several extra years.