Care Guide

If you want your custom shirts, printed apparel, and embroidered garments to last longer and look better, proper care matters. This page gives you specific care instructions for washing, drying, ironing, and storing your apparel after pickup or delivery.

This page is built for customers who already received their order and want clear instructions for protecting the garment, preserving the print, and avoiding preventable damage over time.

General Care Rule

The safest general rule for most custom apparel is simple: wash cold, turn inside out, use mild detergent, and avoid high heat.

Best Way to Wash Custom Shirts

Turn the garment inside out before washing
Wash in cold water
Use a mild detergent
Wash with similar colors only
Use a normal or gentle cycle
Avoid overloading the washing machine

What to Avoid When Washing

Do not use hot water
Do not use bleach
Do not use harsh stain removers directly on printed areas
Do not scrub the printed design aggressively
Do not wash custom garments with rough items like heavy towels or garments with exposed zippers if avoidable

Best Way to Dry Custom Apparel

Tumble dry on low heat only
Remove the garment promptly once dry
Air drying is even better if you want the gentlest option
If air drying, hang or lay flat in a clean area

What to Avoid When Drying

Do not use high heat
Do not over-dry the garment
Do not leave garments sitting in the dryer for long periods after the cycle ends

Ironing Instructions

If the garment needs ironing, do it carefully.

Turn the garment inside out first
Use low heat
Do not place a hot iron directly on printed decoration
Do not place a hot iron directly on embroidered areas
If needed, place a clean cloth between the iron and the garment

Storage Tips

Store garments clean and fully dry
Do not leave damp garments piled up
Fold or hang garments in a clean, dry area
Avoid long-term storage in high heat or direct sunlight

Care Instructions for Printed Apparel

Printed shirts need extra protection from friction and heat. This includes screen printed shirts, DTF printed garments, and other custom printed apparel.

Always wash printed garments inside out
Always use cold water
Keep dryer heat low
Never iron directly on the printed design
Avoid repeatedly stretching the printed area when wet

Care Instructions for Embroidered Apparel

Embroidery is durable, but the garment still needs proper care to stay looking professional.

Wash embroidered garments in cold water
Turn the garment inside out if possible
Use low heat for drying
Do not iron directly over embroidery
Avoid snagging embroidered areas on rough surfaces or sharp objects

First Wash Recommendation

For the first wash, be extra careful. Wash the garment inside out in cold water and dry on low heat or air dry. This helps protect the decoration early on.

How to Handle Stains

If the garment gets stained, treat it carefully.

Spot clean gently
Test stain treatment on a less visible area first if possible
Do not pour harsh chemicals directly onto printed artwork
Do not scrub the print aggressively

If You Ordered Staff, Team, or Group Apparel

If you ordered shirts for employees, volunteers, students, players, or a larger group, it helps to share these care instructions with everyone so the garments stay more consistent over time.

Common Mistakes That Shorten Garment Life

Washing in hot water
Drying on high heat
Ironing directly on the print
Using bleach
Leaving garments damp for too long
Scrubbing printed areas aggressively
Ignoring wash instructions after heavy use

If You Have a Concern About Your Garment

If you have a specific question about how to care for your order, or you have a concern after washing or wearing the garment, customer support is the best place to start.

Contact Customer Support

Common Care Questions

Should I wash my custom shirt inside out?

Yes. Turning the garment inside out is one of the best ways to help protect the decoration.

Can I put my custom shirt in the dryer?

Yes, but only on low heat. Air drying is the gentlest option.

Can I use bleach?

No. Bleach can damage both the garment and the decoration.

Can I iron my custom shirt?

Yes, but use low heat, turn the garment inside out, and never iron directly on the print or embroidery.

What is the safest overall care routine?

Wash cold, turn inside out, use mild detergent, and dry on low heat or air dry.

Care for Your Custom Apparel the Right Way

If you want your custom shirts and branded garments to last longer and keep looking sharp, this page is designed to give you clear after-care instructions you can actually use.

Helpful next steps:

Twisted Swag
15203 N. Cave Creek Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85032
1.855.839.6900
support@twistedswag.com