How to Care for DTG and DTF Prints

The Golden Rule

Turn inside out. Wash cold (30°C max). Air dry.

Heat and heavy friction are the primary causes of print wear. Keep it cool and keep it flipped.

Modern digital printing techniques (DTG and DTF) produce vibrant, retail-ready apparel. However, all printed garments require simple care to maintain their crispness and colour over time. Follow this guide to extend the life of your apparel.

Quick Reference Care Table

Action Recommended Practice Avoid
Preparation Turn garment inside out Washing right-side out
Water Temp Cold water - max 30°C / 85°F Hot or warm water cycles
Detergent Mild laundry liquid Bleach, harsh spot-cleaners, fabric softeners
Drying Line dry / air dry High-heat commercial tumble dryers
Ironing Low heat on reverse side Direct contact between iron and print
Dry Cleaning Do not dry clean Chemical solvent cleaning

DTG Prints - Essential Tier

First Wash Note: Dark DTG garments may arrive with a faint scent or light sheen around the print. This is non-toxic pre-treatment solution from the printing process. Simply wash the garment inside out in cold water before wearing - the pre-treatment disappears completely on the first cycle.

DTF Prints - Premium & Signature Tiers

DTF transfers are heat-bonded to the fabric. While highly resilient (50+ washes), sustained high heat from hot water or tumble drying can degrade the adhesive backing. Air drying ensures the transfer remains flush against the fabric weave.

How to Fix Minor Print Edges

If a DTF print edge ever lifts slightly after many high-heat wash cycles, you can easily restore it:

  1. Flip the garment inside out.
  2. Place a thin cotton cloth over the back of the print.
  3. Press a medium-hot iron (no steam) firmly over the area for 10 seconds.

The heat will safely reactivate the adhesive backing, resealing the print flush to the fabric.


Further reading