posted by Ahijoy on  August 24, 2022

Care instructions for HTV shirts

Do you care for personalized clothing? Heat transfer vinyl decorations require special care. HTV should not be ironed directly onto the garment. Before ironing apply heat transfer spray or silicone spray over entire design area with a clean cloth before ironing. This will help prevent bubbling and protect against direct heat damage. Learn how to take care of your garments so they last a lifetime!

Care instructions of HTV shirts

Care Instruction

Step No 1 : Do Not Dry Clean

The first thing most people think about when caring for HTV shirts is that they need to be dry cleaned. However, heat transfers will melt in the dryer because of their plastic base, so this isn't recommended at all. Instead, wash and dry inside out on low heat settings. This will keep the design from fading or cracking and keep it looking crisp and new!

Step No 2 : Wash Using Cold or Warm Water

Most heat transfers can withstand washing in hot water, but be sure to follow the package instructions. If you use hot water, the design may fade or crack and peel off. Also, don't use bleach or fabric softener when washing your HTV shirts because they can damage the shirt itself as well as any printed design on them.

Step No 3: Hang or tumble dry

Turn shirt inside out. Apply heat press vinyl to the shirt with a medium-high amount of pressure (approx 150 degrees). Make sure to use a heat press table that is covered in a thin layer of fabric so that the vinyl does not stick to the table. After applying the vinyl to your shirt, leave it in place for at least 30 seconds before pressing again with even pressure for 5 seconds. At least three times, with no less than 5 seconds between each press.

Step No 4: Don’t Iron Directly on the Htv

When you are ironing your shirt, make sure that you do not use direct heat on the vinyl. Instead, use a pressing cloth or press it with a towel. This will help avoid burning or melting your design.

Step No 5: Don't wash it immediately

Wait at least 24 hours before washing your vinyl. This will allow any oils or fluids that may be on the shirt to dissipate. Once you're ready to wash, launder in cold water with a mild detergent.

Step No 6: Wash and dry garments inside out.

The wrong side of the fabric can pick up lint, which can cause problems when applying the HTV. Also, it's best to keep the ink from rubbing against other surfaces during the drying process. Wear resistant gloves while handling hot emblems or items with sharp edges. If you don't have gloves, at least wear long sleeves and pants to protect yourself from burns.

Step No 7: Use mild detergent

Never use bleach or chlorine on your heat transfer vinyl shirt. Chlorine can cause a chemical reaction that causes the vinyl to bubble, become pitted and lose its adhesion. Bleach can leave a faded spot where applied, and can also cause bubbling and pitting of the vinyl.

wash HTV shirts

How do you know which ones can be dried in the dryer?

You may have heard that HTV shirts need to be dried flat or hung up to dry after washing them. This is true for most HTV shirts but not all of them. 

  • Check the care instructions on the shirt before washing it. If they say "machine wash cold", this means that they can be washed in a machine but they will shrink more than if they were hand washed.
  • If there are no care instructions on the shirt, consult the manufacturer to see if their products can be dried in a dryer. Some companies don't include these instructions because it varies from one product to another based on whether or not it's removable vinyl or permanent
  • Use only low heat when drying your heat transfer vinyl tee because high temperatures can ruin the design.
  • Heat up your dryer for 15 minutes before tossing your shirt inside so that it gets warm enough for smooth drying without ruining any of the colors or designs.
  • Always make sure that your dryer has enough room to tumble around freely and not get stuck on something. It's best to avoid overstuffing the drum with clothes and other items because this will make things bump around too much, damaging your clothing even more than usual.

How to wash HTV shirts?

  • Washing your heat transfer vinyl shirt is easy. Allow your shirt to sit without washing for at least 24 hours. It allows the ink to cure and set properly. It also gives a chance for any sizing or preservatives left in the garment to dissipate.
  • Next, wash your shirt in cold water using a mild detergent or soap. You can use regular laundry detergent but avoid fabric softener because it can affect the print quality of the design. If you want to be extra careful, add ½ cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle in order to help remove any leftover sizing or preservative residue from the shirt material.
  • After washing, lay your shirt flat on a towel and blot dry with another towel until it is completely dry. Make sure you don't put it in a dryer or hang it up while still wet because this could cause wrinkles that won't come out later!
Glow in the Dark Heat Transfer Vinyl - Heat Transfer Vinyl - Ahijoy
Glow in the Dark Heat Transfer Vinyl - Heat Transfer Vinyl - Ahijoy
Glow in the Dark Heat Transfer Vinyl - Heat Transfer Vinyl - Ahijoy
Glow in the Dark Heat Transfer Vinyl - Heat Transfer Vinyl - Ahijoy
Glow in the Dark Heat Transfer Vinyl - Heat Transfer Vinyl - Ahijoy
Glow in the Dark Heat Transfer Vinyl - Heat Transfer Vinyl - Ahijoy
Glow in the Dark Heat Transfer Vinyl - Heat Transfer Vinyl - Ahijoy
Glow in the Dark Heat Transfer Vinyl - Heat Transfer Vinyl - Ahijoy
Glow in the Dark Heat Transfer Vinyl
Glow in the Dark Heat Transfer Vinyl - Heat Transfer Vinyl - Ahijoy
Glow in the Dark Heat Transfer Vinyl - Heat Transfer Vinyl - Ahijoy
Glow in the Dark Heat Transfer Vinyl - Heat Transfer Vinyl - Ahijoy
Glow in the Dark Heat Transfer Vinyl - Heat Transfer Vinyl - Ahijoy
Glow in the Dark Heat Transfer Vinyl - Heat Transfer Vinyl - Ahijoy
Glow in the Dark Heat Transfer Vinyl - Heat Transfer Vinyl - Ahijoy

Glow in the Dark Heat Transfer Vinyl

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