Ensuring your t-shirts stay in good condition for a longer time saves money and connotes a more significant impact on reducing environmental problems. One reason why t-shirts become worn out is improper washing techniques.
Remember that most t-shirts are lightweight and made from cotton, cotton, polyester, or polyester. All of these fabrics require a different and intensive way of washing methods. Here are some techniques of taking good care of your t-shirts that can help extend their lifespan and keep them looking fresh and vibrant.
1. Read the Care Label
Care labels provide valuable information about washing and caring for your t-shirts. They often include instructions regarding water temperature, washing machine settings, and whether the t-shirt should be hand-washed or dry-cleaned. Always check the t-shirt care label for specific washing and care instructions. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to avoid damage.
2. Wash Less
Washing your clothes less frequently can be an effective way to extend the lifespan of your garments and reduce your environmental impact. Cotton t-shirts (100%) should only be washed when necessary for longevity and durability. Although cotton is durable, each wash pressures its natural fibers and ultimately causes your t-shirt to age and fade faster.
3. Sort Your Laundry and Pre-treat Stains
Separate your t-shirts by color. Wash dark-colored t-shirts separately from light-colored ones to prevent color bleeding. You may also sort your laundry according to texture, weight, and fabric.
Further, another good tip when sorting your laundry is to separate the light stains from the tough stains. When you have a stain on a specific spot of your t-shirt, the rule of thumb is to treat it immediately and not allow it to be blended with other fabrics, especially if the stain is not easy. If you want a clean result, you must make extra effort and be observant when doing the laundry.
4. Turn the T-shirt Inside Out
Turn your t-shirts inside out before washing them. This can help protect the design and reduce friction on the outer fabric. Also, turning your shirt inside out will help reduce the worn-out effect of washing to the garment’s printed patterns or designs. At the same time, dry the t-shirt from the inside out. This means that fading can also occur on the inside of the garment while leaving the outside surface intact.
5. Choose the Right Detergent
Place your t-shirt in the washing machine and add the appropriate amount of detergent. Check the label on the detergent container for instructions, and ensure you only add the recommended amount or less.
Add only a little detergent. Additionally, choose a mild, color-safe detergent. Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals, weakening the fabric and fading colors. Harsh detergents or extra tough substances can cause damage to the fibers and lead them to deteriorate over time. Look for cloth detergents specifically formulated for delicate fabrics or those free of harsh chemicals.
6. Adjust Your Machine’s Setting
Setting your washing machine to a slow or gentle setting helps the longevity of your t-shirt fabrics. If your washing machine has a specific cycle for knits or delicates, that’s even better. These cycles use slower agitation and are gentler on clothing. Once you’ve adjusted the settings, start the washing machine.
Be sure to monitor it during the wash cycle to ensure everything is going smoothly. The additional tip includes ensuring that your washing machine is balanced with the T-shirts inside. An uneven load can cause excessive vibration during the spin cycle.
7. Wash in Cold Water
Most t-shirts are made from cotton or polyester, meaning they must be washed in cold water to maintain their shape, size, and quality. Cold water is generally gentler on fabrics than hot water. It helps to preserve colors and reduce the risk of shrinking. T-shirts that are 100% cotton are more likely to shrink in heat. Further, darker-colored t-shirts can usually be entirely washed in cold water.
8. Fasten Buttons and Zippers
Check for loose buttons or unzipped zippers before putting your t-shirt in the washing machine. If your t-shirt has a zipper, zip it up or down, depending on the style. This prevents the zipper from flapping around during the wash. If your t-shirt has buttons, make sure to fasten all of them. Start from the top and work your way down, ensuring each button is securely closed.
9. Avoid Using Chlorine Bleach
Using chlorine bleach on t-shirts can be harsh on the fabric and may lead to issues such as color fading, fabric weakening, discoloration, and damage to the shirt’s printed design. If you need a brightener solution, you can choose a home remedy using vinegar. This way, you can avoid chlorine bleach, which often wears out fabric fibers. Also, it is more environmentally and user-friendly to use natural products.
10. Store Properly
Store your t-shirts in a dry, cool area away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and fabric degradation. Direct sunlight can fade colors over time, so it’s best to dry your t-shirts in a shaded area or indoors.
How To Dry T-Shirts
If you want to maintain the shape, fit, and feel of your t-shirt for a more extended period, you should hang your shirt to dry instead of using a dryer. Both cotton and polyester fabrics will react negatively if placed in the dryer at high temperatures. Cotton clothes will shrink, while polyester clothes will lose fit and quality over time if dried using a medium or high dryer.
The old hang-dry method is as effective as drying t-shirts in a washing machine. Ensure that your clothes are not in direct contact with sunlight, which may also affect the clothing’s elasticity and longevity.
Not using the drying setting not only has a positive impact on the durability of your t-shirt but also has a significant effect on the environment. The average tumble dryer requires five times more energy than a standard washing machine, meaning a household’s carbon footprint can be significantly reduced by avoiding drying altogether.
However, if it is inevitable and you need to use a washing machine, avoid using high temperatures to dry the t-shirt. Instead, opt for air drying or low-heat drying. High temperatures cause the t-shirt’s fabric to shrink or lose elasticity. Remove the t-shirts from the dryer while still slightly damp if you tumble dry to avoid excessive wrinkling.
How To Iron T-Shirts
Ironing T-shirts is a simple process that can help remove wrinkles, leaving your T-shirt clean and beautiful. However, improper ironing will only lead to a lesser extension of t-shirt use. Here are some tips when ironing your favorite shirt:
- Check the shirt’s label for ironing instructions. The more dots you see on the care label’s iron setting, the more heat you can use.
- Turn the t-shirt inside out to iron it from the backside and protect the front of the fabric.
- Pay special attention to the neckline and shoulders when ironing; stretching too much on these parts may cause them to lose shape.
- Place the shirt flat on an ironing board.
- Adjust the iron’s heat setting to a low heat setting.
- For super thin t-shirts, add moisture with a spray bottle to the fabric before ironing, or use an ironing cloth to cover the wrinkled area.
- Gently and smoothly slide the iron over the surface of the t-shirt.
- Experts recommend a steamer instead of a conventional iron for better results.
Conclusion
Following the proper techniques of washing your beloved t-shirts will ensure the excellent condition of the fabric for a longer time. Proper washing techniques will help preserve their color, shape, and overall quality, allowing you to enjoy them for years to come. Extending the lifespan of your t-shirts and keeping them looking fresh for a longer time is not only easy but also environmentally friendly.