Taking Care Of Your New Items

First of all, thank you so much for shopping with us and your dedication to support Open Source.

Today, we want to share some helpful tips on how to properly take care of your newly purchased items, from the first wash to drying and storing, so they can last as long as possible and continue looking great.

Wash Before Wearing

Before you throw on your new T-Shirt or Hoodie for the first time, it’s always a good idea to give it a wash. Not only does this make the fabric feel softer, but it also removes any residual smells that can be caused if the print does not dry fast enough before packaging.

Takeaway: Turn the T-Shirt inside out before washing to protect any prints or designs.

 

Choose the Right Washing Temperature

When it comes to washing our fabrics, cold water is your best friend. Washing in cold water helps maintain the fabric’s integrity and keeps colors from fading. If you prefer using warm water, just make sure it doesn’t exceed 30°C (or 90°F) to avoid damaging the designs.

Takeaway: Avoid hot water, as it can cause shrinkage and even crack printed designs over time.

 

Use a Gentle Detergent

Harsh chemicals can be tough on fabric, especially T-Shirts with prints. Always opt for a mild detergent to avoid weakening the fibers of the fabric and fading the colors. Stay away from bleach or chlorine products, as they can seriously damage both the fabric and any printed designs.

Takeaway: Look for detergents labeled “color-safe” or “for delicate fabrics” to keep your T-Shirt vibrant and fresh.

 

Skip the Fabric Softener

While fabric softeners might make your T-Shirt feel silky smooth, they can actually leave behind residue that reduces breathability. Over time, they can even affect the quality of any prints.

Takeaway: Opt for natural alternatives like white vinegar, which softens clothes without harmful effects.

 

Drying Your T-Shirt: Air Dry or Low Heat

The safest option for drying your T-shirt is air drying. Simply lay it flat on a clean towel or hang it on a clothes line. This helps maintain the shape of the fabric and prevents shrinkage. If you’re in a hurry and need to use a dryer, make sure to set it on the lowest heat setting.

Takeaway: Avoid wringing out the T-shirt as this can stretch the fabric.

 

Ironing: Be Careful!

Most of the time, your T-shirt won’t need ironing, especially if you hang it up right after washing. But if you do need to iron it, turn the T-shirt inside out and use a low heat setting. Never iron directly over any printed designs, as the heat can warp the print or cause it to stick to the iron.

Takeaway: Never iron directly over one of our designs, as the heat can warp the print or cause it to stick to the iron.

 

Store Your T-shirt Properly

Once your T-shirt is clean and dry, proper storage is key. To avoid wrinkles and stretching, fold it carefully rather than hanging it. If you prefer hanging your T-shirts, opt for padded hangers to prevent stretching around the shoulders.

Takeaway: If you do hang your T-shirts, use padded hangers to avoid stretching the shoulder area.

 

Final Thoughts

A little bit of extra care goes a long way in keeping your new items looking great for a long time. We want them to last for you as long as they can and we really hope that this blog post helps you in achieving that.