Turn decorated garments inside out, wash them cool on a gentle cycle, and dry them on low heat or hang them up. That one routine protects embroidery, DTG prints and heat press transfers alike. The garment's own care label always comes first, and the notes below add what each decoration method needs.
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Care by method
| Method | Wash | Dry | Iron |
|---|---|---|---|
| Embroidery | Inside out, gentle cycle, no fabric softener on the stitching | Low heat or hang | From the back, with a cloth between iron and thread |
| DTG print | Inside out, cool water, mild detergent, no bleach | Low heat or hang | Inside out, never directly on the print |
| Heat press transfer | Inside out, cool water, gentle cycle | Hang or low heat | Avoid ironing over the transfer |
Washing
Turning the garment inside out keeps friction away from the decoration. Cool water and a gentle cycle reduce stress on thread and ink. Wash decorated items with similar colors, and avoid heavy items with zippers or hooks that can snag stitching. Skip bleach and fabric softener, which can dull ink and break down transfer adhesive over time.
Drying
Heat is the main enemy of printed and transferred designs. Air drying is gentlest, and low heat in a dryer is the next best option. High heat can shrink a garment, fade a print and loosen a transfer. For performance fabrics, which are usually polyester, avoid high heat altogether.
Ironing and storage
Embroidery tolerates an iron from the back with a pressing cloth. For prints and transfers, iron the garment inside out or not at all, and never press directly on the design. Fold decorated shirts rather than hanging heavy knits for long periods, and keep stitched logos from being crushed under heavy items.
Stains and dry cleaning
Blot spills rather than rubbing, since rubbing can scuff a print and pull on stitches. Treat the stain from the back of the fabric when you can. Dry cleaning may suit structured jackets, but check the garment's label first. If you have questions about a specific item, email info@arklavo.com or call (302) 775-9484.
What the guarantee covers
Damage from improper care, normal wear and alterations after delivery is not covered by the quality guarantee. Defects in materials or workmanship, reported within 30 days of delivery, are. Following the steps above, and the care label, keeps your order in good shape. To learn how each method is applied, see embroidery, DTG printing and heat press.
Common questions
Can I put embroidered apparel in the dryer?
Yes, on low heat, or hang it to dry. High heat can shrink the garment and distort the fabric around the stitching.
Should I wash printed shirts inside out?
Yes. Turning a DTG print or heat press transfer inside out reduces friction on the design and helps it last.
Can I iron a printed or transferred design?
Do not iron directly over it. Iron the garment inside out, or skip ironing. Embroidery can be ironed from the back with a pressing cloth.
Is fabric softener safe for decorated garments?
It is best avoided. Softener can dull ink and weaken transfer adhesive, and it can leave residue on stitching.
Does the quality guarantee cover damage from washing?
No. Damage from improper care or normal wear is not covered. Defects in materials or workmanship reported within 30 days of delivery are.