Care Instructions
Wash and store garment transfers correctly, plus apply and care for custom vinyl stickers.
On this page
A properly pressed DTF transfer is durable and wash-resistant. But how the garment is cared for after pressing makes a real difference to the long-term quality of the print. Use these as gentle care guidelines and follow any stricter instruction on the garment label or supplied with the transfer. Share the combined instructions with your customers.
Washing guidelines
Do
- Wash inside out on a cold cycle (30°C or lower)
- Use a gentle or delicate wash cycle
- Use a mild detergent (avoid heavy-duty or industrial detergents)
- Wash with similar colours
Don't
- Wash above the permitted temperature — use 30°C or lower unless stricter instructions apply
- Use bleach or chlorine-based products
- Apply fabric softener or stain remover directly to the print
- Scrub or agitate the print area directly
Drying
Air dry (recommended)
Hang dry or lay flat to dry. This is the gentlest option and maximises the lifespan of the transfer. Follow the garment label for hanging or drying flat; washing and drying can still cause some fabrics to shrink.
Tumble dry (if needed)
Tumble dry on low heat only if both the garment label and transfer instructions allow it. Keep the garment inside out. Excess heat and friction can damage the print; air drying is the gentler default.
Ironing
- Never iron directly on the transfer. The heat will damage the print, cause glossy marks, or melt the adhesive.
- If the care instructions allow ironing, turn the garment inside out and keep the iron away from the printed area. A cover cloth does not make direct heating harmless.
- Use the lowest setting allowed by the garment label.
- Avoid steam directly on the print area — moisture and heat together can weaken adhesion.
Storing printed garments
For printed garments in stock or being shipped:
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Avoid stacking heavy items directly on the print — prolonged pressure can cause transfers to stick to packaging materials.
- Let garments cool completely before folding or packing. If needed, use clean non-stick release paper to separate printed surfaces.
- Don't store in plastic bags in high humidity — trapped moisture can affect the print over time.
Storing unused transfer sheets
Unpressed transfers remain usable longest when protected from heat, moisture, UV exposure and creasing. Use any storage or shelf-life guidance supplied with the selected film.
Transfer storage guide
Conditions
- Stable room temperature; follow any limits supplied with the film
- Low to moderate humidity
- Away from direct sunlight and UV exposure
- Flat or gently rolled (don't crease)
Handling
- Keep in original packaging until ready to use
- If storing loose, interleave with baking paper
- Avoid stacking too high — weight can affect adhesive
- Inspect and test older or poorly stored transfers before production
Sticker application & care
For the strongest bond
- Clean and fully dry the surface, removing dust, oil, polish and cleaning residue.
- Apply in a dry environment and avoid very cold surfaces.
- Position carefully, then smooth firmly from the centre out to remove trapped air.
- Allow the adhesive to settle for 24 hours before washing or heavy handling.
Vinyl, surface preparation, texture, curvature, weather and cleaning chemicals all affect durability. Test coated, textured, flexible, heavily curved, or frequently washed surfaces before committing a full batch. Do not use a heat press to apply stickers. For stickers and UV DTF, hand wash gently after the specified settling time, avoid soaking and abrasive cleaners, and do not assume dishwasher suitability unless the product explicitly states it.
Care card for your customers
Copy this summary for printed garments, keeping any stricter garment or transfer instructions. It supplements the garment care label:
Care instructions