Care instructions for DTF-printed textiles
Care instructions for DTF-printed textiles
DTF (Direct-to-Film) prints are high-quality, durable, and wash-resistant. Proper care is essential to ensure your printed textiles retain their brilliant colors and quality for many years. Here you will find all the important information for the optimal care of your DTF-printed products.
General care instructions
Before wearing for the first time
Wash DTF-printed textiles before wearing them for the first time. This removes any production residues and ensures that the print bonds optimally with the fabric.
Waiting time after printing
Freshly printed textiles should ideally rest for 24-48 hours before being washed for the first time. This gives the transfer time to fully bond with the fabric.
Basic rule
DTF prints are very easy to care for and machine washable. With proper care, the colors remain vibrant and the print stays elastic and durable.
Wash
Washing temperature
- Recommended: 30-40°C
- Maximum: 40°C (in exceptional cases 60°C for robust cotton textiles)
- Lower temperatures protect the colors and the elasticity of the print.
- Excessively high temperatures can cause the print to harden or detach.
Turn textiles inside out
Very important: Always turn printed textiles inside out before washing them. This protects the print from direct friction in the washing drum and prevents damage from zippers or other garments.
detergent
- Use a mild detergent for all-purpose laundry or color laundry.
- No fabric softener! Fabric softener can impair the elasticity of the print and leave a film on the print.
- Do not use bleach or chlorine-based cleaners – these can fade the colors.
- Liquid detergent is better than powder (no residue on the print).
- Use special color detergent for dark fabrics.
Washing program
- Normal wash program or easy-care program
- Gentle wash cycle for delicate fabrics
- Medium spin speed (max. 800-1000 rpm recommended)
- Do not use excessively long wash cycles.
Washing tips
- Do not wash printed textiles together with garments that have zippers, Velcro fasteners or rough surfaces.
- Do not overload the washing machine – textiles need room to move.
- Wash similar colors together
- Wash new dark textiles separately before the first wash.
- For heavily soiled textiles: pretreat stains, not directly on the print.
Dry
Air drying (highly recommended)
- Hang printed textiles to dry – this is the gentlest method.
- Do not dry in direct sunlight (UV rays can fade colors)
- Pull textiles into shape while they are still damp.
- Dried on the reverse side, the print retains its beauty particularly well.
- Dry in a well-ventilated place
dryer
- Avoid using the tumble dryer if possible.
- If a dryer is necessary: Use only low temperature (maximum 60°C)
- Short drying time – do not dry textiles completely in the dryer.
- Always turn textiles inside out.
- High heat can cause the print to harden, shrink, or detach.
- Air drying is always the better choice for longevity.
Iron
Ironing temperature
- Follow the care instructions for the fabric material (see care label).
- Cotton: medium temperature (max. 150°C)
- Polyester/blended fabric: low temperature (max. 110°C)
Important when ironing
- NEVER iron directly onto the DTF print!
- Always iron textiles inside out.
- Alternatively: Place an ironing cloth, baking paper or a thin towel over the print.
- Don't stay in one place for too long.
- No steam directly on the pressure
- Do not press too hard
Professional tip
Ironing the fabric from the reverse side (inside out) allows you to indirectly smooth the print without damaging it. This preserves the print's elasticity and shine.
storage
Store correctly
- Store printed textiles hanging (on hangers) – ideal for T-shirts and hoodies.
- If folded: Do not fold directly on the print, but fold with the print facing outwards.
- Store in a dry and well-ventilated place
- Do not store in plastic bags (moisture can accumulate)
- Wash and allow to dry completely before prolonged storage.
Stain treatment
Fresh stains
- Treat stains immediately – the fresher the stain, the easier it is to remove.
- Gently dab the stain from the outside in, do not rub.
- Use cold water on blood or protein stains
- Apply stain remover to the back of the fabric or next to the print.
- Never apply stain remover directly to the DTF print.
Stubborn stains
- Pre-treat with a mild stain remover (not on the print)
- Observe the exposure time, but do not leave it on for too long.
- Then wash as normal.
- Do not use aggressive chemicals
What you should avoid when dealing with stains
- No bleach
- No solvents (acetone, alcohol, etc.)
- Do not rub or brush the print too hard.
Dry cleaning
Is dry cleaning possible?
Not recommended. DTF prints are not suitable for dry cleaning. The chemicals used can damage or remove the print. Always wash DTF-printed textiles in the washing machine according to these instructions.
What you should absolutely avoid
- No fabric softener – it impairs elasticity and adhesion
- No bleach – it will destroy the colors
- Do not iron directly on the print – this can melt or cause the print to stick together.
- Do not wash too hot (max. 40°C) – this can cause the print to peel off.
- Do not tumble dry at high temperature – may shrink and harden.
- Do not chemically clean – this will damage the DTF print.
- Do not scratch or pull on the print – this can cause cracks.
- Do not dry in direct sunlight – it will fade the colors.
Special types of textiles
100% cotton
- Wash at 30-40°C
- Normally washable and easy to care for
- Ironing inside out is possible.
- Excellent adhesion of the DTF print
Polyester and blended fabrics
- Wash at a maximum of 30-40°C
- Low ironing temperature (max. 110°C)
- Do not tumble dry or only tumble dry at very low temperatures
- Particularly good color brilliance in DTF printing
Functional clothing and sportswear
- Use special detergent for functional clothing
- Low temperatures (30°C)
- No fabric softener (it clogs the pores)
- Prefer air drying
- Do not iron
Fleece and softshell
- Wash at a maximum of 30°C
- No fabric softener
- air drying
- Do not iron (material may melt)
Durability and quality
How long does a DTF print last?
With proper care, DTF prints are extremely durable and easily withstand 50+ wash cycles without any visible loss of quality. The colors remain vibrant and the print elastic.
Signs of improper care
- Cracks in the print – washed or ironed too hot
- Faded colors – bleach or too much sun
- Hardened pressure – excessive dryer heat
- Detachments – direct ironing or dry cleaning
Problem solving
The print feels stiff.
This is normal after the first wash. The print will become softer and smoother with each wash. Avoid high temperatures when washing and drying.
Small cracks in the print
Small tears can occur if the fabric is stretched too much or treated with excessive heat. Continue washing the fabric according to the instructions – small tears usually don't get any bigger.
Pressure releases
This can happen if ironing was done directly on the print or if excessively high temperatures were used. Contact us if you experience significant peeling – in some cases we can reprint the design.
Summary: The most important care tips
- ✓ Wash inside out at a maximum of 30-40°C
- ✓ Mild detergent without fabric softener
- ✓ Prefer air drying (not in direct sunlight)
- ✓ Iron inside out or with a pressing cloth (low to medium temperature)
- ✓ Store hanging or folded (print facing outwards)
- ✗ Never iron directly on the print.
- ✗ No fabric softener or bleach
- ✗ Do not wash, tumble dry or iron at too high a temperature
- ✗ No dry cleaning
- ✗ Do not dry in direct sunlight
First Wash – Checklist
For the first wash of your DTF-printed textiles:
- Wait 24-48 hours after receiving
- Turn the fabric inside out.
- 30°C, easy-care program
- Mild color detergent, no fabric softener
- Air dry inside out
- If necessary: iron inside out at a low temperature.
If you have any questions about caring for your DTF-printed textiles or if you experience any printing problems, please feel free to contact us using our inquiry form!
