DTF Transfer Care Guide
DTF Transfer Care Guide: Keep Your Prints Vibrant and Long-Lasting
DTF (Direct-to-Film) transfers are an amazing way to personalize apparel, hats, tote bags, and more — but keeping them looking brand new takes a little know-how. At Houston DTF Transfers, we want your custom prints to stand the test of time. That’s why we’ve created this essential care guide to help you and your customers preserve every design.
Whether you're selling custom t-shirts, printing team uniforms, or creating custom hoodies, these care tips will help prevent cracking, fading, or peeling.
Let’s dive in! 👇
👕 Step 1: Wait Before Washing
Once your DTF transfer has been heat-pressed onto your garment, it’s tempting to throw it on or toss it into the wash. But waiting is key:
⏱️ Wait at least 24–48 hours before the first wash.
🧼 This allows the ink to fully cure and bond to the fabric.
Skipping this step can weaken adhesion and cause the design to peel or fade prematurely.
🚿 Step 2: Wash Cold and Inside-Out
Heat and friction are enemies of printed apparel. Follow these steps for gentle garment washing:
✅ Turn the shirt inside out before washing
✅ Use cold water only
✅ Select a gentle or delicate cycle
✅ Do not wash with heavy items (like jeans, zippers, towels)
💬 Want to make more cold-wash-ready designs? Shop our DTF Transfers by Size to apply onto any washable garment.
🧺 Step 3: Avoid Harsh Detergents
Skip the bleach, fabric softeners, and chemical-heavy detergents. These break down the transfer material.
✔️ Use mild, non-abrasive detergent
❌ No bleach
❌ No fabric softeners
❌ No dry-cleaning chemicals
The more natural, the better. 🌿
🌬️ Step 4: Drying the Right Way
High heat = disaster for your prints! Here’s what to do:
✅ Air dry when possible
✅ If using a dryer, choose the low tumble setting
✅ Keep garments turned inside out
❌ Never iron directly on the DTF design
Bonus Tip 🔥: Want ultra-durable apparel that won’t shrink? Use high-quality blanks like 100% cotton or cotton/poly blends from trusted sources.
🧽 Step 5: Ironing Tips (If Needed)
Wrinkles happen. But be cautious when ironing custom-printed garments.
✔️ Turn the garment inside out
✔️ Use a low setting
✔️ Place a thin cloth or parchment paper between the iron and fabric
❌ Never iron directly over the DTF print
This helps maintain the print’s smooth surface and keeps the colors sharp.
🧳 Step 6: Storing Your Apparel Properly
If you sell printed garments or ship orders to customers, storage matters.
✔️ Fold neatly to prevent cracking or creasing
✔️ Store in a cool, dry area
✔️ Use breathable garment bags if storing long term
❌ Avoid plastic bags in hot environments
🔥 Ready to restock? Order a new set of Custom DTF Gang Sheets from our online store.
🧼 DTF Transfer Care Summary (Quick Checklist)
✅ Wait 24–48 hours before washing
✅ Always turn garments inside out
✅ Use cold water + gentle detergent
✅ Air dry or tumble low
✅ Never bleach or iron directly
✅ Store in a cool, dry place
Follow these simple rules and your DTF transfers can stay fresh and flawless for 40–50+ washes. 🎉
🔁 Want Reprints? Need a Quick Reorder?
Houston DTF Transfers makes it easy to restock or reprint your bestsellers. Whether you’re printing for your Etsy shop, a pop-up market, or company uniforms, we offer:
✅ Same-day turnaround (Order by 2 PM CST)
✅ No minimum order
✅ Upload-ready artwork support
✅ Custom sizes and gang sheet options
🛒 Shop now from our most popular options:
🧠 Final Thoughts: Care = Longevity
A little extra care means more value for you and your customers. By following this DTF Transfer Care Guide, you’ll protect your print quality, keep apparel looking pro-level, and reduce return rates or complaints.
And if you ever need help with your design setup or have printing questions, our Houston-based team is here to help!