To care for sublimated sports apparel, it is recommended to follow these steps:
1. Turn the garment inside out before washing to protect the sublimated design.
turning the garment inside out before washing can help protect the sublimated design from fading or becoming damaged during the washing process. The sublimated design is printed on the fabric, and by turning the garment inside out, the design is facing away from the agitation of the washing machine and is less likely to be damaged. This step is important in maintaining the longevity of the design and the overall appearance of the garment.
2. Use a mild detergent and wash on a gentle cycle in cold water.
using a mild detergent and washing on a gentle cycle in cold water can help protect the sublimated design from fading or becoming damaged. Strong detergents or those with bleach or chlorine can cause the colors to fade or the design to become distorted over time. A gentle cycle will also help to prevent the garment from becoming stretched or misshapen. Cold water is also recommended because it helps to prevent shrinkage and also reduces the risk of the colors fading.
Additionally, it is also important to separate colored clothes from white clothes to avoid color bleeding.
3. Avoid using bleach or fabric softener.
it is recommended to avoid using bleach or fabric softener when washing sublimated sports apparel. Bleach can cause the colors to fade or the design to become distorted over time, while fabric softener can clog the fibers of the fabric and affect the breathability and moisture-wicking properties of the material.
Bleach is a powerful cleaning agent that can damage the sublimated print and alter the colors. Fabric softener may leave a film on the fabric that can affect the moisture-wicking properties and breathability of the garment, and also can damage the sublimated design.
It is best to stick with a mild detergent, as mentioned before and avoid using any additional products to maintain the quality and longevity of the garment.
4. Hang or lay flat to dry, as using a dryer can cause shrinkage and damage to the sublimation.
It is recommended to hang or lay flat to dry sublimated sports apparel, rather than using a dryer. Using a dryer can cause shrinkage and damage to the sublimated design. The heat from the dryer can cause the fabric to shrink, which can cause the sublimated design to become distorted or misshapen. Additionally, the agitation of the dryer can cause the sublimated design to fade or become damaged over time.
Hanging or laying the garment flat to dry allows the fabric to dry naturally, which helps to prevent shrinkage and damage to the sublimated design. It also ensures that the garment retains its shape and the design remains vibrant. It may take a bit longer to dry but it will be worth it in the long run.
It is also important to avoid exposing the garment to direct sunlight while it is drying, as UV rays can cause the colors to fade.
5. Do not iron directly on the sublimated design.
it is important to not iron directly on the sublimated design. Sublimation is a printing process that uses heat to transfer dye onto the fabric, therefore, ironing directly on the sublimated design can cause the colors to fade or the design to become distorted.
If you need to iron the garment, you should turn it inside out and place a thin cloth between the iron and the sublimated design. This will protect the design from the direct heat of the iron and also prevent any accidental ironing directly on the design.
Ironing at low heat or use the “synthetic” setting on your iron, if available. Also, it is important to not apply too much pressure while ironing, as this can cause the design to become distorted or misshapen.
6. Avoid dry cleaning.
It is recommended to avoid dry cleaning sublimated sports apparel. Dry cleaning uses chemicals that can cause the colors to fade or the design to become distorted. The process can also cause shrinkage and damage to the sublimated design.
Dry cleaning solvents can dissolve the sublimation ink and cause the colors to fade or the design to become distorted. Additionally, the heat and agitation used in the dry cleaning process can cause shrinkage and damage to the sublimated design.
It is best to stick with the recommended washing instructions and avoid dry cleaning to maintain the quality and longevity of the garment. If the garment is extremely dirty or soiled, spot cleaning or hand washing with a mild detergent is a better option than dry cleaning.
By following these steps, you can help to ensure that your sublimated sports apparel stays looking its best.
