Gingerbread House Contest Winner Christmas Shirt Idea

Instructions for Preserving

Washing

• Gentle cycle: Use a delicate or gentle cycle on your washing machine. This reduces the amount of agitation, which can be rough on the fabric and prints.
• Cold water: Hot water can cause shrinkage and fading. Stick to cold water to keep your shirt looking fresh.
• Mild detergent: Harsh detergents can strip away color and damage the print. Opt for a mild, color-safe detergent.
• Ditch the bleach: Bleach is a big no-no, even for white t-shirts.
• Wash similar fabrics: Wash your t-shirt with other similar weight items to avoid snags or tears.
• Turn it inside out: Washing your t-shirt inside out helps protect the design from fading and cracking.

Drying

• Air dry whenever possible: This is the best way to prevent shrinkage and heat damage to the fabric and prints. Hang your shirt on a drying rack or line dry it in a cool, shaded area.
• Low heat tumble dry (if necessary): If you must use a dryer, use the lowest heat setting possible. High heat can damage the fabric and shrink the shirt.

Storage

• Cool, dark place: Store your t-shirt in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can cause fading over time.
• Folding vs. hanging: For plain t-shirts, folding is perfectly fine. However, for t-shirts with prints, hanging them on a wide hanger can help prevent wrinkles and sagging. Just be sure to use a hanger that fits the shoulder width of the shirt to avoid stretching.

Extra Tips

• Pre-treat stains promptly: The sooner you treat a stain, the easier it will be to remove and the less likely it is to damage the fabric.
• Iron on low heat (if needed): If you need to iron your t-shirt, use the lowest heat setting possible and iron inside out.
• Limit wearing for strenuous activities: If your t-shirt is a favorite, avoid wearing it for activities that could lead to excessive sweating or wear and tear.