Why Proper Care Matters for Your In Our Time Merch
If you've ever pulled a favorite shirt from the dryer only to find it faded or shrunken, you know the frustration. The same applies to your In Our Time apparel. These pieces aren't just clothes - they're expressions of your love for the podcast and its community. Learning how to wash in our time merch correctly ensures your prints stay vibrant and your fabrics stay soft.
In Our Time tees and hoodies are printed using direct-to-garment (DTG) technology. This method embeds ink into the fabric fibers, creating a soft feel that lasts. But DTG prints are more delicate than screen prints - they need gentler care. Without proper washing, the design can crack, peel, or fade within months instead of years.
I've designed merch for niche creators for over a decade. One thing I know: the wash routine matters more than the print quality. You can have the best printer in the world, but if you throw your shirt in hot water with harsh detergent, the design will suffer. Let's fix that.
Best Practices for Washing Your In Our Time T-Shirts and Hoodies
Step 1: Turn Your Garments Inside Out
Before any wash cycle, flip your In Our Time shirt or hoodie inside out. This simple action protects the printed surface from rubbing against other clothes or the drum. It's the number one tip I give to anyone asking how to wash in our time merch.Pro tip: Zip up hoodies and button any snaps to prevent snagging.
Step 2: Choose Cold Water (30°C or Below)
Heat is the enemy of DTG prints. Cold water prevents ink from softening and bleeding. It also reduces shrinkage for cotton blends. Most In Our Time apparel is 100% cotton or a cotton-poly blend - both handle cold wash best.Common mistake: Using warm or hot water thinking it cleans better. It doesn't - modern detergents work just fine in cold.
Step 3: Use Mild Detergent - No Bleach or Fabric Softener
Stick to a gentle, bleach-free detergent. Fabric softener coats fibers and can clog the pores of the print, causing it to crack over time. Also skip any stain removers with bleach.My go-to: A liquid detergent labeled for delicates or cold wash. Powder works too, but ensure it dissolves fully to avoid residue.
Step 4: Select a Gentle Cycle
Use the delicate or gentle cycle on your machine. It reduces agitation and spin speed. Agitation is the second biggest cause of print damage after heat. If your washer has a “hand wash” or “wool” setting, that's ideal.For hoodies: Wash them separately or with similar colors to avoid pilling from friction.
Drying Tips to Prevent Shrinking and Fading
Skip the Dryer - Air Dry Instead
Heat from the dryer is brutal on prints. It can cause cracking, peeling, and significant shrinkage. After washing, reshape your In Our Time tee or hoodie while damp and lay it flat on a drying rack. Avoid hanging heavy wet hoodies by the shoulders - they'll stretch out.Pro tip: If you must use a dryer, select the lowest heat setting (air fluff or no heat) and remove the garment while still slightly damp. Then finish air drying.
Inside Out in the Shade
If you hang items outside, turn them inside out and keep them out of direct sunlight. UV rays fade colors and prints faster than any wash cycle. I learned this lesson after ruining a limited-edition drop by leaving it on a clothesline for an afternoon.Time estimate: Air drying a cotton tee takes about 4-6 hours at room temperature. Hoodies can take 8-12 hours. Plan accordingly.
Avoid Dry Cleaning and Ironing Directly on Prints
Dry cleaning uses harsh chemicals that can strip ink. Ironing directly on the print melts the design. If you need to remove wrinkles, iron on the reverse side or use a steamer at a distance.Storing Your In Our Time Apparel to Preserve Quality
Fold, Don't Hang (for Heavy Items)
Hanging heavy hoodies or sweaters can cause the shoulders to deform. Fold them and store on a shelf. T-shirts can be hung if you use padded hangers and avoid stretching the neckline.My method: Fold each garment so the print faces inward. This protects the design from rubbing against adjacent clothes.
Keep in a Cool, Dry Place
Moisture and heat speed up fiber degradation. Avoid attics, basements, or garages if they fluctuate in temperature. A closet with moderate humidity is perfect.Storage tip: Cedar blocks or silica gel packs help control moisture and repel moths without chemical smells.
Rotate Your Collection
If you wear the same few pieces repeatedly, they'll wear out faster. Rotating your In Our Time merch spreads out the wash cycles. I keep a small rotation of 5-7 go-to items and wash each one after 2-3 wears (unless I sweat a lot).Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using hot water for stains: Hot water sets many stains. Instead, pretreat stains with a bit of mild detergent and cold water before washing.
- Overloading the washer: Crowding prevents proper cleaning and increases friction. Wash like colors in small loads.
- Leaving wet clothes in the washer: This leads to mildew and odors. Transfer to the dryer or drying rack within 30 minutes.
- Scrubbing prints directly: If a stain lands on the printed area, dab gently - don't scrub. Scrubbing abrades the ink.
- Ignoring label instructions: Always check the garment's care tag. Some specialty pieces (like tie-dye or metallic prints) have unique requirements.
Pro Tips from the Community
Tip 1: Use a Guppyfriend Bag for Extra Protection
A Guppyfriend bag is a fine-mesh laundry bag that catches microfibers and reduces friction. I've been using one for my decorated apparel for two years. It's a small investment that saves prints from snags.Tip 2: Wash New Items Separately First
New clothing often has excess dye that can transfer. Wash your new In Our Time tee alone or with similar dark colors for the first wash. This prevents color bleeding onto lighter pieces.Tip 3: Vinegar as a Natural Fabric Softener
Add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. It removes detergent residue and softens fabric without coating the fibers. The vinegar smell dissipates after drying.Tip 4: Know Your Water Hardness
Hard water deposits mineral residue on fabric and prints. If you have hard water, consider a descaling filter for your washer or a rinse aid like Calgon. You'll notice less fading and brighter whites.FAQ
Can I wash my In Our Time hoodie with jeans?
It's best to avoid washing hoodies with heavy items like jeans. The zippers and rough denim can abrade the print. Wash hoodies with other soft garments (t-shirts, sweatshirts) on the gentle cycle.How often should I wash my In Our Time t-shirt?
Wash after 2-3 wears, unless you sweat heavily or got a stain. Overwashing accelerates wear. For light wear, spot cleaning can extend time between washes.Why is my In Our Time print cracking after one wash?
Cracking usually indicates the print wasn't fully cured, or the washer settings were too harsh. Check that you used cold water and a gentle cycle. If it keeps happening, contact the store's support team through their contact page.Can I use bleach on white In Our Time merch?
No. Chlorine bleach will eat away the print and yellow the fabric. Use oxygen-based bleach (like OxiClean) for whites, but test on an inconspicuous area first. Avoid contact with the printed design.Is it safe to dry clean In Our Time apparel?
Dry cleaning is not recommended. The solvents can degrade the ink and affect the fabric. Stick to cold-water washing and air drying for best results.Key Takeaways
- Turn garments inside out before washing and always use cold water on a gentle cycle.
- Air dry flat to avoid heat damage and shrinkage from the dryer.
- Store folded in a cool, dry place, and avoid hanging heavy items.
- Use mild detergent without bleach or fabric softener to protect DTG prints.
- Rotate your collection to minimize wear and wash frequency.
