These tips to wash iron-on vinyl just might save you from a craft project fail.
There is nothing as disappointing as working on a new project only to have all your work destroyed while you’re washing.
We know that feeling all too well, so today, we’re looking at some essential tips for washing clothes after your heat transfer vinyl craft project.
How do you wash clothes with vinyl on them?
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Tip 1: Give it time
Let your iron-on vinyl rest for a minimum of 24 hours after you’ve finished making it.
The adhesive that holds the HTV in place needs to soak into the material and harden.
So you will need to let it cool off completely.
If you pop it in the wash as soon as you’re done, the adhesive will peel off, or you’ll get cracks or wrinkles in your HTV.
Better yet, use a durable vinyl like this one that lasts over 50 washes.
Tip 2: Don’t dry clean
You should never dry clean iron-on vinyl.
This is because dry cleaners use harsh chemicals and extremely high temperatures, which are sure to peel off your HTV.
The safest option is to hand wash since the part with the new design is delicate.
Tip 3: Wash and dry inside out
Ensure the clothes are inside out when you wash or hang them to dry.
When you put clothes into the washing machine, they rub against each other.
So turning your designed clothes right-side-in ensures that your vinyl doesn’t endure excessive friction, which can cause it to peel off.
Tip 4: Use the right water temperature and detergent
Use the cold water settings when you wash your iron-on vinyl clothes.
High temperatures cause the adhesive to liquify—that’s how it sticks to your fabric when you iron it on.
So if you use hot water, it will break down the glue, causing your vinyl to peel off.
Also, avoid adding bleach and only use a mild detergent, like this specialty one, as stronger ones may strip your HTV off.
Tip 5: Avoid exposure to excess heat
Hang your clothes to dry on a drying rack in the shade instead of using a dryer. The heat from the dryer is usually too much for the vinyl.
If you must use a dryer, set it to the lowest heat.
When you iron, never place the iron directly on it. The heat of the iron will melt the adhesive, peeling off your beautiful design.
It’s best to put a cloth on top of the design when ironing to avoid direct heat.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my iron-on vinyl coming off after washing?
Iron-on vinyl usually comes off after a wash because of the following reasons:
- You washed it too soon
- You used hot water
- Excessive friction with the other clothes
- Your detergents were too strong
So take extra care when washing. It’s best to handwash your iron-on vinyl designs instead of throwing them with the rest of your clothes in the wash.
How do you get iron-on vinyl to stay on?
Ensure you give ample time for your HTV design to stick to your garment—even longer than the recommended 24 hours.
That way, when you wash it, you can be sure the adhesive has bonded well with the cloth.
So there you have it—you can now wash your vinyl without a hitch to keep your project looking good for longer.
