Quick answer
Turn your hoodie inside out, wash in cold water on a gentle cycle, and air-dry to keep the print intact. Heat and agitation are the main enemies of screen-printed designs.
Why prints peel and crack
Most hoodie prints are heat-pressed or screen-printed onto the fabric. Over time, the heat from a dryer or hot water weakens the adhesive bond, causing the design to peel or crack. Aggressive washing (like a heavy-duty cycle with hot water) also scrubs the print fibers loose. The fix is simple: reduce heat and friction.
Step-by-step washing guide
- Turn the hoodie inside out: This protects the print from rubbing against other clothes or the machine drum. Zip up any zippers and fasten buttons to avoid snags. Always turn inside out before washing – it's the single most effective step.
- Wash in cold water on gentle cycle: Set your machine to cold water (below 80°F / 27°C) and choose the gentle or delicate cycle. Hot water weakens the print adhesive and can shrink cotton blends. Use a mild liquid detergent – avoid bleach or fabric softener. Common mistake: using warm or hot water thinking it cleans better – it actually damages the print faster.
- Air-dry flat or hang: Remove the hoodie from the washer immediately. Lay it flat on a drying rack or hang it on a line away from direct sunlight. Do not put it in the dryer – the heat will cause the print to peel and the fabric to shrink. If you must use a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting and remove the hoodie while still slightly damp.
What you're working with
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never wasted hoodie: The 'never wasted hoodie' is made from 80% organic cotton / 20% recycled polyester fleece with a slightly oversized fit. Cotton-poly blends hold prints well but can shrink if washed in hot water, so cold washing is especially important for this hoodie.
never wasted hoodie
