How One Printer Owner Solved Washing Issues with DTG Prints (Plus a Handy Cheat Sheet!)
Success in DTG/DTF printing comes down to the details, from fine-tuning your print settings to properly caring for your finished garments. But sometimes, unexpected factors—like a new washing machine—can throw a curveball.
A Real-World DTG Success Story
Angelica “Jellie” Wildin – Founder of Dirt & Diamonds, one of our DTG Connection customers, recently ran into a surprising issue: DTG prints on her shirts were coming out of her washer looking cracked and stuck together.
Her customers, however, didn’t have this problem. In fact, they were thrilled with their prints, even after washing! What was happening? After reaching out to us for troubleshooting and digging deeper, Jellie uncovered an unexpected culprit—her brand-new, AI-powered washing machine.
Here’s how Jellie solved the mystery, optimized her DTG process, and how you can ensure your prints stay vibrant and durable.
The Mystery of the Washing Machine
After reviewing her DTG prints, Jellie contacted some of her oldest customers to ask about their washing experiences. Surprisingly, none of them had any issues—many even shared that their shirts held up fine in warm water and dryers.
So what was different? Jellie realized the problem was happening *only* when she washed shirts at home.
Her new, smart washing machine was the key. Modern washers often include hidden settings like **extra rinse cycles** and **high spin speeds**, which are designed for efficiency but can be too aggressive for DTG prints. With help from the washer manufacturer, Jellie turned off these hidden features, and the results were night and day—her shirts came out perfect, just like the ones her customers were washing.
Jellie’s DTG/DTF Cheat Sheet
During her troubleshooting process, Jellie created a quick-reference **DTG/DTF Cheat Sheet** to keep her settings dialed in and ensure top-quality prints every time. She was kind enough to share it with us so that we could pass it on to you!
This fun and practical guide includes essential settings for printing, curing, and baking DTG/DTF prints. If you’re looking for consistent, professional results, **this cheat sheet is a must-have**.
Pro Tip: Print it out and pin it to the wall next to your printer—just like Jellie did.
Key Tips for DTG/DTF Success
To keep your DTG/DTF prints looking great, here are some quick tips Jellie and our team recommend:
DTG Press Settings:
- Light to medium pressure
- Large Graphics: 340°F for 90 seconds
- Small Graphics: 340°F for 90 seconds
DTF Baking and Press Settings:
- Light to medium pressure
- Bake Time: 330°F for 2 minutes
- Heat Press: 330°F for 90 seconds
Washing Tips:
- Wash shirts inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle.
- Turn off extra rinse or high-spin cycles if using smart washers.
- Avoid fabric softeners, which can weaken the print.
- Air dry or tumble dry on low heat.
