Washing Discharge Ink T-Shirts: Tips And Tricks

Discharge printing is a screen-printing process that uses water-based inks to remove the original colour of a t-shirt and replace it with a new one. It is a popular method for creating soft prints on dark shirts, but it can also be used on light-coloured shirts. Discharge printing is safe and eco-friendly, but it requires careful handling due to the use of chemicals and potential skin irritants. Before washing a discharge-printed t-shirt, it is important to cure the ink properly to prevent colours from fading. This involves using specific temperatures and cure times, as well as ensuring adequate ventilation during the process.

Preparing the T-shirt for washing

Before you begin washing your newly printed T-shirt, it's important to understand the unique properties of discharge ink. Discharge ink is a special type of water-based ink that is designed to remove the original dye from the fabric and replace it with your chosen design. This process results in an incredibly soft print that is fully absorbed into the fabric, giving it a natural feel. Unlike traditional inks that sit on top of the fabric, discharge ink becomes part of the shirt, showcasing the weave of the material.

The first step in preparing your T-shirt for washing is to ensure the ink is properly cured. Curing is a critical process in which the ink is exposed to heat, typically around 230-260°F, to activate the chemical process of stripping the original dyes from the fabric. This step is essential to ensure the longevity of your print. It is recommended to cure the ink at a temperature of 320-360°F for at least 60 seconds, and up to 3 minutes if needed. This extended cure time ensures that the water in the ink completely evaporates, preventing any issues with the print during washing.

Another important factor to consider is the type of fabric you are working with. Discharge ink works best on 100% natural fabrics such as cotton, bamboo, or hemp. These natural fibres are more receptive to the discharge agent, resulting in a more effective stripping of the original dye. While some blends, like triblend or 50/50 cotton-polyester mixes, can also be used, the effect may vary. Garments with black polyester will not discharge properly, as the agent cannot strip the colour from polyester fibres. Therefore, it is crucial to test the fabric before printing to ensure optimal results.

Additionally, the colour of the garment plays a role in the discharge printing process. Certain colours, like royal blue, Kelly green, red, and purple, can be tricky to work with. This is because discharge ink reacts strongly with reactive dyes, and these colours tend to have fewer reactive dyes, resulting in a more muted or faded discharge. It is important to consider this when choosing the colour of your T-shirt to ensure your design turns out as expected.

Finally, safety should always be a top priority when working with discharge ink. The active ingredient in discharge ink, Zinc-Formaldehyde-Sulfoxylate (ZFS), can be an irritant to the skin and lungs. Therefore, it is crucial to wear proper safety gear, such as gloves and a respirator, when handling discharge ink. Additionally, ensure that you are working in a well-ventilated area to prevent the inhalation of fumes during the curing process.

By following these detailed steps, you can effectively prepare your discharge ink T-shirt for washing, ensuring the longevity and quality of your print. Remember to always test your fabric and inks before beginning any project to achieve the desired results.

Choosing the right washing machine settings

When it comes to choosing the right washing machine settings, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, identify the type of fabric you're dealing with. Is it cotton, synthetic, or something delicate like wool or silk? The fabric type will determine the appropriate wash cycle and temperature setting.

If you're washing a 100% cotton t-shirt, you can generally use a normal or regular cycle with warm or hot water. Cotton is durable and can withstand higher temperatures, especially if the shirt is heavily soiled. A normal cycle combines a high-speed wash action with a high-speed spin, making it suitable for cotton or blended fabrics with average soil.

For synthetic t-shirts, it's best to use the synthetics cycle with warm water. This cycle offers medium agitation and a low-speed spin, perfect for synthetic fabrics. If your t-shirt is made from a blend of cotton and synthetic fibres, you can choose either the cotton or synthetics cycle, depending on the level of soiling.

If your discharge ink t-shirt is made from delicate fabrics like silk or wool, opt for the delicates cycle with cold water. This cycle uses low agitation and a lower speed spin to prevent damage to delicate items. You can also hand wash these items if you prefer.

Additionally, pay attention to the colour of your t-shirt. For dark-coloured shirts, especially those with bright dyes that may bleed, use cold water to prevent fading and colour transfer. On the other hand, for white t-shirts, warm or hot water will help keep them looking bright and clean.

Selecting the appropriate detergent

Washing a discharge ink t-shirt requires careful consideration of the type of detergent used. It is important to choose a mild, colour-safe detergent that is free from bleach, oxidising agents, and optical brighteners. These chemicals can react with the ink and lead to colour fading or discolouration.

Look for a mild laundry detergent that is specifically designed for delicate fabrics. These detergents typically have a neutral pH level and are free from harsh chemicals. Liquid detergents are generally preferred over powder detergents as they are less likely to leave residue on the fabric. Choose a detergent that is suitable for use with coloured clothing, as these detergents are less likely to contain bleaching agents.

It is also important to avoid using fabric softeners or dryer sheets when washing discharge ink t-shirts. Fabric softeners can leave a coating on the fabric that may affect the appearance of the ink. Instead, opt for detergent boosters or laundry boosters, which can be added to the wash cycle to enhance the cleaning power of the detergent without damaging the ink.

When washing a discharge ink t-shirt for the first time, it is recommended to perform a patch test on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric. This involves applying a small amount of detergent to a hidden part of the shirt, such as the inside hem, and then rinsing it with water. This test will help determine if the detergent is safe to use on the shirt without causing any adverse reactions.

Additionally, always follow the care instructions provided by the t-shirt manufacturer. Some discharge ink t-shirts may have specific washing instructions, such as washing inside out or using cold water only. By selecting the appropriate detergent and following the recommended care guidelines, you can help maintain the colour and integrity of your discharge ink t-shirt.

Drying the T-shirt

Drying your discharge ink T-shirt is a crucial step in the process of curing the ink. Here are some detailed instructions on how to dry your T-shirt effectively:

Preparing the T-shirt for Drying:

Before you begin drying your T-shirt, it is important to follow certain steps to ensure the best results. Firstly, always perform a spin cycle on your T-shirt, even if you don't need to dry it urgently. This helps remove excess water and significantly reduces drying time. If you are handwashing your T-shirt, gently press out the water instead of wringing it to protect the fabric fibres. After spinning, shake the T-shirt vigorously to loosen the fibres and help it dry quicker with fewer wrinkles.

Choosing a Drying Method:

You can choose to dry your T-shirt using a dryer or by air-drying it. Each method has its own set of instructions for optimal results:

Using a Dryer:

• Clean out the lint screen and dryer vents to ensure efficient drying and prevent fire hazards.
• Split your load in half and add a dry towel to the dryer. The towel will help absorb moisture and speed up drying time. Remember to remove the towel after 15-20 minutes to avoid prolonging the drying process.
• Select the hottest setting that your T-shirt fabric can withstand. A small load on the hottest setting will dry quickly, usually within 15-20 minutes.

Air-Drying:

• If you choose to air-dry your T-shirt, wring it out by hand or with a towel to remove as much excess water as possible. Be careful not to stretch the fabric.
• Use a salad spinner to spin out any remaining water. This step is especially useful for removing water from smaller T-shirts.
• Hang your T-shirt on a clothesline or drying rack. Ensure that each item is hung individually with enough space in between to allow for proper air circulation.
• Place the drying rack or clothesline near a heat source, such as a fireplace, radiator, or boiler, to speed up the drying process.
• Alternatively, set up a fan near the drying rack to increase airflow and reduce drying time.

Additional Tips:

• Always dry your T-shirt thoroughly to prevent mildew or musty smells.
• If using a drying rack, invest in a sturdy, foldable one and clean it regularly to prevent rust or dust transfer to your T-shirt.
• When hanging your T-shirt, use padded or wide hangers to avoid shoulder creases and maintain the shape of the garment.
• For pants, clip the waistband to the rack, and for sheets or larger items, fold them over multiple bars on the rack.

Ironing the T-shirt

Ironing a T-shirt is a delicate process, and if not done correctly, you can ruin your T-shirt. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to iron a T-shirt, with some additional tips for ironing a discharge ink T-shirt.

Prepare the T-shirt

Place the ironing board inside the T-shirt, as if you were dressing the board with it. This is because, unlike a button-down shirt, you cannot open a T-shirt down the front, so this is the only way to iron one side at a time. Ensure that the fabric lies flat and is not stretched. Smooth out any wrinkles with your hands before you begin ironing.

Set Up Your Iron

Make sure your iron is set to the correct temperature for the fabric of your T-shirt. If your T-shirt is made of cotton or a cotton blend, you can usually use a high heat setting. If your T-shirt is made of a synthetic fabric, such as polyester, use a lower heat setting to avoid melting the fabric.

Iron the T-shirt

Rotate and Continue

Rotate the T-shirt and continue ironing until the entire shirt is wrinkle-free. There is no particular order to follow, just ensure that you iron out all the wrinkles without stretching the fabric.

Let It Cool

Once you have finished ironing, lay the T-shirt flat to let it cool. Then, you can either fold it up gently or hang it up ready to wear.

Additional Tips for Discharge Ink T-shirts

If your T-shirt is printed with discharge ink, there are a few extra things to keep in mind. Firstly, always iron your discharge ink T-shirt inside out to protect the print. You can also place a towel between the iron and the T-shirt for added protection. Secondly, discharge ink T-shirts should be washed before ironing to ensure the print is set and will not wash out. Finally, ensure your ironing area is well-ventilated, as discharge inks can release fumes.

Frequently asked questions