Category Archives: Clothing Care and Stain Removal

How to Care for your Clothing and Tips, Ideas, How-to Remove stains from your t-shirts and clothing

Why Are Some T-Shirt Made From Scratchy Cotton? Can I Make It Less Scratchy?

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T-shirts are meant to be comfy. In fact, T-shirts should be like a second skin, you should not even notice that you are wearing something. T-shirts should be soft and comfortable enough to sleep in, relax in and much more. There are enough uncomfortable clothes and other unpleasant things in the world as it is. Every once and a while, we unfortunately come across a T-shirt made from scratchy cotton. This shirt is always the one with our favorite design or saying on it. We often want to wear this particular shirt more than any other, if only it were just more comfortable!

T-shirts that are made from scratchy cotton tend to be the cheaper, lower quality ones. They are not the combed cotton which has all the scratchy components of the cotton fiber combed out to ensure a soft, pleasant, final cotton product. Thread count also is responsible for some scratchy T-shirts out there on the market. If the thread count is low, it typically means that the yarns used in making it are not the fine ones required for soft material. Thread count is actually the number of threads per square inch of fabric. Soft fabrics should have at least a 180-thread count.

There is not a lot you can really do to make a scratchy T-shirt less scratchy, as this sensation comes as a result of the manufacturing process used in making the material for the shirt. However, there are a few things you can do to make it more tolerable. Using a liquid fabric softener while washing your T-shirts is a great idea. It will make the fabric softer and more touchable. Another solution may be to put another softer T-shirt below the scratchy one you want to wear to avoid having it touch your body. Another solution is time. Often with use and repeated washing and drying, you will find that your formerly scratchy T-shirt has become soft and cozy. The washer and dryer have an unbeatable way of breaking down fibers and making them soft and fuzzy with time. The only problem with waiting out the break down of your shirt, is that often the shirt is also looking scruffy by the time it becomes soft enough to enjoy.

The most comprehensive solution to your problem of uncomfortable, scratchy T-shirts is to buy new ones of a better quality. You can opt for a custom-made tee in your choice of color, style, size and quality. You can spoil yourself with the luxury of a high-quality T-shirt and even replace the scratchy one you have by completely replicating the old shirt with the fun and ease of customization. You can put a picture of someone you love on a tee, you can brag of someone or something you are proud of. You can list accomplishments, tell about your passions or speak about your beliefs. You can even recreate a favorite shirt that you no longer wear for whatever reason. A custom-made T-shirt is the solution to your scratchy T-shirt problem.

Get your super soft, high quality custom-made T-shirt just for you and make sure you have the perfect tee for you everyday!

Why Does My T-Shirt Have Discoloration?

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Don’t you just hate it when you go out and get the absolutely perfect T-shirt and after the first time you wash it, you pull it out to wear it again and you are struck by the discoloration of your new T-shirt! It just isn’t right. T-shirts are not meant to be something that you wear just one time. They should endure numerous wearings and still look good. So what is behind those mysterious discolorations? Surprisingly, it could be any of a number of things.

T-shirt discoloration can easily result from spills and stains that occurred while you were wearing the T-shirt. Unfortunately stains can set in and become hard to remove if you do not treat them promptly. Sometimes we don’t even see the stain until it has gone through the wash and dry cycle. That dry cycle is hard on stains as the heat tends to set them and make them very hard to get rid of. The trick to avoiding discoloration of your favorite T-shirt is to check it carefully for stains before laundering, so they can be treated properly. If you notice a stain on your T- shirt, treat it immediately in order to avoid it becoming permanent. Before putting it in the dryer, make sure the stain is completely gone. If not, treat it again and re-wash it.

T-shirt discoloration may also be a result of bad dyes used in the dying process of the yarn or a sub-standard technique used while coloring the textile. Major fading often occurs on very cheap products. If they have not been dyed properly using quality products, you run the risk of the color bleeding, running or fading fast. It will only get worse with every wash. Adding table salt to your very first wash of a new item of clothing will help to set the dye in it. This will reduce color fading and help you keep your clothes looking newer and more vivid longer.

If you have a T-shirt that suffers from discoloration, it may be time to invest in a new one. If you want to make sure that you never have to contend with such issues again, the key is to make sure you purchase quality T-shirts. By buying only custom-made T-shirts, you will ensure top quality products that do as you expect them to. You can also choose the absolute perfect color and style to coordinate with the other clothes in your closet. You can even personalize the T-shirt in any way you’d like. Some of the great things people do with customized T-shirts include:
•    state their beliefs
•    show their support of a particular cause
•    brag about someone or something they are proud of
•    flaunt their hobbies
•    show they belong to a group
•    make a joke about their profession or spouse
•    tell about accomplishments
•    commemorate special events and much more.

Get your high-quality custom-made T-shirt today and never worry about discoloration from poor dye jobs again.

How to Avoid Stretching Your T-Shirt

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How do you find that perfect fit? You know a t-shirt that flatters your body in all the right places and just makes you more confident when you’re wearing it. Finding the perfect fit can be difficult and may take many hours of trying on one t-shirt after another until, by what you may believe is a miracle, you find it! Now that you’ve found your perfect fitting shirt, you have a new problem, how to keep it fitting just like the day you bought it. We’ve all had the experience of buying a clothing item that fits perfectly the first time you wear it. But after you wash it once, it’s never the same again. So what are you to do? How do you avoid stretching your perfect fitting t-shirt?

Proper clothing care is the first step in preventing stretching and hopefully preserving your perfect fit. As much as you may want to avoid it, you do eventually have to wash your perfect fitting t-shirt. When you take the plunge, wash it in cool water in your washing machine. Then either hang it to dry or tumble dry it on low in your dryer. So you can avoid hauling out the iron and ironing board, you may want use the dryer. However, make sure that you frequently check your shirt during the drying process. If you’re not careful, the evil twin of stretching, which is shrinking, may occur. Using these steps is the best offense for keeping your t-shirt from stretching by maintaining, as closely as possible, the clothing fibers in the same position as when you bought the t-shirt.

A perfect fitting t-shirt is one that hugs your body. For women, this style helps show off the curves of her silhouette. For men, it clings ever so slightly in the chest and arms to show off all the work he’s done at the gym on his pecs and biceps. Your t-shirt does just that and is perfect for you. When friends and family see how good your t-shirt looks on you, they may ask to borrow it or even just try it on. Beware! If you want to avoid stretching, you need to refrain from being your usual kind self. This shirt is a one of a kind work of art just for your body. All those hours spent shopping could be undone by a few extra pounds or the slightly different body shape of your friend or family member. If they suggest your t-shirt it can be shrunk if it is stretched out, don’t become weak and give into their request. Going down that road can open you up to a repeating cycle of shrinking and stretching as you try to get those clothing fibers back to that perfect position.

Finally, it is also important to carefully consider any layering you do with your t-shirt. Depending upon how closely the shirt hugs your body, even another thin t-shirt underneath could stretch it.

Although with a little care and extra work, you can keep your t-shirt from stretching, it is smart to always be on the lookout for another perfect fitting t-shirt. Owning a few of them can keep you from freaking out should stretching accidently happen just before an important date.

Top 3 Methods for Getting Stains Out Of Your T-Shirt

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Isn’t it the most frustrating thing ever when you are wearing a perfectly clean, nice T-shirt and all of a sudden you look down and there is a stain? What’s worse is if you missed a stain and it’s gone through the washer and dryer and emerged with a stain that simply can’t be missed and is now set-in. Knowing how to fight a variety of T-shirt stains with success will save you money and frustration. Below are the top 3 methods for getting stains out of your T-shirt.

The Dish Detergent Method

This is the best way to get out those pesky greasy stains that show up especially well on colors. They are often the result of cooking splatters or getting a drop of something on your tee. After the wash, it looks like it’s gone, but once the shirt is dry the grease has remained, as large as life. The solution is in using regular liquid dishwashing detergent that you would use for washing dishes by hand. Choose a brand that brags about its grease-fighting formula. Squirt it directly on the stain and let it soak it. You can even give it a little scrub with a soft toothbrush for more stubborn stains. Then wash the T-shirt again in the hottest water that is safe for it, and presto the grease stain will be gone.

The Bleach for Unbleachables Method

So often we can’t use regular bleach on annoying stains, because of the color of the T-shirt, the washing instructions or for fear of damaging a print or design. The trick to getting rid of stubborn stains is to soak the item overnight in bleach for unbleachables. This product is designed to deal with stains without damaging colors and fabric, and given the right amount of time, it will do so.

The Laundry Booster Method

There are a variety of things you can add to your laundry detergent to aid in getting stains out. Some things are commercially sold as such, like the oxygen-based cleansers, while others may be intended for different use. Products that remove iron from water are great laundry boosters for yellow stains. Another great tip is to add borax to your laundry to help remove pesky stains from T-shirts. This natural product is great at helping laundry detergents do their job better. Remember that it is very toxic to people and animals and should be treated as such.

If you have tried these top 3 methods for removing stains from T-shirts and nothing has worked, I highly recommend the I give up method. You simply decide to use your stained T-shirt for messy jobs around the house or some other purpose and get a new one. You can recreate any favorite T-shirt by ordering a custom-made one to replace the one that you have given up on.

Order your custom-made T-shirt today for the perfect solution to stubborn stains that just won’t come out.

How Can I Remove Grass Stains From My T-Shirt

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Removing stains from T-shirts or any item of clothing can be challenging. Pesky stains can easily ruin your favorite clothing and unfortunately they happen so easily. Often times you are enjoying yourself or even just doing day to day things and look down to see a stain on your shirt. Luckily with a little work and some knowledge on your side, you can get just about any stain out of your T-shirts, even grass stains.

The particular challenge involved with getting grass stains out of any clothing is that typically these types of stains are ground in. It’s actually pretty hard to find grass stains that are not ground in. So no matter which pre-treatment you choose to use on your grass stain, be sure to work it in gently by rubbing it a little with a cloth or a soft toothbrush, so you get the entire stain.

Since grass is a protein-based stain, you will need to treat it with an enzyme-based pre-treatment and laundry detergent. Rub the pre-treatment into the stain and let it sit, so it can start to work. Once you put the tee in the washer with the detergent, let it agitate for a minute or so and then turn off the washer and let the T-shirt soak in the soapy water for a little while. When the shirt is finished washing, check carefully to make sure the stain is gone before putting it in the dryer, because the heat from it will set the stain.

If after this initial treatment you still have a grass stain on your T-shirt, there are other things you can do. By applying rubbing alcohol to the grass stain with a sponge, you should be able to lift much of the remaining stain out and then re-launder as usual. You can also use chlorine bleach or color-safe bleach on the stain to get it out, depending on the care instructions for your T-shirt. Remember the key to successfully removing grass stains or any stain is to get to them as soon as possible.

If you still have a grass stain after all this hard work, you might just want to throw in the towel and use your stained T-shirt for puttering around in the garden. If it’s one of those shirts you just love, you can have it recreated by ordered a custom-made T-shirt. By doing so, you can choose the color, style, design and text that you want for the absolute perfect tee. If you have frequent grass stain problems, you might even want to have a grass stain T-shirt made so you don’t have to worry about getting such stains out.  You can have a fun line of text like one of the ones below added to a T-shirt to create such a useful shirt.

•    Official grass stain shirt
•    I got these stains playing soccer
•    Don’t ask about the grass stains on my shirt
•    I don’t do stain treatments
•    Grass stains are cool

Get your custom-made grass stain T-shirt or replacement T-shirt now.

How Do You Remove Sunblock From A T-Shirt

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Sunblock stains on T-shirts are common summertime laundry problems and they can be difficult to deal with. Often sunblock stains do not even show up right away, but may turn up as yellow or orange stains with time. If you are on top of sunblock stains, watch for them and know what to do about them, you can keep your favorite T-shirts looking great.

The best way to prevent stains is to carefully wash T-shirts in an enzyme-based detergent if they have been in contact with sunblock. Be sure to check the tee before putting it in the dryer, as heat will aid in setting the stain, making it even harder to get rid of. If you find that a T-shirt has made it through the washer and has a sunblock stain on it, you need to pre-treat it, let is soak and then rewash it.

Since sunblock is an oil-based product and is often waterproof, care must be taken in removing such stains from a T-shirt or your shirt may be permanently stained. Treat your T-shirt as you would for any item of clothing that came into contact with a greasy mess. You can use dish detergent that has grease-fighting properties as a pre-treatment. You can also apply a protein-based stain treatment that is good at dealing with oily stains. If the laundry detergent you use is protein-based, you can also pre-treat with it. After applying the pre-treatment, let it sit for at least a half hour, although overnight is best. Rub it in gently to make sure it gets into the fibers of the clothes. Then wash the T-shirt in the hottest water that is safe for it.

If you do get to the point of seeing those unsightly yellowish stains appear on your T-shirt, there is still hope. Bleach and vinegar are often helpful with small or light colored stains. For bigger or darker ones, there are bathroom cleaners on the market that advertise that they remove rust and hard water stains. You may use those in your laundry to remove those impossible sunblock stains that nothing else will work for. Just be sure to not mix those cleaners with other detergents or bleach. Wash once with the bathroom cleaners and then a second time with laundry detergent for the clean scent and soft feel.

A great solution to sunblock stains is to opt for T-shirts that are darker in color and will not show the discoloration from such stains. You can also try to prevent the stains by putting on your T-shirt only after your sunblock has dried. You can also try having a little fun with the idea of sunblock stains and having a T-shirt custom-printed with something like:
•    Official Sunblock Stain T-shirt
•    Yes, I wear sunblock. See the stains!
•    My sunblock did this (arrows pointing to collar and sleeves)

If your favorite T-shirt gets ruined by sunblock, don’t despair. Thanks to custom-made T-shirts, you can now recreate your favorite T-shirt exactly. In fact, you can even get a couple of them in case it happens again.

Get your custom-made sunblock T-shirt today and enjoy the sun safely.

The Fastest Way to Dry a Shirt Without Using a Dryer

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People use dryers because they are so fast and convenient. While drying clothes used to take up a lot of time for people before dryers were commonly available, today it takes one to two hours for a load to become dry in a clothes dryer. However, there are a number of times when people don’t wish to use a dryer. For some fabrics, it isn’t an option because of the risk of damaging the item of clothing. For t-shirts, there are many times when you need one dried as quickly as possible and you don’t have a drier available. That’s when you have to try and recreate some of what makes the drier work- heat and the movement of air.

There are a number of ways to dry clothes without using a dryer, though none will be as fast as using one. Perhaps the fastest way to dry a shirt without a dryer is to hang up the t-shirt and to allow it to be blown by a fan. Something that is blowing air across the shirt will dry it far faster than simply hanging the t-shirt up to dry and letting it drip dry on its own. Some people lay their shirt on a radiator, but the heat alone won’t dry it quickly. If you can point a fan at the radiator, the t-shirt will get both the air and the heat it needs to dry quickly.

The movement of air can be utilized in other ways as well if a fan is not available. An air register can be used in place of a fan, or the shirt may even be hung on a ceiling fan. Many people use outdoor wind power to dry their clothes. If you have a clothes line or a place to hang an item of clothing outdoors, this will be the fastest way to dry the clothing if it is a sunny day with a breeze. If the day is overcast or it is late in the evening, it will take considerably longer to dry the shirt with this method.

Even without a windy day, direct sunlight will be a quick way to dry the clothing. The sun will dry a shirt almost as quickly as a fan or an air register. If you are still wearing the shirt and it would be difficult to take it off to dry it, try keeping it on and staying out in the sunlight. If you remain in direct sunlight, you will be able to dry the shirt much more quickly than if you laid the shirt flat to dry or hung it up to drip dry. Many people find sun-drying to be the easiest quick method, even if it isn’t quite as fast as using a fan.

If you have a fan outdoors, you can keep the shirt in the sunlight while allowing it to be blown by the fan. This gives the t-shirt the best of all the fast-drying methods- sunlight, heat and moving air.

What Causes T-Shirts to Shrink?

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T-shirts are generally made from cotton because of its many positive qualities. Cotton is inexpensive, it is a natural fiber that breathes well and allows moisture to escape instead of stay on the skin. It is also incredibly soft to the touch. Many consider it to be the most comfortable fabric in the world. The use of cotton in t-shirts, however, means that they will shrink slightly if there is a high percentage of cotton in the shirt.

Cotton shrinks when it is exposed to heat for any length of time. The way that many people wash their clothes will usually expose the clothing to a great deal of heat. The clothes are often washed in warm or hot water, exposing t-shirts and other items to hot water for a prolonged period of time. When washing t-shirts, they can be kept from shrinking during the washing stage by washing them in cold water instead.

The second part of the laundry cycle, drying the clothes, is another source of heat exposure. The heat from dryer cycles is what causes a great deal of cotton shrinkage. This happens because the heat of a dryer is intense and prolonged. A complete dryer cycle may take an hour or longer, exposing the t-shirt and other items to a very long period of heat. This can be avoided if needed by using a different dryer cycle. Most dryers have a tumble dry cycle that dries clothes without heat. The tumble dry setting does just what the name implies- it tumbles the clothes over and over again, keeping them moving through the air in the dryer. This dries the clothes without the use of heat, though it may take longer for the clothing to become thoroughly dry.

There are other occasions when a t-shirt can become hot while not being washed or dried. There are many people who wear a t-shirt swimming or doing other outdoor activities that cause the shirt to become wet. This can include washing the car, watering plants, etc. Staying outdoors to warm yourself in the sun is a quick way to dry off, but it can also cause the t-shirt to heat up, causing it to shrink. To avoid this type of shrinkage, go indoors when you want to dry the shirt. It can be taken off and placed on a flat surface to dry. This will keep it cool and avoid any heat that will shrink it.

Line drying clothes is a good way to cut down on electricity and to give clothes a fresh, natural smell. However, line drying clothes on a hot day can also cause cotton clothing to shrink. The heat from the sun will act on the water in the shirt, heating it up and causing the natural shrinking of cotton. To avoid this reaction, laundry can be dried indoors in a bathroom. Simply hang the clothing over a shower curtain rod or lay the items flat in a bathtub. Or, wait for cool, overcast days to line-dry the shirt.

Why is My T-Shirt Neck Yellow?

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For some people and on some occasions, white t-shirts do have a tendency to turn white around the collar. Generally, colored t-shirts may experience some discoloration at the collar, but it may not be a noticeable yellowing as with white t-shirts. Because white t-shirts are white, they will much more noticeably the same effects of wear that are occurring on darker colored clothing.

The combination of sweat and body oil often leads to a discoloration of t-shirts that is hard to get rid of. These stains can appear under arms as well as on the collar. The collar, however, sometimes gets oil from both the skin and from the hair. It is also an area that is prone to sweat from the neck as well as the head, leaving it more likely to be stained than any other part of the shirt. This yellowing may start out slowly, but after many wears, the yellowing will get worse.

The yellowing most often occurs with t-shirts that are worn in hot weather or during physical exercise. The extra sweat during these times laves the t-shirt far more yellowed at the collar than one that is worn in cool weather or when a person is not sweating. In someone without oily skin, a t-shirt that is worn when the wearer is not sweating may not yellow at all.

If the collar yellowing becomes a problem, there are a few ways to tackle it. The t-shirt can be washed with a number of things that should help to break up the oils and take away some of the damage that has been done. The shirt can be washed with some dishwashing soap to get rid of some of the oil. This should be done in a sink, however, and never in a washing machine. The dishwashing liquid can be rubbed around the collar and then washed out with cold water by hand.

Another remedy for a yellow collar is to use baby shampoo on the collar. Baby shampoo is gentle enough not to cause any damage to the fabric, but it is made to break down oils. A stronger shampoo can be used if the baby shampoo is not effective.

Bleach can do some good against yellow stains as well. Bleach, however, can damage fabrics if too much of it is used. It can be used in small quantities around the collar or use a bleach pen to add drops of bleach exactly where you want them. Then, wash the t-shirt in hot water.

Using a stain spray before washing the t-shirt may help to lighten the stain. The sprays are often color-safe bleach that is stronger than standard washing detergent and can be used for spot treatments. There are also pre-treating pens that work much like the sprays. After using one of these treatments, let the t-shirt sit for at least 10 minutes to absorb the pre-treatment, then wash the t-shirt in hot water. This should lift some of the stain, particularly if the yellowing is new.

How To Get Toothpaste Off My T-Shirt

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There are many horrible stains that can be very pesky to deal with on your favorite T-shirt. Luckily, toothpaste is not one of them. It is in fact one of the easier stains to remove. Generally, you can just throw the shirt into the washing machine and it will come out clean. The key is, as with all stains, to not let it set in, especially if it is a colored gel or whitening toothpaste.

In fact regular white toothpaste, not the gel kind, is recommended to use as a stain remover for certain kinds of oily makeup stains, fresh marker stains, crayon stains and more. In fact plain, cheap toothpaste is a multi-purpose stain remover for white T-shirts with stains of all kinds. If you are wearing a white T-shirt and happen to get a colored stain on it, many tipsters recommend covering up the stain with plain white toothpaste to help you get through the day if you can’t deal with the stain right away. In addition to T-shirts, toothpaste is also suggested for cleaning carpet, shoes and more.

However, if you happen to get a glob of toothpaste on your T-shirt, it is in your best interest to scrape off the excess immediately and soak the T-shirt. This is especially true for dark T-shirts which have received a whitening toothpaste glob. Whitening toothpaste contains bleach and therefore can leave bleach marks on dark shirts, ruining the shirt irreparably. For this reason, getting to the stain as soon as possible is very important.

If you are getting ready for work and happen to get toothpaste splatters on your dark-colored T-shirt as you are brushing your teeth, you can attempt to get them out with a wet cloth. This sometimes works if the splatter is still wet. However, toothpaste really does need to be washed out with lots of soap and water typically. Therefore, your best bet, especially if you are crunched for time is to throw the T-shirt in soak and get another one.

If you are unlucky enough to not catch those whitening toothpaste stains in time and you end up with a spotty shirt, you can always choose to dye it or put it in the stock of clothes you use around the house when cleaning. Bleach of any kind is the worst thing that can meet your clothes.

Custom-made T-shirts are great for those sloppy tooth brushers. You can get a T-shirt made that pokes fun at your clumsiness or that talks about the benefits of toothpaste stain removal. Some fun options to print on a T-shirt include:
•    Official Tooth Brushing Shirt
•    Step 1: Clean Teeth, Step 2: Remove T-shirt with toothpaste splatters
•    I hate toothpaste splatters
•    Toothpaste stains suck
•    New markers for 2 year old – $3, White toothpaste to remove marker stains from sofa and carpet – $2, Saving 2 year old’s derriere – Priceless

Get a fun custom-made T-shirt and show off your feelings about toothpaste and stains today.

How to Prevent the Neck of Your T-Shirt from Stretching

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There are many t-shirts that end up looking a little loose around the collar. When the neck of a t-shirt gets stretched out too far, it can make it a little less comfortable. It also makes it look wrinkled and a little worn out. There are several things that people do to stretch out the collar of their t-shirts. By avoiding those pitfalls, you can avoid the over-stretched collar look.

One of the ways that t-shirt necks get stretched is by changing the shape of the shirt. This can happen when the shirt is wet. One of the most important ways to avoid stretching out the neck is to never put on a t-shirt while it is wet. Even if the shirt is only damp, putting it on will stretch the neck a little. Dry a t-shirt until there is no moisture left in it before putting it on.

Unfortunately, there is the possibility of a t-shirt getting wet while it is being worn. If something is spilled around the neck area, or if sweat or rain causes the shirt to become wet, allow the shirt to dry out before taking it off. You can stand in front of a fan to make this go quicker, or you might sit in the sun.

When a t-shirt is wet, also avoid hanging it on a hanger. This can make the neck of the shirt stretch in both directions as the weight of the water in the shirt stretches it downward on the hanger. If you want to hang it up to dry, fold the t-shirt over the bottom of the hanger. Or, simply lay the shirt flat to dry instead of hanging it up. This will actually keep the shirt’s shape all over- not just at the neck.

To further protect a t-shirt from being stretched at the neck, avoid using hangers. Stretching the neck of a dry t-shirt over a hanger may not change the shape of it right away, but after it has been hung up many times, the neck will be stretched to some degree. T-shirts can be folded and put into a drawer for the best results. This will keep the neck area flat and keep it from being tugged down by gravity. Some people worry about their folded shirts developing wrinkles. But, cotton is a very soft fabric. This makes t-shirts are unlikely to wrinkle, even if they are folded. If a t-shirt does develop a wrinkle or two, simply put it into the dryer for a minute or two to smooth them out.

Another way to keep the shape of the neck is to be careful when putting it on. Some people get into the habit of stretching a shirt with their hands before they put it on. Others let the shirt linger too long on the head while it is being put on. Both of these habits may be unconscious, so being aware of the way the shirt is being put on is the key.

Can I Take The Design Off My T-Shirt?

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From time to time people ask “Can I take the design off my T-shirt?” The short answer is no. If you happen to have a t-shirt that you no longer like and want to change it, there are things you can do, but taking the design off the shirt is not one of them. All the various processes that are used to print T-shirts result in a permanent design. Certain quality of prints do not wear as well as others and may look like they may be coming off or disintegrating, but if you try to remove them yourself, the result will be disastrous. In all likelihood, you will destroy the T-shirt in question by making holes and rips in it. However, even if you succeed in getting lettering or designs off a shirt without too much damage, you will be left with the outline of the design below in a different shade than the rest of the shirt. In short, it’ll be ugly!

If you have come to the point of hating the design of your shirt, you will be relieved to know that you have solutions other than taking the design off your shirt. You can dye the shirt to the predominant color in the design, so that it blends in with the shirt and is not noticeable. You may be able to find a printer who will print something over the existing design. You can also have something printed on another part of the shirt to correct the error. For example, if you have a great comfy T-shirt that says “I love George” but you just don’t anymore, you can have NOT added below the existing line and your tee is perfect again.

However, the logical solution to a T-shirt with a design you don’t like is to get rid of it and get a new one. Custom-made T-shirts are the perfect way to go if you are looking for a new T-shirt. You can choose one in the color and style you want. You can personalize it any way you like. You can hand choose your favorite new T-shirt made to your exact specifications. The list of what you can have printed on a custom-made T-shirt is endless. Here is just a sample of the things you can print on a custom tee:
•    a picture of your favorite person
•    information about a cause you believe in
•    a picture of your favorite thing, animal, place, food, sport, etc.
•    a cartoon
•    dance steps
•    your personal slogan
•    your name
•    your feelings or mood
•    things you love
•    things you hate
•    your nationality
•    a flag or map of a country, state or city
•    your accomplishments
•    your goals
•    your religious beliefs
•    advice to others

Get yourself a new favorite T-shirt today. Have it custom-made in the design you want that says exactly what you want it to say. As for the tee with the design you no longer like, find it a new home! Surely someone will like it.

Makeup Be Gone! Tips on Removing Makeup Stains from Your Favorite T-Shirt

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Let’s face it – we’ve all had this happen to us at some point or another. You’re getting ready for a big night out with a new date, or a fun day of shopping with your best girlfriend, when suddenly – whoops! Your makeup has gone from on your face to all over your most treasured t-shirt. As if that isn’t bad enough, you only have five minutes remaining until your friend or date shows up. If this has happened to you, don’t panic! There are simple and inexpensive tricks to use that can easily remove any makeup stain from your t-shirt – and many of the items you may already have stashed in your fridge or beauty cabinet. So before you decide to change your t-shirt, try a few of these shortcuts and watch how quickly those stubborn makeup stains will disappear!

Grab a makeup sponge or a slice of bread.
No, you’re not going to be making a sandwich. Makeup sponges and bread (white works best) are some of the most effective materials for erasing stubborn makeup stains, as they act as natural absorbers that soak up oil and powder. Gently rub the sponge or slice of bread on the makeup stain for maximum effect. Makeup sponges are also highly effective against dreaded deodorant stains, so make sure to always keep a stash in your purse!

Raid your kitchen cupboard.
Is that stain still refusing to give up without a fight? Head to your kitchen cupboard and grab a bottle of white vinegar and a light-colored washcloth. Pour just a bit of vinegar onto the cloth and gently dab at the stain until it completely disappears. Remember, vinegar should not be used on cotton material, so be sure to check your t-shirt’s label before using this method!

Get out the shaving cream.
Sounds peculiar, but shaving cream (not gel) is one of the most effective stain-fighters out there. Apply a bit of cream to a light-colored cloth (remember to never use dark colors, as this can bleed into your t-shirt’s fabric) and dab at the stain. Once you’ve completely covered the stain with shaving cream, rinse it out with a bit of club soda. Club soda acts as a great stain remover, but if you don’t have any on hand, water is fine as well. Be sure not to dry out your t-shirt until the stain is completely removed, as this can cause the stain to set in.

When all else fails…
If these neat little home tricks haven’t worked, grab a stain-remover pen (you can find them at your nearest pharmacy or grocery store) and dab the tip onto the stain. Be sure to follow all directions for maximum stain-fighting power.

As you can see, makeup stains don’t necessarily spell doom for your favorite t-shirt, especially with all the home remedies and stain-fighting products that are available today. All it takes is a little creativity – and a bit of patience! – and that stubborn makeup stain will disappear in no time at all!

How to Make the Print on a T-Shirt Last Longer

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Most print used on t-shirts today is superior to the print used decades ago. That print wore off easily, leading to the crackled appearance that appeared after just a couple of washings. Today’s t-shirt print can still fade after a number of washings. The print can be made to last longer with a little bit of extra care.

The print on a t-shirt usually fades from being washed. The key, then, is to take care during each washing and to make sure that the t-shirt is washed as gently as possible. Rubbing up against other clothing in the wash is one of the causes of fading during washing. The repeated friction of the t-shirt against other items can be avoided with one simple step. Start the special treatment by turning the t-shirt inside out. This will minimize the contact that the printed area has with other items in the same load.

The temperature of the water when the t-shirt is being washed is also a factor. For an especially dirty shirt, most people want to wash it in hot water to get rid of all the dirt. This hot water, however, can contribute to the print fading before it should. Hot water is hard on clothes of any type, and printed clothes can particularly feel the effects of it. Try washing the t-shirt in cold water instead. If this isn’t enough to get the dirt out of the t-shirt, try to soak the shirt first to loosen the dirt. You might also try a pre-treatment that is rubbed into the fabric to help fight the stains. A pre-treatment will not be as hard on the t-shirt as hot water and may actually lead to the dirt coming out of the shirt more easily.

Drying clothes in a clothes dryer is one of the fastest ways to break down the print. The dryer uses heat and movement to dry the clothes. Not only will the heat start to break down the print, the fast tumbling creates a friction that can help wear it out faster. To prevent this, try tumbling the shirt without the heat setting. You might also try lying the t-shirt flat to dry or letting it drip dry instead of putting it in the dryer at all. Hanging it to dry may change the shape of the shirt, however, so many people prefer to let their t-shirt lie flat.

A printed t-shirt that is often exposed to direct sunlight will also fade faster than one that isn’t. To some extent, this can’t be helped. There will certainly be times when a t-shirt is exposed to sunlight. And normal sunlight in the course of an outing won’t fade the lettering. However, a t-shirt that is often worn to outdoor sporting events will look faded before it ordinarily would. The key for thee occasions, then, is to rotate the t-shirts that are worn to these events. Having two t-shirts for weekend baseball games, then, is a much better way to preserve the print than wearing the same one each week.

How to Prevent My Cotton T-Shirts from Shrinking

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The best known characteristics of cotton are that it is natural, breathable, comfortable, and that it shrinks. A new t-shirt made from 100 percent cotton or close to 100 percent, can be expected to shrink a little after the first wash. However, there are ways to get the t-shirt to remain at its original size and to keep shrinkage at bay. It takes a little special care, but a cotton t-shirt can be kept from shrinking for as long as you own it.

The way that the t-shirt is washed will largely determine whether it shrinks and how much it shrinks. One of the main causes of shrinking in t-shirts is heat. It’s important to try to avoid applying heat to your t-shirts if you want to keep them at their original size. There are a few ways to avoid heat and keep the cotton from shrinking.

The first thing to consider when avoiding heat is how the t-shirt will be washed. Most people wash t-shirts in warm or hot water to rid it of odors and to get rid of the tougher stains. The problem with this is that the entire t-shirt will suffer for the small portion that really needs the attention. If there is a tough stain on a part of the shirt, use a little soap and cold water in the sink. Simply rub the soap across the area and rub the t-shirt repeatedly under the running water. This will get most things out of the fabric as long as they have not had a long period to set.

When you wash the entire shirt, use only cold water. Once you’ve used warm water on it even once, it will be too late to save it from shrinkage. The cold water will wash the t-shirt and will not cause it to shrink. Use a slow agitation as well when washing the shirt. If there is a slow or delicate cycle on the washer, it will provide the slow agitation that the t-shirt needs.

Drying the t-shirt is where many people accidently shrink their shirts. A hot dryer will shrink cotton that has not already been pre-shrunk. The dryer must be avoided in order to prevent shrinking. The t-shirt can be dried in a number of other ways. If it is hung out in the sun, there is a chance that the heat will shrink the t-shirt. Drying it inside is a much safer way.

The t-shirt can be laid flat on a clean surface and allowed to dry on its own. You may have to flip it over to dry the other side after a few hours. For a t-shirt that dries faster, hang it up on a hanger and allow it to drip dry. Be sure to place something under the t-shirt in order to catch the water. For an even faster drying time, place a fan next to a hanging t-shirt and let the cool air of the fan blow it dry. A t-shirt that doesn’t shrink will maintain its size and shape through many, many cold washes.

How Many Washes Will My T-Shirt Last?

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A favorite t-shirt is one of the cornerstones of any wardrobe. And, as such an important garment, it is important that it lasts a long time. The more often a t-shirt is worn and washed, the more wear it will have. A shirt that is worn rarely will always last longer than a t-shirt that is worn more often.

The guideline given for many t-shirts is that they will remain in good condition through about 50 washes as long as they are taken care of. However, a t-shirt can go through many more than 50 washes if the t-shirt is washed gently and not put into a dryer. The heat of the dryer is often what causes much of the wear to t-shirts and other garments.

The problem that usually occurs as clothing ages is that the fabric gets thinner and eventually holes develop. The dryer can make this happen sooner by making some of the threads come loose. If you’ve ever looked at your drier lint, you’ve seen how much of your clothes the dryer really pulls out of the garments. All of that lint was once a part of the garments, and each one dried will be slightly thinner because of it. No matter how a t-shirt is washed, it will last for more of those washings if it is not dried in a drier.

Another option to get more washes out of a t-shirt is to tumble dry your clothes instead of using the heat setting. This will let some air circulation dry out the clothes but will not blast them with the hot air that can cause them to age sooner than they need to.

To get still more life out of a t-shirt, it is possible to go without washing it after every wear. If the shirt has been worn for a short event, it might be able to be put away without washing it. Another trick it to not wash the t-shirt for a complete cycle, but rather to rinse it out in the sink. Rubbing the shirt with a little soap and then rinsing it off will cause less wear to it than washing it through a full wash cycle. After hand rinsing the shirt, lay it flat to dry.

There is no reason that a t-shirt that is well taken care of can’t last 100 washes or even more. A shirt will last through more washes if it is not washed on a fast washing cycle and the harshest detergents are avoided. Using bleach is certain to shorten the life of a t-shirt. A shirt that is consistently washed in bleach may last less than 10 washings. Using a gentler detergent, however, will dramatically increase that number.

To put it simply, there is no expiration date on a t-shirt. The number of washes it lasts is partly dependent on how the t-shirt is cared for and how it is washed. Caring for a t-shirt and spending a little extra time in the washing and drying process can make it last a lot longer.

How to Remove Lint From Your T-shirt

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Removing lint from a t-shirt can be a never-ending task. Trying to keep your t-shirts free of lint and in perfect condition may seem like a fulltime job. Keeping lint from your t-shirts is also one of the ways to keep your clothing, especially t-shirts, from fading and wearing over time. Proper lint removal techniques will make your clothing last long enough to give you plenty of enjoyment.

Using packaging tape, you can quickly and efficiently remove the lint without damaging you t-shirt. Place the t-shirt on a table or bed. Wrap the tape around your hand with the sticky side out. Using light pressure, slowly run the tape down the t-shirt. You can also pat at the t-shirt with the tape if you prefer, but rolling the tape seems to keep the shirt from moving too much during the process.

Another great way to remove lint is by using a hairbrush and Velcro. This tip is especially great while traveling. Buy some stick-on Velcro tabs. Put the hooked side of the tab on the back of your brush while leaving the fuzzy side on. When you need to de-lint a garment you will be ready. Pull the fuzzy side of the Velcro off and brush the hooks over the garment. The Velcro will remove the lint and hair quickly and easily. To remove the debris from the Velcro, rub it against the grain. You can then reattach the fuzzy side to the hooked side to keep the Velcro clean while not in use and prevent the Velcro from attaching itself to other items in your bags.

There are also plenty of products available on the market to help with lint removal. There are lint rollers that have a sticky substance on them that the lint attaches to. Another product is a lint removal brush. This product is very similar to the Velcro suggestion above. The brush is swept over the clothing and traps the lint. However, unlike the homemade version, this brush is said to be self-cleaning. You simply slide a lever and the lint is removed and trapped inside the storage unit until you are ready to empty it into the trash.

Lint removal mitts are also easy to use. They are essentially mittens that attract the lint all over, rather than onto a small area like a brush. The idea behind the mitt is to be able to simply brush your clothing like you normally would with your hands, but adding a mitt to make removing the lint easy.

While a product like those above may work, one way to keep lint down is through proper dryer lint filter cleaning. By making sure that the lint filter in your dryer is cleaned after (or before) each load, your dryer will work properly and keep the lint to a minimum. Your lint filter is designed to trap as much of the lint as possible, before it ends up all over your clothing. So keep your dryer lint filter clean so you will have less lint to remove later.

How to Remove Ring-Around-the-Collar from Your T-Shirts

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There are certain things that are just extra difficult to clean when it comes to laundry. One of those involves T-shirts and is referred to as ring-around-the-collar. It is a stain created usually by the sweat of the neck coming into contact with the collar area of the T-shirt. Unfortunately, sweat stains most T-shirt fabrics, leaving an oily, organic stain that is difficult to clean. However there is still hope. You can get it clean and there are even a couple of different ways to do so.

Method #1
Use an old toothbrush to apply degreaser to the collar area of the T-shirt. Gently rub in the degreaser. Put the T-shirts in cool water in the washer with oxygenated detergent afterwards. After the shirts agitate a little to ensure that they are covered with water, turn off the washer and let the shirts sit overnight in it. In the morning restart the washer and let the cycle finish.  Check to be sure the stain is completely gone, if not repeat the process. Dry as usual.

Method #2
Purchase a lanolin-based hand cleaner in a hardware store or department store. This is the type of cleaners that mechanics use to clean oil and grease from their hands. Apply it to the collar of the T-shirt and let it sit for a few minutes. Wash the shirts as usual. If the stain is not completely gone, reapply lanolin cleaner and rub gently, then rewash the T-shirt.

Method #3
For white T-shirts, make a paste using dishwasher detergent and hot water. Then apply to the collar and let it soak for a while. Wash as usual. This is not for use on colored T-shirts as it will bleach them.

Method #4
It is important to properly pre-treat ring around the collar before laundering your T-shirts. In a spray bottle mix together 2 parts household ammonia, 2 parts water and one part mild liquid detergent. Spray the mixture on the affected collar and gently rub it in using a towel or a soft brush. Let it sit for a few minutes and then wash as usual. If a yellow mark is left you will need to remove it with bleach. This is another method that works best on white T-shirts.

Method #5
Pre-treat the collar of the T-shirt with shampoo, a grease-fighting dish detergent, lemon juice or white vinegar. Gently rub it into the stain, let sit for a while and then wash in the warmest temperature recommended for the shirt.

Before you do any of these methods do a spot check on a hidden part of the shirt to make sure the treatment method is safe for the fabric.

Another way to deal with really bad ring around the collar is to use the T-shirt for cleaning purposes and buy some new ones. Get brand new custom-made T-shirts in any design you wish and remember to pre-treat the collar with a laundry pre-treatment before washing to avoid bad cases of ring around the collar.

Get a new custom-made T-shirt today and eliminate any ring-around-the-collar worries, at least for a while.

T-shirt Care and How to Make Your T-Shirt Last Longer

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The great thing about T-shirts is that they are reasonably affordable and can be customized to suit and personality. They also come in an amazing array of colors, styles, sleeve lengths, fabrics. Not to mention the multitude of different pictures and fonts that can be applied to the front and back of the shirt.

The one downside of T-shirts is that they have a tendency to wear out faster than, say, a jacket or skirt. Steady T-shirt wearers can expect about two years of wearability before the T-shirt starts to fade, rip, pill or otherwise look less than its best but it really depends on how often you wear the t-shirt.

You can halt this deterioration a variety of ways. First, when you put on the shirt, avoid yanking it over your head, stretching around your shoulders and shoving down to your waist. That continuous action is ruinous for the seams.

Also, make sure you buy the right size T-shirt to fit your frame. A person who feels their shirt is too tight will be constantly pulling it away from “trouble spots,” stretching it where it shouldn’t be stretched in order to make it “feel” better. Well, it might feel better, but an honest look in the mirror will tell you that it looks terrible.

A great-fitting shirt should feel just that – great.

You should wash the shirt in cool water with a color-protecting detergent. Make sure you wash it inside-out to protect the design (it’s a good idea to wash all of your clothes inside out as well). Stay alert! Pay attention to the washing machine cycle so you can pull it out as soon as it’s completed its final spin. Dry it in the dryer using the “normal settings.”

White T-shirts that have been worn often will eventually start forming yellowish stains around the collar and armpits. These stains are caused by sweat and deodorant, so a good way to combat this is to wait until your underams are completely dry before putting it on. Then, launder the shirt as soon as you’re done wearing it. It helps to use anti-stain products, but for stubborn discolorations, try making a paste from a super-detergent such as OxyClean. Let it sit for a while and then launder as usual.

Sometimes, though, a shirt cannot be saved and, beloved as it may be, wearing a stained T-shirt is mighty unsightly.

Finally, and this happens to the best of us, we don’t remember to remove the T-shirt from the dryer in time and it wrinkles. Or, it ends up stuffed in a drawer and it wrinkles. Or – well you get the picture. T-shirts have tendency to wrinkle, but that’s an easy enough fix.

Just set your iron to “low” or “cotton” and carefully iron them out. Be careful, though. Many a decal, iron-on transfer or custom designed logo has been ruined by an overheated, overzealous ironer. Remember to keep the shirt turned inside out, or place a towel over the trouble spot and try to unkink the wrinkle using patience and pressure.

How to Keep Your T-shirt from Fading

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One of the most common problems with t-shirts is fading. You wear your favorite shirt so often that the constant washing can cause the colors to fade and end up looking ragged and dull. Keeping your t-shirt colors bright can be a troublesome challenge. However there are a few things you can do to keep them from fading.

Before you wash your shirt, ensure that you have sorted all clothing by color to prevent your bleeding colors damaging lighter cloth. As you sort, be sure to read the label of each garment. If your t-shirt says that it needs to be washed in only cold water, you will already be prepared. There may also be special instructions if you have a printed graphic on your shirt. Washing your lighter weight clothes such as cotton t-shirts with heavier and coarse fabrics such as denim can cause damage, so wash them separately. When pre-treating your favorite t-shirt, avoid rubbing the fabric vigorously. Instead, blot the spot gently and allow the garment to soak in cool water for 15 minutes.

During the wash, make sure that you read the items washing instructions. As a general rule of thumb, darker and brighter fabrics are better washed in cool water, since hot water can cause the dye to release from the fabric causing fading and bleeding onto other garments. Washing the t-shirt inside out will also help protect it from the dreaded fading and pilling which can cause a dull look. Never overstuff the washer. Allow room in the washer to allow the clothing to circulate, helping prevent damage. An overstuffed washer can prevent the soap from rinsing out, causing a dull and faded look.

Once your t-shirt is washed, you can’t slack off yet. Fading can also happen during the drying phase, so take precautions. During the dry cycle, keep the t-shirt inside out. This is especially important if you shirt has something printed on it, as it can help keep your picture or saying in place as well as prevent it from cracking and fading. Overstuffing the dryer can cause severe damage to clothing so avoid putting too much in at one time. Do not over-dry the garments. Too much heat causes damage resulting in faded clothing over time. Setting your timer and pulling clothes out while still slightly damp will help prevent fading. If you line dry, avoid direct sunlight. The direct rays can cause damage and make your black shirt look gray after a while.

Taking care of your clothes by washing and drying them properly is a great way to ensure you will be able to wear them for a while. While it may take a little extra effort on your part, you will save money by having to buy clothing less often, since they won’t be damaged so quickly. You can avoid all the fading a dullness that plagues t-shirts with just a few extra minutes during laundry time. Your favorite t-shirt is irreplaceable, so take care of it. You will be glad you did.