Can You Wash Tie Dye Shirts Together?

People all over the world have been enamored with tie-dye for decades. We love tie-dye shirts and all types of other tie-die apparel because of the unique and vibrant designs that can be created. Tie-dyeing is a form of art, and the results are always different, so each shirt is a one-of-a-kind piece. Tie-dyeing is also a forgiving process, so even if your technique isn’t perfect, the finished shirt will still look great.

As much as we love creating wearable art out of plain white T-shirts, there are some challenges to keeping them clean. At The Adair Group, we provide bulk T-shirts, wholesale hoodies and more to get your next tie-dying project underway.

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Dying So That the Color Will Last

A question many people ask is if you can wash tie-dye shirts together. You don’t want to ruin all the hard work that went into creating them, but they need to be cleaned.

There is a good deal of chemistry behind tie dye, and not all dye is the same. The color fastness of the shirt depends partly on what type of dye was used. The best dye for plant fibers like cotton and linen is a fiber-reactive dye. For protein fabrics like wool and silk, you need an acid dye. The kind of dye you get at the grocery store is an all-purpose dye.

It’s imperative to use the correct type of dye when tie-dying. Using the wrong kind can result in your colors not being as vibrant or lasting as long as you’d like. It can also lead to your colors bleeding into each other, which is obviously not the look you’re going for.

Each type of dye has its own method for setting. If you want your shirt to maintain its color, be sure to carefully follow all of the directions on the package. Failure to do so will result in the color bleeding and fading quickly, no matter how you wash it.

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Tips for Washing Tie Dye

Once you’ve got your perfect tie-dye shirt, it’s essential to know how to properly care for it so it will stay looking its best. Here are a few tips to follow when washing your tie-dye shirts:

Wait 24 Hours

If you dyed the shirt yourself, it’s recommended to let it sit for 24 hours before washing it with soap or detergent. This gives the dye time to fully set.

Always Wash With Cold Water

Wash your shirts in cold water separately from other garments. Why is this important? Hot water can cause the colors to bleed, so you’ll want to avoid it at all costs. You should also avoid using any type of bleach on your shirts, as this will cause the colors to fade.

Use a Mild Detergent

The type of detergent you use to wash your tie-dye T-shirt can greatly impact the results after a wash. Choose a mild detergent that is designed for color-safe washing. Avoid using any type of fabric softener, as this can actually cause the colors to bleed.

Hang Your Shirts to Dry

Once your shirts have been washed, it’s important to hang them to dry. Putting them in the dryer can cause the colors to fade. If you must use a dryer, set it on the lowest heat setting possible.

tie dyed shirts hanging on line

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