How to Wash Iron-on Transfers

How to Wash Iron-on Transfers
Written By
Lori Soard
Lori Soard
Published: Mar 11, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

If the item is intended as a gift, pass along the care instructions to the recipient, to ensure the longevity of the piece. Though hand-washing is always preferred, follow instructions below for the washing machine method.

Things You Will Need

  • Mild laundry detergent
  • Cold water
  • Washing machine, sink or bathtub
  1. Turn the item inside out.so that the transfer is on the inside of the garment.

  2. Set the washing machine to a gentle or delicate cycle, using cold water. Wash items with iron-on transfers alone or with only a few other delicate or similar, light colored items. Leave out heavy knits or jeans, which might damage the transfer. Avoid washing dark colors with light colors, as reds and blues may bleed onto the lighter material or onto the transfer.

  3. Take the item out of the washer immediately when the final cycle completes and hang it up to air dry or lay it flat. Do not place an item with an iron-on transfer in the dryer, because the heat will damage the transfer.

The Drip Cap

  • Iron-on transfers create interesting or personalized clothing and textile home decor items.
  • However, without the proper care during laundering, these items can start to crack, fade and peel over time.
  • Avoid washing dark colors with light colors, as reds and blues may bleed onto the lighter material or onto the transfer.

Resources

Photo Credits

Jens Lambert/Demand Media

Jens Lambert/Demand Media

Jens Lambert/Demand Media

Jens Lambert/Demand Media

Jens Lambert/Demand Media

Lori Soard

Lori Soard has been a writer since 1995, covering a variety of topics for local newspapers and magazines such as "Woman's World." For five years, she served as a site editor for a large online information portal. Soard is also the author…

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