How to Wash Sublimation Fabrics – Proper Care and Maintenance
- Fabric Base
- Mar 24
- 4 min read
How to Wash Sublimation Fabrics – Proper Care and Maintenance
Properly caring for sublimation fabrics is essential to maintain the vibrant prints and high-quality finish that sublimation printing offers. At Fabric Base Inc., we supply high-end sublimation fabrics including Minky, Velboa, Cotton blends, and Polyester-based fabrics designed for a wide range of applications. Whether you're creating clothing, home décor, or custom products, knowing how to wash and care for sublimated fabrics can extend their lifespan and keep the prints looking sharp.
1. Always Check the Care Label
Before washing any sublimated fabric, always refer to the care label for fabric-specific instructions. This is essential, as some fabrics may have unique care requirements based on the fiber content or printing technique used. Proper care is crucial to preserve the print's quality and the fabric’s texture.
2. Wash Sublimation Fabrics in Cold Water
To ensure the longevity of your sublimation prints, wash the fabric using cold water (preferably 30°C or 86°F). Hot water can cause the dye to break down or cause the fabric to shrink, leading to distorted or faded designs. Cold water preserves both the vibrancy of the colors and the integrity of the fabric, making it the best option for sublimated fabrics.
3. Use Mild Detergent
For best results, use a mild liquid detergent when washing sublimated fabrics. Harsh detergents or powdered detergents may leave residues on the fabric and affect the appearance of your sublimation prints. It’s best to avoid any detergents that contain bleach or strong chemicals, as these can damage the fabric and cause the sublimation ink to fade prematurely.
4. Avoid Fabric Softeners and Bleach
Fabric softeners and bleach should be strictly avoided when washing sublimation fabrics. Fabric softeners leave behind a residue that can negatively impact the texture of the fabric, while bleach can cause the print to fade or even ruin it entirely. If you want to maintain your sublimation fabrics' softness, consider a gentle detergent made specifically for delicate fabrics.
5. Turn Your Garment or Fabric Inside Out
To protect your sublimated print, always turn the fabric inside out before washing. This helps minimize direct contact between the fabric’s print and other clothing or washing machine surfaces, reducing friction and preventing potential fading or cracking of the design. Turning the fabric inside out is especially important for sublimated fabrics like Minky and Velvet.
6. Use a Gentle Cycle or Hand Wash
When washing sublimated fabrics in a washing machine, choose a gentle cycle. This prevents excessive agitation that can damage the fabric or the sublimation print. For delicate fabrics like Minky, Faux Fur, or Velvet, it’s recommended to hand wash them to avoid any potential damage or shrinkage caused by the machine. The gentler the wash cycle, the better for preserving the quality of the fabric and print.
7. Air Dry for Best Results
Air drying is the best method for drying sublimated fabrics. Hang the fabric to dry naturally or lay it flat on a clean, dry surface to maintain the fabric’s shape and texture. Avoid using high heat in a tumble dryer, as high heat can cause the fabric to shrink and potentially damage the sublimated print.
If you must use a dryer, ensure the setting is on low heat or no heat to preserve the integrity of the fabric and print. Over-drying can lead to colors fading, fabric distortion, and print damage.
8. Ironing Sublimation Fabrics
If you need to iron sublimated fabrics, avoid direct contact with the printed areas. The heat from the iron can ruin the print or affect the fabric’s texture. Instead, iron on the reverse side of the fabric or use a cloth between the iron and the fabric to protect the print. For delicate fabrics like Minky or Velvet, it is generally best to avoid ironing altogether.
9. Dry Cleaning – Use with Caution
Although dry cleaning is not typically recommended for sublimation fabrics, certain specialty fabrics may have specific dry cleaning instructions. However, the chemicals used in dry cleaning can interfere with the sublimation prints, potentially causing the colors to fade or the fabric texture to change. It is always best to check the care label for dry cleaning instructions before opting for this method.
Maintaining the Quality of Your Sublimation Fabrics
By following these simple yet effective washing guidelines, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your sublimation fabrics, ensuring that the prints remain vibrant, the fabric stays soft, and your products continue to impress your customers.
At Fabric Base Inc., we are proud to offer a variety of sublimation fabrics designed to deliver luxury, durability, and exceptional quality. Our fabric collection includes Minky, Velboa, Microfiber, Polyester blends, and more – all stocked in the USA for fast shipping and consistent availability.
If you’re looking for premium sublimation fabrics, we invite you to explore our full fabric catalog here, or feel free to reach out for samples or more information.
By taking proper care of your sublimation fabrics, you ensure long-lasting quality and vibrant prints for your products, whether you're designing clothing, home décor, or custom merchandise.
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