General|June 26, 2026|7 min read

How to Care for Your Review Merch in 2026

Keep your Review apparel looking like new with professional care tips from a merch designer. Learn the best washing, drying, and storage methods for your favorite gear.

By The Merch Editorial Team

Did you know that the average printed t-shirt loses 30% of its color vibrancy after just 20 washes? That's a harsh reality for any merch collector. If you've invested in Review apparel - known for bold graphics and premium softness - you want that look to last. In this guide, I'll share professional-grade review merch care tips that go beyond the tag. I'm Mia Chen, a digital artist and print specialist who's designed hundreds of garments. These methods keep your gear looking fresh for years, not months.

Washing Your Review T-Shirts

Step 1: Turn Inside Out

Before anything, flip your shirt inside out. This shields the print from direct friction against the machine drum. Pro tip: button up any closures on hoodies to prevent snagging.

Step 2: Cold Water Only

Always wash in cold water (below 30°C / 85°F). Hot water breaks down the plastisol or water-based ink bonds. Review's 2026 line uses EcoPrint™ ink - though more durable than standard, it still prefers cold. Common mistake: using warm water thinking it cleans better. It doesn't, and it yellows whites faster.

Step 3: Gentle Cycle + Mild Detergent

Set your machine to a gentle or delicate cycle. Use a phosphate-free, enzyme-free detergent. Fabric softener? Skip it. The coatings in softeners clog the ink pores, leading to cracking. About 1 tablespoon of liquid detergent is plenty for a small load.

Step 4: Wash with Similar Colors

Don't mix a bright red Review hoodie with whites. Even after many washes, dye can transfer. Group darks with darks, lights with lights. This also prevents pilling from friction between different fabric weights.

Drying and Ironing Tips

Air Dry is King

Heat is the #1 enemy of printed merch. Hang your Review tees on a drying rack or clothesline, away from direct sunlight. Tumble drying on high can cause the print to peel in under 10 cycles. In my experience, air drying also preserves the garment's shape better.

If You Must Use a Dryer

Use the lowest heat setting (low or delicate) and remove items while slightly damp. Fold immediately to minimize wrinkles. Avoid drying the print side against the drum - turn garments inside out for dryer too.

Ironing with Care

Never iron directly on the print. The heat can melt the ink or cause it to stick. Always iron on the reverse side (inside out). Use a low heat setting (wool or synthetic) and no steam. If you must iron the front, place a thin cotton cloth between the iron and the print.

Storing Your Review Hoodies

Fold, Don't Hang

Heavy hoodies can stretch out on hangers, especially around the neck and shoulders. Fold them neatly and store on a shelf. For long-term storage, use acid-free tissue paper between folds to prevent crease marks.

Keep Away from Light

UV rays fade prints over time. Store your Review gear in a drawer or closet away from windows. If you display a hoodie, rotate it occasionally to avoid uneven sun exposure.

Use Cedar or Lavender Sachets

Moths love cotton and fleece. Cedar blocks or lavender sachets repel them without the harsh chemicals of mothballs. Place one sachet per shelf or drawer.

Dealing with Stains

Act Fast

Blot (don't rub) fresh stains with a clean cloth. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper. For oil-based stains (like pizza grease), apply a small amount of dish soap directly to the spot and let sit for 5 minutes before washing.

Pre-Treat with Baking Soda

For tough stains, make a paste of baking soda and cold water. Apply it to the stain, let dry, then brush off before washing. This works surprisingly well on ink and grass stains. Bonus: it's gentle on the fabric.

Avoid Bleach

Chlorine bleach destroys both fabric fibers and print inks. Instead, use oxygen bleach (like OxiClean) for whites - but spot test first. For colors, stick to enzymatic stain removers.

Preserving Print Quality

Wash Less Often

Merch doesn't need washing after every wear unless it's visibly dirty or sweaty. Over-washing is the #1 cause of print decline. Airing out a shirt overnight often refreshes it enough.

Separate by Print Type

Review uses both screen-printed and Direct-to-Garment (DTG) prints. Screen prints are thicker and more durable; DTG prints are softer but more delicate. Wash DTG items inside out in a mesh laundry bag for extra protection.

Use Vinegar as a Color Fixative

Once a month, add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. The mild acidity helps set dyes and prevents color bleeding. Don't worry - the smell disappears after the cycle. This trick extends the life of dark prints significantly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using fabric softener: As mentioned, it coats the print and leads to cracking. Stick to plain detergent.
Scrubbing stains aggressively: You'll create a faded patch. Blot and pre-treat gently.
Drying in direct sunlight: UV rays fade prints faster than anything else. Dry in shade or indoors.
Storing in plastic bags: Plastic traps moisture, causing mildew and ink stickiness. Use breathable cotton garment bags.
Ignoring care labels: Review's care instructions are optimized for their specific inks and fabrics. Follow them.

Pro Tips from the Community

Experienced collectors share these advanced strategies:

1. Wash new merch alone first (Matt, @ReviewFan55) - New prints may have excess ink that can transfer. Wash a new t-shirt alone on cold to set the ink safely.

2. Use a color catcher sheet (Lisa, print designer) - These sheets trap loose dye so it doesn't settle on other clothes. I pop one in for every first wash of a dark hoodie.

3. Apply a protective spray (Jake, Review enthusiast) - A fabric protector like Scotchgard (test on a hidden area first) can repel light stains and reduce friction. Reapply every 10 washes.

4. Rotate your collection - Don't wear the same Review tee twice a week. Let fibers rest between wears - this reduces pilling and maintains shape.

Recommended Gear & Products

If you want to level up your care routine, these help:

Mesh laundry bags (like the Washwell set) - They prevent snagging and fraying, especially for DTG prints. At $12 for three, it's cheap insurance.
Gentle detergent (e.g., The Laundress Sport) - Free from enzymes and brighteners that harm prints. One bottle lasts months.
Review's own care card - Included with every 2026 purchase, it's a quick reference for wash temps and ironing tips. Keep it near your machine.

Key Takeaways

Wash inside out, in cold water, on gentle cycle with mild detergent.
Air dry whenever possible; iron inside out on low heat.
Store folded away from light, and use cedar or lavender for moth protection.
Treat stains quickly with baking soda or dish soap, never bleach.
Separate by print type and wash less often to extend print life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put my Review hoodie in the dryer?

Only on low heat and inside out, and remove while slightly damp. Air drying is much better for print longevity.

How do I remove wrinkles without an iron?

Hang the garment in the bathroom while you shower. The steam relaxes cotton fibers. Then stretch gently and let dry.

Why is my Review print cracking after a few washes?

Most likely from high heat drying or washing with a harsh detergent. Switch to cold wash and low heat or air dry.

Should I wash new Review merch before wearing?

Yes, to remove any residual dyes or chemicals from the printing process. Wash alone on cold with a color catcher.

Does fabric softener really ruin prints?

Yes. The waxy coating builds up on the print surface, causing it to become stiff and eventually crack. Avoid it entirely.

General

Shop Review Merch

Official merchandise — premium quality, designed for the community.