Care & Cleaning of Custom Embroidered Apparel

Taking care of custom embroidery is all about protecting the threads from friction and heat. Here are the best practices to help ensure your gear stays looking sharp.

Caring for Custom Baseball Caps

The biggest risk to a cap is losing its shape or shrinking the internal buckram. Never put a cap in the dishwasher or dryer.

Hand Wash (Recommended)

1. Spot Test: Dip a clean white cloth in a mix of mild detergent and cold water. Dab a hidden area (like the inside sweatband) to check for color bleeding.
2. Pre-treat: If the sweatband is dirty, apply a little detergent directly and scrub gently with a soft toothbrush.
3. Soak: Fill a basin with cool water and a tablespoon of mild laundry detergent. Submerge the cap and let it soak for 30 minutes.
4. Rinse & Shape: Rinse thoroughly with cool water. Do not wring or twist the cap, as this ruins the shape. Instead, stuff it with a small towel to maintain its form while it air-dries.

Caring for Embroidered Hoodies

Embroidery can snag or fray if it rubs against other clothes or the agitator of a washing machine.

Machine Wash Steps

1. Turn Inside Out: This is the most important step! It protects the embroidery from rubbing against the drum or other garments.
2. Use a Mesh Bag: For extra protection, place the hoodie in a large mesh laundry bag.
3. Gentle Cycle: Use a “Delicate” or “Hand Wash” cycle with cold water.
4. Avoid Bleach: Even on white hoodies, chlorine bleach can yellow the embroidery threads and weaken the stitching.
5. Skip the Dryer: High heat can shrink the hoodie fabric while the embroidery stays the same size, leading to a “puckered” look. Hang dry or lay flat.