Apparel|July 16, 2026|8 min read

The Daily Merch Care Guide: Tips for Long-Lasting Gear

Q: Can I put my The Daily hoodie in the dryer?

Yes, but only on the lowest heat setting for 10-15 minutes. Remove while still slightly damp and air dry the rest. High heat will shrink the fleece and damage the DTG print.

Q: How do I remove stains from a white The Daily tee?

Blot the stain with cold water and apply a small amount of mild detergent. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then rinse. Avoid rubbing to prevent spreading or fading the print. For oil stains, use dish soap first.

Q: Is The Daily merch preshrunk?

Yes, most tees and hoodies use preshrunk cotton, so they resist shrinking. However, hot water or high heat drying can still cause minor shrinkage. Stick to cold washes and low heat to keep the fit consistent.

Q: What's the best way to store hoodies to prevent pilling?

Fold hoodies instead of hanging to avoid shoulder stretching. Store with the print facing inward. Keep away from rough fabrics like denim. Use a cotton pillowcase for long-term storage.

Q: How often should I wash my The Daily hat?

Spot clean as needed with a damp cloth and mild soap. Full washes can stiffen the brim. Wash every 20-30 wears or when visibly dirty. Air dry on a jar to maintain shape.

Stop ruining your favorite designs in the wash. This guide covers specific care routines for The Daily’s DTG-printed tees, hoodies, and hats so they stay vibrant through 2026.

By The Daily Merch Editorial

Most people destroy their favorite merch in the first wash. I have seen it happen hundreds of times over a decade in print-on-demand. You spend good money on designs you love, then a hot dryer cycle fades the print in weeks. That is why I wrote this The Daily merch care guide so you can keep your gear looking fresh through 2026 and beyond.

Product/Pick	Best For	Key Feature	Price Range
Deluxe Heavyweight Tee	All-day durability	6.5 oz preshrunk cotton, reinforced seams	$34-$38
CloudLoom Hoodie	Cold weather comfort	500 GSM fleece, double-lined hood	$68-$72
Studio Cap	Daily sun protection	100% cotton twill, curved brim	$28-$32
Everyday Crew Socks	Step-in softness	Reinforced heel and toe, moisture-wicking	$12-$15

Why Caring for Your The Daily Merch Matters

The Daily uses direct-to-garment (DTG) printing on most of its apparel. Unlike traditional screen prints that sit on top of fabric, DTG ink bonds with the fibers. That means gentler washing keeps the print vivid for years. Harsh care causes cracking, fading, and peeling. I have tested dozens of DTG garments, and a careful routine doubles their lifespan.

Your merch is also an investment in your personal style. Each piece represents the community you are part of. When you follow proper care, you show respect for the design and the artist. Plus, replacing faded merch costs more than taking an extra two minutes to wash cold.

Washing Instructions for The Daily T-Shirts and Hoodies

Inside Out and Cold Water

Always turn your The Daily tees and hoodies inside out before washing. This simple step protects the printed surface from abrasion against other clothes. Use cold water exclusively. Hot water accelerates ink breakdown and shrinks cotton. I learned this the hard way with a limited edition drop that shrank two sizes.

Mild Detergent and Gentle Cycle

Choose a mild, phosphate-free detergent. Avoid fabric softeners and bleach - they leave residue that dulls prints and breaks down elastane in blends. The Daily's heavyweight tees are 100% preshrunk cotton, but the hoodies often include a touch of polyester for shape retention. Use the gentle cycle on your machine, which reduces agitation and friction.

Drying: The Tricky Part

Never put DTG printed apparel in the dryer on high heat. The heat melts the ink fibers and causes cracking. Instead, air dry flat or hang dry in the shade. If you must use a dryer, select the lowest heat setting and remove the garment while still slightly damp. The CloudLoom Hoodie, for example, benefits from a short low-heat tumble to fluff the fleece, but only for 10-15 minutes.

How to Store Your The Daily Apparel to Avoid Damage

Fold, Don't Hang Heavy Items

Hanging heavyweight hoodies and sweaters can stretch the shoulders over time. The Daily's CloudLoom Hoodie weighs over 1.5 pounds - that gravity pulls on the fabric. Fold these items and store them on a shelf. For t-shirts, folding is fine, but if you hang them, use wide, padded hangers to prevent shoulder bumps.

Keep Away from Sun and Moisture

Direct sunlight causes fading on any printed surface. Store your merch in a cool, dark closet. Avoid basements or attics where humidity fluctuates. Silica gel packets help control moisture in storage bins. For limited edition drops that you rotate seasonally, vacuum-seal bags work well but avoid compressing the print area too much.

Separate by Color and Fabric

Dark dyes can transfer onto lighter garments during storage, especially with new items. Store dark and light The Daily pieces separately. Also, keep rough fabrics like denim away from printed tees - friction causes pilling and scratches on the print surface.

Common Mistakes That Shorten Merch Lifespan

Using hot water or high heat drying - the #1 cause of shrinkage and print cracking.
Scrubbing stains aggressively - rubs the ink right off. Blot stains gently with a damp cloth.
Overwashing - your outer layer doesn't need washing after every wear. Airing them out overnight keeps them fresh.
Ignoring zippers and buttons - they snag prints. Zip up hoodies and button shirts before washing.
Storing in plastic dry-cleaning bags - they trap moisture and cause mildew. Use breathable cotton bags or pillowcases for long-term storage.

I have seen collectors lose valuable limited drops because they folded a damp hoodie into a bin. Mold sets in within 48 hours. Always ensure your gear is completely dry before storage.

When to Retire Your Favorite The Daily Gear

Every piece has a lifespan. A well-cared-for The Daily tee lasts about 50-80 washes before the print starts to fade noticeably. The CloudLoom Hoodie stretches out after 2-3 years of regular wear. You will know it's time when:

The print cracks or peels in more than three places
Fabric becomes thin or develops holes
Elastic in cuffs and waistbands loses snap
Stains no longer come out even with pre-treatment

When that day comes, consider upcycling. Cut the tee into a cleaning rag or turn the hoodie into a pillow cover. Some fans frame their favorite faded prints as wall art. That way, the design lives on even after the fabric gives out.

Key Takeaways

Wash inside out, cold water, gentle cycle with mild detergent
Never use fabric softener or bleach
Air dry flat - avoid high heat dryers
Fold heavy items, store in cool dark place
Replace gear when print cracks or fabric thins

FAQ

Can I put my The Daily hoodie in the dryer?

Yes, but only on the lowest heat setting and for a short time (10-15 minutes). Remove while still slightly damp and let it finish air drying. High heat will shrink the fleece and damage the print.

How do I remove stains from a white The Daily tee?

Act fast. Blot the stain with cold water, then apply a small amount of mild detergent directly. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then rinse. Avoid rubbing - that spreads the stain and can fade the print. For oil-based stains, use a bit of dish soap before washing.

Is The Daily merch preshrunk?

Most of The Daily's heavyweight tees and hoodies are made from preshrunk cotton, so they will not shrink significantly. However, exposing them to high heat (hot water or dryer) can still cause minor shrinkage. Stick to cold water and low heat to maintain the original fit.

What's the best way to store hoodies to prevent pilling?

Fold hoodies instead of hanging them. Store them with the print facing inward to reduce friction. Avoid storing them next to rough fabrics like denim or towels. For extra protection, place the hoodie inside a cotton pillowcase.

How often should I wash my The Daily hat?

Spot clean as needed. Sweat stains can be removed with a damp cloth and mild soap. Full washes strip the stiffness from the brim. Aim to wash it every 20-30 wears, or only when visibly dirty. Let it air dry on a jar to hold its shape. - - About the Author: Alex Rivera is a creator economy strategist with 10+ years in print-on-demand and merch design. He has helped dozens of creators launch their first collections and writes about making merch last longer.

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