Cleaning and Stain Removal - laundering autographed t-shirt

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bren04
05-23-06, 08:04 AM
Hi,

My children had their t-shirts autographed by their classmates a few days ago. Some children used permanent sharpies, while others I'm sure, used the non-permanent type of markers. Is there anything I can put on the t-shirts to protect the autographs so that they may be washed safely? I don't want the autographs to wash out, and I certainly don't want to ruin my washing machine!

Thanks!

Docduck
05-23-06, 08:16 AM
im thinking anything that would protect the writing would also make it harder to clean the shirts..............one brainstorm would be to iron the whole shirt before cleaning to "set" the ink into the fabrics..maybe talk to a dry cleaner?
mitch17
05-23-06, 12:04 PM
The sharpie signatures should be fine, but I can't think of anything that would make the other signatures truly permanent to the extent that laundering wouldn't damage them. I think Docduck's ironing suggestion is worth trying, but don't turn the steam on.

bren04
05-27-06, 07:37 AM
Hi,

Thanks for the replies. I'll give the ironing a try - and I like the idea of talking to a dry cleaner, too. I'll probably try hand washing it the first time....just in case it does run.
twelvepole
05-31-06, 08:15 AM
Water soluble inks will fade or wash out with exposure to water. They are also easily removed with solvents such as dry cleaning fluid. Heat tends not to set water soluble ink.