How to Care for Your Not Another D&D Podcast Merch

What You Need to Know

You just got your hands on that new Bahumia hoodie or a Moonshine t-shirt, and you want it to look great for years. But screen-printed designs on cotton can fade, crack, or shrink if you toss them in the wash without a second thought. This NADDPOD merch care guide walks you through the exact steps to keep your gear vibrant and comfortable. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a longtime fan, after reading you'll know how to wash, dry, and store each piece to extend its life.

Quick Picks: Best Practices at a Glance

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Sort and Turn Inside Out

Pro tip: Separate lights and darks. A white Hardwon tee can pick up dye from a dark Balnor hoodie, so wash similar colors together.

Step 2: Use Cold Water and Gentle Cycle

Common mistake: Using warm water “to get it cleaner.” Cold water with a quality detergent cleans just as well for lightly soiled merch. Save energy and your prints.

Step 3: Choose the Right Detergent

Step 4: Dry Low - or Air Dry

Pro tip: Never wring out a hoodie. Squeeze gently to remove excess water, then roll in a towel and press to absorb moisture.

Step 5: Handle Stains Immediately

Step 6: Store Away from Sunlight

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using hot water on prints: Even a warm wash can soften plastisol inks, leading to cracks after a few cycles. Stick to cold.
• Putting hoodies in the dryer on high heat: Cotton blends shrink unevenly, and fleece linings can get matted. Low heat or air dry only.
• Washing with zippers and velcro: For hoodies, close all zippers and avoid washing with items that have hooks or velcro. They snag the fabric.
• Folding along the print crease: When storing, fold so the design isn't creased. A sharp fold line can crack the ink over time.
• Using spray starch or iron-on patches: These can react with the ink and cause peeling. If you need to iron, do it on the reverse side with a low setting.

Pro Tips from the Community

• The vinegar trick: Add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. It sets the dye and removes detergent residue without affecting the print. Your blacks stay blacker.
• Rotate your wardrobe: Wearing the same shirt every week? The constant washing and drying speeds wear. Rotate between 3-4 pieces to give each a break.
• Spot clean small stains: For spots on a hoodie sleeve, use a damp cloth with mild soap instead of washing the whole garment. This saves the screen print on the front from unnecessary agitation.
• Use a mesh bag for delicate items: I toss my embroidered patches and zippered hoodies in a mesh laundry bag. It prevents snags and keeps strings from tangling.

Recommended Gear & Products

To make care easy, consider a few tools from your own home or the store:

• A gentle laundry bag: A mesh zippered bag costs under $10 and protects your merch from snags. Toss your key design hoodie in one to extend its life.
• Cold-water detergent: Brands like Woolite Dark or Seventh Generation Free & Clear are worth the switch. A bottle lasts 2-3 months.
• Collapsible drying rack: For about $20, you can air dry multiple items at once. It’s a small investment that keeps your gear looking new.

I’ve used these methods on my own NADDPOD tees for two years and the prints still look as bold as day one. A little care goes a long way.

FAQ

Can I use bleach on my NADDPOD merch?

How often should I wash my merch?

Why is my print cracking?

Can I iron over the printed design?

How do I keep hoodie fleece from pilling?

Key Takeaways

• Turn all items inside out before washing to protect prints.
• Always use cold water and a gentle cycle - heat is the enemy.
• Air drying is best; if using a dryer, choose low heat and remove while damp.
• Store folded in a dark, cool place away from sunlight to prevent fading.
• Treat stains quickly and avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or fabric softener.