How to Wash Your The Rest Is Money Merch: A Care Guide

Your The Rest Is Money merch has been with you through every rate decision, every budget breakdown, and every thrilling markets update. The print still means something. Keep it looking sharp with these practical care steps.

Why Proper Care Keeps Your Podcast Merch Looking New

Podcast merch is more than a t-shirt - it's a badge of belonging. When you wear that "Rest Is Money" hoodie to the coffee shop, you're signaling to fellow listeners that you get it. A faded, cracked print undercuts that signal. The investment you made in quality merchandise deserves the same attention you give your favorite jumper.

These pieces are made with soft, durable fabrics, but the prints are the vulnerable part. Heat, friction, and harsh chemicals are the main culprits behind cracking, peeling, and color loss. The good news is that you're probably already 80% of the way there - the rest is just a few routine habits.

Washing Machine Settings for T-Shirts and Hoodies

The golden rule for all printed merch is to turn it inside out before it goes anywhere near the drum. That simple flip means your garment's surface texture and the print are protected from rubbing against other clothes. Zip up hoodies fully to keep the zipper from scratching the design.

Use cold water - around 30°C - and choose the gentle or delicates cycle. Your washing machine's normal mode might be fine for jeans, but it's also a test of every stitch on your shirt. Cold water prevents the fabric fibers from shrinking and keeps the print pigments locked in. For everyday wear, that's the sweet spot.

Detergent choices matter too. A mild liquid detergent does the job without laying a chemical film on the print. Skip chlorine bleach and optical brighteners altogether; they'll dull the design and weaken the fabric over time. Fabric softener is also a no-go for performance pieces - it can degrade the heat-pressed adhesive and leave a residue that attracts dust.

The same rules apply to hoodies. If your hoodie is a pullover, no extra prep needed. For zip-up styles, make sure the zip is fastened. And always sort by color - the deepest navy hoodie and a white tee shouldn't share a spin cycle, because one dark wash can leave a lasting shadow on lighter fabric.

How to Dry and Iron Without Damaging Prints

Air drying is the gentlest route. Lay your t-shirt or hoodie flat on a clean towel or a drying rack, away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can fade colors even as it dries the fabric, so a shady spot is safer. If you need to speed things up, hang the garment from its hem, not the shoulders - hangers can stretch out the neckline over time.

If you prefer the tumble dryer, use the lowest heat setting and take the item out the moment the cycle ends. Heat is the enemy of plastisol and vinyl prints. Overdrying will cause the fabric to shrink and the print to crack. If you're not sure, err on the side of damp - you can always hang it for the final 10 minutes.

Ironing needs extra care. Never place a hot iron directly on the printed area. The heat can melt or peel the design, leaving you with a sticky mess. Instead, turn the garment inside out and iron with a medium heat, or use a pressing cloth laid over the print. If you only need to de-crease, try a fabric steamer - it's even safer and won't compress the print's texture.

Storing Your Merch Between Wears

Your merch works hard, so give it a comfortable off-duty spot. T-shirts fold neatly on a shelf; hoodies can be hung or folded. If you hang hoodies, use a wide, padded hanger to prevent dimples at the shoulders. For tees, folding is usually better than hanging, since hanging can stretch the collar and cause a pointed shape over time.

Keep everything in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. A closet with a bit of airflow prevents musty smells and stops mildew from taking hold. If you're stacking, place the vivid prints face up or down? Actually, if stacking, put the item inside out or place a thin acid-free paper between layers to avoid print transfer. The goal is to minimize friction and keep the fabric's surface free from snags.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bleach on my The Rest Is Money merch?

What should I do if my hoodie has a stain?

How should I wash a hoodie with a zipper?

Can I iron my shirt to get rid of wrinkles?

Now that your gear is clean and ready, why not give it a fresh companion? Head over to the store to browse the latest The Rest Is Money collection - new drops appear when you least expect them. And if you want to stay ahead of cleaning hacks and merch news, sign up for our email list below. You'll get one thoughtful note in your inbox each month, nothing spammy.