Iron-on material is popular for use on sports uniforms.
Iron-on transfers are composed mostly of plastics and applied onto clothing via heat application. Heat-applied materials are used primarily on clothing, such as sports uniforms and graphic T-shirts. Heat, bleach, washing and drying can all cause heat-applied material to peel from articles of clothing. Several methods exist to slow the process of degrading iron-on transfers to extend the life of clothing.
Heat
Heat, especially in a clothes dryer, causes significant damage to plastic, heat-applied transfers. Iron-on transfers are usually made of plastics and have a low melting point. Clothing with such materials warp, fade, peel and disintegrate when exposed to high heat. Hang the clothing up to dry or tumble dry it on a cool setting to preserve the iron-on transfers.
Bleach
Bleach that contains chlorine destroys iron-on transfers. The chlorine causes the plastic material to fade, disintegrate and become brittle. Cracking and peeling can occur after only a few exposures to bleach. Mild soaps and detergents that are chlorine- and phosphate-free, as well as biodegradable, are best suited to preserve the graphics on shirts and sports jerseys.
Use
Normal use inevitably causes iron-on transfers to fade and peel over time. Sports contribute a lot of wear and tear on uniforms that have heat-applied numbers, letters and logos. Graphic T-shirts generally use less-durable material than sports jerseys, which causes the graphics to degrade sooner than jersey numbering and lettering.
Washing
Clothing with heat-applied transfers should always be washed inside-out in cold water. Hand-washing is the best way to preserve the material. Washing the articles inside-out in a washing machine on a gentle cycle works, too. Wash articles with like colors to prevent bleeding of colors into light-colored transfers. Articles cannot be dry cleaned due to the chemicals used in the process.
Tags: causes, peel, Clothing with, fade peel, heat-applied transfers, iron-on transfers, sports jerseys, sports uniforms
