Product Care: Don’t Ruin a Good Thing

Last updated: September 3, 2026

Found something you love? Let’s keep it looking that way!

Every Since5 product comes with care instructions based on its materials and how it was made. Always check the product description and the care label first. Those instructions outrank this page because different fabrics and finishes occasionally have different opinions about how they should be treated.

When in doubt, choose cold water, gentle handling, and less heat. Heat has ruined more good things than tequila at an office party.

T-Shirts, Sweatshirts & Other Printed Apparel

Your shirt can survive regular life. It just needs a little common sense in the laundry room.

For the best results:

Turn the item inside out before washing.
Machine wash in cold water.
Use a gentle cycle.
Wash with similar colors.
Use mild detergent.
Use non-chlorine bleach only when necessary.
Tumble dry on low or hang it to dry.
Do not iron directly over the printed design.
Do not dry clean unless the product’s care label specifically allows it.

Cold water and low heat help protect the fabric, color, and printed artwork.

Turning it inside-out takes five seconds. That’s less time than standing in front of the washing machine wondering whether you already added detergent.

To help prevent stretching or tearing around the underarms, try the cross-arm method when taking off your shirt: cross your arms, grab the bottom hem, and lift the shirt up and over your head. Bonus? Your shirt ends up inside out—which is exactly how we recommend washing it anyway. Look at you, already one step ahead!

The First Wash

We know you’re excited, but please wash new apparel before wearing it.

A first wash can remove small amounts of lint or production residue and help the garment settle into its new life with you.

Follow the care label, wash it inside out, and keep the heat low. This is laundry—not an endurance test.

About Shrinkage

Some cotton garments may shrink slightly, especially when exposed to high heat.

To help prevent unwanted shrinkage:

Wash in cold water.
Avoid high dryer temperatures.
Remove the item promptly from the dryer.
Hang or lay it flat to dry when possible.

If you knowingly put a cotton shirt on the "surface of the sun" (high heat) temperature setting and it comes back smaller, the shirt did not betray you. The dryer won.

Want It Soft Without Beating Up the Design?

Air-drying is one of the best ways to help protect both the fabric and the printed design—but sometimes a shirt fresh off the clothesline has all the softness of a saltine cracker. Great for the shirt. Less impressive for your armpits.

There are a few easy ways to get the best of both worlds.

For a little extra softness, try adding 2 tablespoons of white vinegar to the rinse cycle instead of traditional fabric softener. Don't worry—once it's diluted and the wash is finished, your shirt won't smell like a pickle. The vinegar helps remove detergent residue that can build up on fabric and leave it feeling stiff.

If you're using the dryer, toss in a couple of wool dryer balls instead of dryer sheets. They'll help separate the clothes as they tumble, soften things up, and reduce static without leaving the coating that traditional fabric softeners and dryer sheets can leave behind.

Prefer the clothesline? Even better. Besides giving your laundry that Mom-hung-this-outside-while-we-were-off-somewhere-unsupervised smell, you can still get that soft, dryer-finished feel. Let your shirt air-dry until it's almost completely dry but still slightly damp, then toss it in the dryer with a couple of wool dryer balls for about 5–10 minutes. You get most of the benefits of air-drying without feeling like you're wearing lightly seasoned cardboard.

Forgot about the laundry and now everything is completely dry and crunchy? We've been there. Toss it in the dryer with a damp washcloth or hand towel and your dryer balls for a few minutes. That little bit of moisture can help relax the fabric and soften things back up.

Your shirt gets a gentler drying routine, the design gets a little less abuse, and you don't have to spend the day wondering when cotton became an exfoliating treatment.

Protecting the Printed Design

Printed artwork lasts longest when it is treated gently.

Please do not:

Iron directly over the design
Use harsh bleach
Wash in extremely hot water
Dry on high heat
Scrub the printed area
Stretch the artwork while the garment is wet
Use stain-removal chemicals directly on the print without testing first

The design is strong, but it is not interested in meeting a hot iron face-to-face.

If You Absolutely Have to Iron It...

We get it. Sometimes wrinkles refuse to take the hint.

Whenever possible, turn your shirt inside out and iron it on a low setting, following the temperature instructions on the garment's care label. Most importantly, keep the iron away from the printed design. Direct heat and printed artwork are not friends, and this is not the time to introduce them.

If the design itself absolutely needs some help, never place the iron directly on the print. Instead, lay a piece of parchment paper on your ironing board—parchment, not wax paper, butcher paper, or freezer paper. Those are different things, and today is not the day for a science experiment.

Turn the shirt right side out and place it design-side down on the parchment paper. Lightly mist the back of the shirt with distilled water (filtered water will work in a pinch), then gently iron the back side of the fabric using the appropriate temperature listed on the garment's care label.

The goal here is gentle heat, a little moisture, and absolutely no direct contact between the iron and the design.

Because "I accidentally melted my favorite shirt" is not the kind of vintage look we're going for.

Blankets and Throws

For blankets and throws:

Follow the attached care label.
Wash separately or with similar colors.
Use cold water and a gentle cycle unless instructed otherwise.
Use mild detergent.
Avoid harsh bleach.
Tumble dry on low or air dry when recommended.
Make sure the item is completely dry before folding or storing it.

Large blankets need room to move in the washer. If you have to sit on the lid to close it, that is your sign to use a larger machine.

That same white vinegar trick works for many washable blankets and throws, too. Add a small amount of white vinegar (usually 2-4 Tablespoons is enough) to the rinse cycle to help remove leftover detergent residue and keep the fabric feeling soft without the coating traditional fabric softeners can leave behind. Just be sure to check the care label first—because blankets come in everything from cotton to fleece to whatever magical fluffy substance makes you cancel your plans and stay on the couch.

For machine-washable blankets and throws, skip pouring the vinegar directly onto the fabric and add it through the appropriate rinse or fabric-softener dispenser instead. Then dry according to the care label. If the blanket can go in the dryer, wool dryer balls can help fluff it back up and reduce static without dryer sheets.

Basically, the same laundry philosophy applies: less residue, gentle treatment, maximum couch-worthiness.

Decorative Pillows and Pillow Covers

Before washing a decorative pillow, check whether the cover is removable. That little zipper makes a pretty big difference in what happens next.

For Removable Covers:

First things first: remove the pillow insert. We’re washing the cover, not sending the whole pillow on a waterpark adventure.

If your pillow cover has a printed design, turn it inside out whenever possible, then zip or fasten the cover before washing. This helps protect the printed surface from rubbing against everything else bouncing around in the machine.

If the cover can't be turned inside out, place it inside a zippered mesh laundry bag before washing. No laundry bag? A clean pillowcase can work in a pinch—just securely tie or fasten the open end so your decorative cover doesn't make a break for it halfway through the cycle.

Always follow the product's care label first. When the label allows it, we recommend cold water and a gentle cycle to give both the fabric and the design an easier ride.

Air-dry when possible, or tumble dry on low if the care instructions allow it. Don't put the pillow insert back in until the cover is completely dry. Trapping moisture inside a pillow is an excellent way to start growing things you definitely did not order.

Once everything is dry, put it back together, fluff it up, and return it to its important job of making the couch look like you have your life together.

For Pillows Without Removable Covers:

If the cover doesn't come off, check the care label before doing anything heroic. Spot cleaning is usually the gentler option unless the manufacturer's instructions specifically say the entire pillow can be washed.

If spot cleaning is recommended, use a clean, damp cloth and a small amount of mild detergent. Gently blot the area rather than scrubbing it like the stain owes you money. Avoid soaking the pillow, especially around printed areas, and allow it to dry completely before putting it back into service.

Decorative pillows are made for comfort, personality, and its important job of making the couch look like you have your life together. They are not built for wrestling matches with the washing machine.

Mugs and Drinkware

Care instructions vary depending on the mug, coating, and printed finish.

Check the product listing or care information to confirm whether your item is dishwasher- or microwave-safe.

When you are unsure, the safest choice is:

Hand wash with warm water and mild dish soap.
Use a soft sponge or cloth.
Avoid harsh scrubbers.
Do not soak for long periods.
Dry with a soft towel.
Do not place in the microwave unless the product is specifically listed as microwave-safe.

A little hand washing can help keep the design looking good longer. We know the dishwasher is right there, whispering your name, but sometimes love requires two minutes at the sink.

Tote Bags, Favor Bags and Fabric Accessories

For fabric bags and accessories:

Follow the product’s care label.
Empty every pocket before cleaning.
Spot clean when recommended.
If machine washing is permitted, use cold water and a gentle cycle.
Reshape the item while damp.
Air dry whenever possible.
Do not iron directly over printed artwork.

Please remove crayons, gum, candy, receipts, makeup, and mysterious sticky objects first. The washing machine has enough going on.

Rugs, Mats and Floor Décor

For rugs and mats:

Shake out loose dirt regularly.
Vacuum gently when appropriate for the material.
Spot clean spills promptly.
Use mild soap and cold or lukewarm water.
Avoid harsh chemicals and bleach.
Let the item dry completely before placing it back on the floor.
Follow any product-specific washing instructions.

Use extra care with printed surfaces and finished edges. Do not scrub the design like it pooped on your floor and needs correcting.

For outdoor use, place the item in a covered or protected area when recommended. Extended exposure to direct sunlight, rain, snow, or extreme weather may shorten its life.

Outdoor Décor, Banners and Flags

Outdoor products are made to handle more than indoor décor, but they are not indestructible.

To help them last:

Follow the product-specific instructions.
Secure the item properly.
Bring it indoors during severe weather or high winds.
Clean gently with mild soap and water.
Allow it to dry completely before storing.
Avoid folding or storing it while wet.
Store it in a clean, dry place when not in use.

“Outdoor” means it can go outside. It does not mean it volunteered to fight alongside Thor and his buddies.

Ornaments and Decorative Items

For ornaments and other decorative products:

Handle them carefully.
Clean with a soft, dry cloth.
Avoid abrasive cleaners.
Keep them away from excessive heat and moisture.
Wrap them individually before storing.
Store them somewhere they will not be crushed.

The original box or a padded storage container works well. Tossing everything into one grocery bag and hoping for the best is a tradition—not a care plan.

Stains Happen

Treat stains as quickly as possible.

Blot instead of rubbing, use a mild stain treatment appropriate for the material, and test it on a small hidden area first.

Do not apply harsh stain remover directly to printed artwork unless the product instructions say it is safe.

We cannot promise victory over every stain. Mustard, red punch, and whatever the children touched before touching you have been training for this moment.

Want to Give Your Shirt a Little Extra Protection?

If you're the kind of person who can wear a white shirt for eleven minutes before somehow finding coffee, spaghetti sauce, or something of completely unknown origin on it, you may want to consider adding a fabric protectant before the first wear.

A product such as 3M's Scotchgard™ Fabric Water Shield (previously called Fabric Protector) is our favorite and can add an extra layer of protection against everyday spills—but consider this an optional bonus round, not a requirement for caring for your shirt.

Before the First Wear

Start with a clean shirt. Wash it according to the care label, turning it inside out to help protect the printed design. Skip the fabric softener and dryer sheets, then allow the shirt to dry completely.

Yes, completely. Not "eh, that's probably dry enough."

Before applying any fabric protectant, read and follow the manufacturer's directions carefully and test it on a small, inconspicuous area first. Different fabrics, colors, and printing methods can react differently, and we'd much rather you discover that on a tiny hidden spot than across the middle of your favorite shirt.

If the product's instructions say it's appropriate for your garment, apply it in a well-ventilated area (we like to apply it outside on the back porch) and follow the directions for application, drying time, and any recommended reapplication.

Be Extra Careful Around the Printed Design

Printed designs deserve a little more caution. Unless the fabric-protectant manufacturer specifically says the product is safe for your type of printed decoration, avoid spraying it directly onto the design.

If you're treating the shirt itself, you can turn it inside out and treat the fabric from the inside first, following the product directions. Allow it to dry completely (on a sunny or breezy day this could take as little as an hour or two) before turning the shirt right side out or applying anything to the exterior. Allow the protectant to fully cure for 72 hours. Launder the shirt like you will normally before you begin wearing it.

And remember: fabric protectant can help with everyday spills, but it does not turn your T-shirt into an indestructible force field.

Coffee will still be coffee. Kids will still be kids. And somehow, taco filling will still find the one spot you missed.

Then Wear the Hell Out of It

Once everything is completely dry, cured, and laundered, that's it. Put it on and go live your life.

Sweat in it. Spill something on it. Wear it to the cookout. Forget you're wearing your good shirt while helping somebody move a couch. That's what clothes are for.

Taking a few extra steps when you wash, dry, and protect your shirt can help keep the fabric and printed design looking better longer.

Gen X didn't call it "garment longevity."

Mom called it:

"I'm not buying you another one."

A Little Advice From Moms Who Learned the Hard Way

Taking a few extra steps when you wash, dry, and protect your clothes can go a long way toward keeping the fabric and printed design looking better longer.

Between the sisters behind Since5, we've raised twelve kids, so our enthusiasm for stain protection didn't come from reading the back of a can. It came from experience. Lots and lots of messy experience.

Our personal rule became pretty simple: if it's nice, protect it before handing it to a child.

Over the years, we've used Scotchgard™ on everything from baby clothes and school uniforms to everyday shirts and pants. Crawling baby? Knees and tops of the feet got extra attention. Drooling stage? Protect the front. White school polo? Collar, front, and other high-contact areas—because apparently sleeves and collars become perfectly acceptable substitutes for napkins and tissues when you're a kid.

One of us regularly donated her kids' white uniform polos back to the school at the end of the year, and staff would comment on how new they still looked. Considering what those shirts had survived, we'll happily give the stain protection some of the credit.

And kids aren't the only offenders. We've learned that high-contact and high-risk areas deserve a little extra attention—collars, cuffs, underarms, knees, and anywhere else life tends to leave evidence that you actually wore the thing.

That's really the lesson we've carried with us: protect the nice stuff before life gets to it.

Our experience with fabric protectants has been excellent, but yours may vary depending on the fabric, garment, printing method, frequency of washing, and how the product is applied. Always check your garment's care instructions, follow the stain-protection manufacturer's directions, test an inconspicuous area first, and reapply only as recommended.

Because twelve kids taught us many things.

One of them was never to trust a kid or spouse with a clean, unprotected shirt.

Product Instructions Come First

Because Since5 offers different products made from different materials, care instructions may vary.

If the care label, packaging, or product description gives instructions that differ from this page, follow the instructions provided with that specific product.

They know what they’re made of. Literally.

Normal Wear Is Normal

Even well-cared-for products will naturally show signs of use over time.

Fading, fabric softening, minor pilling, and ordinary wear can happen through regular use and washing. These changes are not considered product defects.

Good care helps an item last longer. It does not freeze it in time like your senior picture.

Something Doesn’t Look Right?

If an item arrives damaged, defective, misprinted, or incorrect, please do not wash, wear, repair, or use it.

Take clear photographs and contact us at Help@Since5.store within 30 days of delivery.

Please include:

Your order number
A description of the problem
A picture of the complete item
Close-up pictures of the damage or printing issue
A picture of the packaging and shipping label if the package was damaged

Please see our Returns, Refunds & Keeping It Real Policy for complete instructions.

The Short Version

If you remember nothing else, remember this:

Cold water. Gentle cycle. Low heat. No iron on the artwork. Read the label.

Take care of your Since5 purchase, and it should be around for plenty of laughs, questionable decisions, and stories that begin with, “You had to be there.”