Your ARC Raiders hoodie is more than just a piece of clothing - it's a badge of honor. But after a few washes, that sharp logo can start to crack, the fabric pills, and the colors fade. I've designed enough DTG prints to know: proper care makes the difference between gear that lasts six months and gear that still looks fresh years later. This ARC Raiders gear care guide walks you through everything from washing to storage, so your favorite apparel stays game-ready.
Washing Your ARC Raiders Apparel the Right Way
Heat and friction are the enemies of printed designs. Most ARC Raiders gear uses direct-to-garment or screen-printed graphics, and both suffer when thrown into a hot wash with heavy denim.
Step 1: Turn Your Gear Inside Out
Before any wash, flip each item inside out. This protects the printed surface from rubbing against other fabrics and keeps the ink vibrant. Pilling starts when fibers get abraded - turning inside out reduces that by 60%.Step 2: Use Cold Water and a Gentle Cycle
Set your machine to cold water. Warm or hot water accelerates ink breakdown, especially on darker shirts. Use a delicate or low-spin cycle to minimize mechanical stress. If your washer has a "hand wash" setting, that's even better.Step 3: Choose the Right Detergent
Avoid fabric softeners and bleach. Softeners coat the fibers and can cause prints to peel prematurely. Instead, use a mild, color-safe detergent. I recommend one without optical brighteners - they can yellow white areas on dark garments.Pro tip: Wash ARC Raiders gear with similar colors and avoid stuffing the machine too full. A crowded wash leaves less room for rinsing, which leaves detergent residue that dulls fabric.
Drying and Ironing Tips to Avoid Damage
Drying is where most people accidentally ruin their favorite ARC Raiders shirt. High heat shrinks cotton and makes prints brittle.
Step 4: Air Dry Whenever Possible
The safest method is to lay your gear flat on a drying rack or hang it in the shade. Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade colors over time. If you must use a dryer, set it to low heat or air-fluff only.Step 5: Never Iron Directly Over the Print
If your ARC Raiders hoodie gets wrinkled, turn it inside out and iron on a low setting. Better yet, use a steamer. The steam relaxes fibers without pressing the design. If you must iron the front, place a thin cloth (like a pillowcase) between the iron and the print.Common mistake: Using a high-heat dryer cycle to "quick-dry" a damp shirt. This can cause the fabric to shrink unevenly, warping the print. Stick to low heat and remove while still slightly damp.
Storing Your Gear Between Adventures
How you store your ARC Raiders gear matters just as much as how you wash it. Folded storage preserves prints better than hanging in many cases.
Step 6: Fold Heavy Items, Hang Light Ones
For hoodies and sweatshirts with thick prints, folding is safer. Hanging heavy cotton can cause the shoulders to stretch and the print to crack at the fold lines. T-shirts are fine on sturdy hangers, but avoid wire hangers - they leave rust marks and misshape the neckline.Step 7: Keep Out of Direct Sunlight and Humidity
Store your gear in a cool, dry place. A closet with good airflow works. Avoid attics or basements where temperature swings and moisture can cause mildew or color bleeding. If you're stowing seasonal items, use a breathable garment bag - not plastic, which traps moisture.Pro tip: For long-term storage, place acid-free tissue paper inside the folds of printed areas to prevent creasing. This is how museums preserve collectible textiles.
Fixing Common Wear and Tear Issues
Even with perfect care, accidents happen. Here's how to handle the most common problems.
Issue 1: Small Pills on Fabric
Pilling is normal on cotton blends. Use a fabric shaver or a disposable razor to gently remove pills. Always shave in one direction and test on an inconspicuous area first. This restores the smooth feel without damaging the print.Issue 2: Faded or Cracked Prints
Once a print starts to crack, it won't reverse. But you can slow further damage by switching to hand washing in cold water with a gentle detergent. If the crack is just superficial, you can apply a thin layer of fabric paint (matching the original color) with a fine brush to fill small gaps. This works best on solid areas like the ARC Raiders logo.Issue 3: Stains on Light-Colored Gear
For food or dirt stains, treat immediately. Blot the stain with a damp cloth and mild soap - never rub. Let the garment air dry before checking if the stain remains. For oil-based stains, apply a drop of dish soap directly, let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse. Avoid using bleach pens; they can create lighter spots.How to Keep ARC Raiders Hats and Accessories Fresh
Hats and accessories have different needs than tees and hoodies. The brim and shape require special attention.
Hats: Spot Clean Only
ARC Raiders baseball caps and beanies should never go in the washing machine. For fabric hats, spot clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent. For cotton trucker caps, you can hand wash the crown gently, but avoid soaking the brim. Always air dry hats on a rounded form to maintain shape.Accessories: Check the Tag
Socks, patches, and bags each have different care labels. Generally, patches benefit from cold water hand wash and laying flat to dry. Bags with prints can be wiped clean with a damp sponge. For patches sewn onto jackets, remind your tailor to use a pressing cloth if they iron over them.Pro tip: To freshen up a hat between wears, use a fabric spray (like Febreze) rather than washing. This prevents fit distortion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I machine wash my ARC Raiders hoodie?
Yes, but turn it inside out, use cold water and a gentle cycle, and avoid fabric softener. Air drying is best, but if you must use a dryer, select low heat.Why is my ARC Raiders shirt print cracking after a few washes?
Cracking is usually caused by high heat during drying or ironing, or by washing with heavy items that create friction. Always turn garments inside out and avoid hot cycles.How do I remove wrinkles from a printed ARC Raiders shirt?
Turn the shirt inside out and iron on low heat. Or use a steamer, which is safer for prints. Never iron directly on the design.Can I bleach my ARC Raiders gear to remove stains?
No. Bleach will damage the print and cause uneven fading on the fabric. Use a mild color-safe detergent for stain treatment.How often should I wash my ARC Raiders cap?
Only wash it when visibly dirty or after heavy sweat. Frequent washing can distort the brim and fade the logo. Spot cleaning extends its life.
