You just got a new Rick and Morty hoodie with a massive Portal Gun print on the back. You wear it twice, throw it in the wash, and suddenly the design looks like it survived a trip through the Cronenberg dimension. Sound familiar?
If you want your merch to stay as vibrant as a fresh episode, you need to know how to care for rick and morty merch the right way. This guide covers washing, drying, and storage so your favorite pieces last through countless adventures.
Quick Picks: Best Care Methods for Different Scenarios
| Product / Method | Best For | Key Feature | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold water + gentle cycle | All printed tees | Preserves ink vibrancy | Free |
| Air drying on a rack | Hoodies and sweatshirts | No shrinkage risk | $10-20 for drying rack |
| Inside-out washing | Large back prints | Prevents peeling | Free |
| Steam iron on low | Wrinkled cotton tees | Safe for prints | $30-70 for iron |
| Professional dry clean | Delicate items (blanks, special fabrics) | Handles unique materials | $15-30 per item |
Why Proper Care Extends the Life of Your Merch
Your Rick and Morty merch is made of cotton or polyester blends, with screen-printed or DTG (direct-to-garment) designs. The number one enemy of those prints is heat. High temperatures break down the bond between ink and fabric, causing cracking, peeling, and fading.
Washing in cold water (30°C or lower) and using a gentle cycle reduces friction and protects the print. According to fabric care experts, cold water also prevents shrinkage - especially important for hoodies with cuffs and waistbands. A 2025 study by the Textile Research Journal found that cold-water washing extends garment life by up to 40% compared to warm water.
But water temperature isn't the only factor. Detergent choice matters too. Harsh chemicals like bleach or optical brighteners can strip color from both fabric and print. Use a mild, color-safe detergent for best results.
Washing Instructions for Rick and Morty T-Shirts and Hoodies
Step 1: Turn Your Garment Inside Out
This is the single most effective step you can take. When you turn a tee or hoodie inside out, the print is protected from direct contact with other clothes and the machine drum. The friction happens on the inside fabric instead.
Pro tip: Fasten any zippers and buttons before washing to prevent snagging. For hoodies with drawstrings, tie them in a loose knot so they don't get pulled out.
Step 2: Use Cold Water and Gentle Cycle
Set your machine to cold water (30°C max) and choose the gentle or delicate cycle. This reduces agitation and the duration of the wash, both of which stress the print. If your machine has a "hand wash" or "wool" setting, that's even better.
Common mistake: Using hot water thinking it cleans better. Hot water actually accelerates ink breakdown - especially on DTG prints. Stay cold.
Step 3: Choose the Right Detergent
Avoid detergents with bleach, optical brighteners, or enzymes. These are designed for whites and can fade dark colors. A mild liquid detergent like Woolite or a sports detergent works well. For tough stains, pre-treat with a small amount of detergent on the stain, then wash normally.
Pro tip: Add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Vinegar acts as a natural fabric softener and helps set the ink without harsh chemicals.
Step 4: Skip the Fabric Softener
Fabric softener coats fibers and can trap moisture, leading to mildew over time. It also reduces the absorbency of cotton. Instead, use wool dryer balls if you want softness, or just air dry. Your prints will last longer without softener residue.
Drying Tips to Prevent Shrinkage and Cracking
Step 5: Air Dry Whenever Possible
The best way to dry your Rick and Morty merch is flat on a drying rack, away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can fade prints over time, so choose a shaded indoor spot. Air drying completely eliminates the risk of heat damage and shrinkage.
How long does it take? A cotton t-shirt dries in about 4-6 hours on a rack. A hoodie may take 12-24 hours. Flip them halfway through to speed things up.
Step 6: Low Heat If You Must Use a Dryer
If you're short on time, use the lowest heat setting on your dryer. High heat is the fastest way to crack a print and shrink a hoodie. Remove the garment while it's still slightly damp and let it finish air drying. This prevents over-drying, which weakens fibers.
Common mistake: Leaving a hoodie in the dryer on high heat for a full cycle. You'll end up with a print that looks like it's been through a portal to a dryer dimension - cracked and faded.
Step 7: Never Iron Directly on the Print
If you need to remove wrinkles, use a steam iron on low heat with a pressing cloth (a thin towel or pillowcase) between the iron and the print. Never let the iron touch the printed area directly - the heat will melt or crack the ink.
For small creases, you can also hang the garment in the bathroom during a hot shower. The steam relaxes wrinkles without any heat contact.
Storage Advice to Keep Prints Looking Fresh
Step 8: Fold, Don't Hang - For Heavily Printed Items
Hanging a t-shirt with a large back print can cause the fabric to stretch and the print to crack along the fold lines. Instead, fold your tees and hoodies and store them in a drawer or on a shelf. For hoodies, fold them so the print is on the inside of the fold to prevent surface abrasion.
Pro tip: Use acid-free tissue paper between folds to prevent creasing on the print.
Step 9: Keep Away from Sunlight and Heat
Store your merch in a cool, dry place. Avoid attics, basements, or garages where temperature and humidity fluctuate. Direct sunlight through a window can fade colors in just a few weeks. Closets and dressers are ideal.
Step 10: Rotate Your Rotation
Don't wear the same piece every day. Give your merch at least 24 hours between wears to allow the fibers to recover and moisture to evaporate. Rotating between 3-4 pieces extends the life of each one significantly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using bleach on stains: Bleach destroys the ink and the fabric color. For stains, spot treat with a mild detergent and cold water.
- Drying on high heat: This is the #1 cause of crack prints and shrunken hoodies. Always use low heat or air dry.
- Washing too often: You don't need to wash after every wear unless it's visibly dirty. Over-washing wears out prints. Spot clean when possible.
- Storing in plastic bins: Plastic traps moisture and can cause mildew. Use breathable cotton storage bags or cardboard boxes.
- Ignoring care labels: Each garment may have specific instructions (e.g., do not iron). Always check the tag first.
Pro Tips from the Community
Tip 1: Use a mesh laundry bag for delicate prints.
Throw your shirt or hoodie inside a mesh bag before putting it in the wash. This adds an extra layer of protection against snagging and abrasion.
Tip 2: Wash new merch separately for the first 3 washes.
New DTG prints sometimes have excess ink that can transfer to other clothes. Wash alone in cold water for the first few cycles to set the print.
Tip 3: Treat stains immediately.
Don't let stains set. Blot (don't rub) with a damp cloth and a drop of detergent. For oil-based stains like pizza grease, apply a small amount of dish soap before washing.
Tip 4: Double rinse to remove detergent residue.
Leftover detergent can yellow whites and dull colors. Run an extra rinse cycle to ensure all soap is gone.
Recommended Gear & Products
If you're looking for the perfect piece to practice your care routine on, the Pickle Rick Hoodie (available in charcoal and navy) is a fan favorite. Its front print is durable and holds up well to cold washes. For lounging, the Mr. Meeseeks Blanket (woven, not printed) requires minimal care - just machine wash cold and tumble dry low. And if you want a classic tee that's easy to care for, the Portal Gun Crew Tee has a front-only print that stays vibrant with proper handling.
Key Takeaways
- Wash inside out in cold water on gentle cycle.
- Air dry or use low heat - never high heat.
- Store folded away from sunlight and heat.
- Avoid fabric softener and bleach.
- Use a mesh bag for extra print protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bleach my Rick and Morty t-shirt?
No. Bleach will destroy the print and discolor the fabric. Use oxygen-based stain removers for tough stains instead.How often should I wash my Rick and Morty hoodie?
Only when it's visibly dirty or has an odor. Over-washing accelerates wear. Spot clean small stains between washes.Is it safe to use fabric softener on printed merch?
Avoid it. Fabric softener leaves a residue that can trap moisture and dull the print. Use wool dryer balls for softness.Can I iron my Rick and Morty tee?
Yes, but never iron directly on the print. Use a pressing cloth and low heat. Steam ironing is safer than dry ironing.How can I prevent my hoodie from shrinking?
Wash in cold water and air dry or use the lowest dryer setting. Never use hot water or high heat.Ready to keep your merch in perfect condition?
Now you know exactly how to care for rick and morty merch. Whether you're sporting a Pickle Rick hoodie or wrapping up in a Mr. Meeseeks blanket, these steps will keep your collection looking fresh. Check out our full range of Rick and Morty merch start with a piece you'll love to wear.
