As a merch designer, I've seen too many great pieces ruined by bad laundry habits. Your Huberman Lab gear deserves better. Whether it's a tee from a favorite podcast episode or a hoodie you reach for every morning, proper care keeps prints vibrant and fabrics soft. These Huberman Lab merch care tips will help your gear last years, not months.
Why Proper Care Extends the Life of Your Huberman Lab Gear
Print-on-demand apparel uses direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, which bonds ink to fabric fibers. Unlike screen printing, DTG is thinner and more breathable, but it needs gentler handling. Heat, friction, and harsh chemicals are its biggest enemies. A typical DTG print lasts 30 - 50 washes with proper care; without it, you might see fading after 10.
Your gear is made from quality materials - 100% combed ring-spun cotton for tees, 80/20 cotton-polyester blend for hoodies. These fabrics are preshrunk but can still shrink if exposed to high temperatures. The goal is to keep the fit and finish exactly as you bought it.
Washing Instructions for Huberman Lab T-Shirts and Hoodies
Step 1: Turn Everything Inside Out
This simple step protects the print. When fabrics rub against each other in the wash, the print takes the abrasion. Turning inside out means the inside fabric protects the design. I always turn my shirts and hoodies inside out before tossing them in the hamper - it becomes a habit.Step 2: Use Cold Water and a Gentle Cycle
Hot water causes shrinkage and fades prints faster. Set your machine to cold (60 - 70°F). Use a gentle or delicate cycle to reduce agitation. If your washer has a “hand wash” or “wool” setting, that's even better. For heavily soiled items, a quick pre-soak in cold water with a bit of detergent works well.Step 3: Choose the Right Detergent
Skip the bleach and fabric softeners. Bleach attacks the ink, and softeners leave a residue that dulls colors over time. Use a mild, color-safe detergent. For stubborn stains, apply a small amount of detergent directly to the stain and let it sit for 10 minutes before washing.Step 4: Wash Like Colors Together
Dark gear - black or navy Huberman Lab tees - should be washed with other darks. Light colors with lights. This prevents dye transfer, especially during the first few washes. A new red hoodie could pink your white tee if you're not careful.Pro tip: Wash your Huberman Lab hoodie no more than every 3 - 4 wears unless it's visibly dirty. Overwashing wears down fabric and prints.
Drying and Ironing Tips to Preserve Fabric and Prints
Step 5: Air Dry Whenever Possible
Heat from dryers is the #1 cause of print cracking and fabric shrinkage. Lay your gear flat on a drying rack or hang it on a line. Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade colors. Air drying takes 4 - 6 hours but adds months to your gear's life.If you must use a dryer, set it to low heat or “air fluff.” Remove items while still slightly damp and let them finish drying flat. This reduces shrinkage and stress on the print.
Step 6: Iron Inside Out on Low Heat
If your Huberman Lab tee comes out wrinkled, iron it inside out on a low setting. Never let the iron touch the print directly - that's a one-way ticket to melted design. Use a pressing cloth (a thin towel works) as a barrier. For hoodies, ironing is rarely needed; the cotton-poly blend resists wrinkles.Common mistake: Using high heat to speed things up. I've seen prints bubble up in seconds. Always start low and increase gradually if needed.
Storing Your Apparel to Maintain Shape and Color
Step 7: Fold Tees, Hang Hoodies
T-shirts stretched on hangers can develop “bacon neck” (stretched collar). Fold them and store in a drawer or on a shelf. Hoodies can be hung by the loop inside the collar or folded. Avoid wire hangers; use padded or plastic ones to prevent shoulder bumps.Keep folded items away from direct sunlight. A dark closet is best. For long-term storage, use acid-free tissue paper to maintain shape, especially for hoodies with heavy prints.
Step 8: Rotate Your Rotation
Don't wear the same Huberman Lab piece every day. Rotating allows fibers to rest and recover their shape. Aim for at least 24 hours between wears for any garment. This also reduces the frequency of washing.Caring for Accessories: Hats, Mugs, and Journals
Your Huberman Lab gear isn't just clothing. Hats, mugs, and journals need different care.
- Hats: Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. Do not machine wash - the structure collapses. Air dry away from heat. If you must deep clean, hand wash in lukewarm water and reshape while wet.
- Mugs: Hand wash with a soft sponge. Dishwashers can fade the print over time. Avoid abrasive scrubbers. For the Huberman Lab mug, the design is ceramic-coated and hand washing preserves its gloss.
- Journals: Keep them dry and away from direct sunlight. Use a bookmark to avoid bending the spine. The cover is matte laminated - a damp cloth wipe is enough for smudges.
Common Mistakes That Damage Your Merch and How to Avoid Them
- Using fabric softener: It coats the fibers and reduces moisture wicking. Your gear feels softer but the print suffers. Use a tablespoon of white vinegar in the rinse cycle instead if you want softness.
- Scrubbing stains vigorously: This pushes dirt deeper and wears the print. Blot stains with a cloth, then treat with detergent gently.
- Leaving gear in the dryer for too long: Even on low heat, leaving it in after the cycle ends can cause creases and weaken fibers. Remove promptly.
- Stacking heavy items on folded tees: Weight can crease prints permanently. Store tees on top of heavier items.
- Using bleach on whites: It yellows the fabric over time and destroys the print. Oxygen-based bleach (like OxiClean) is safer but test on a hidden area first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I machine wash my Huberman Lab hoodie?
Yes, but always use cold water and a gentle cycle. Turn it inside out and avoid fabric softener. Air drying is best to preserve the print and shape.How do I remove wrinkles from my Huberman Lab tee?
Use a low-heat iron with the shirt turned inside out. Place a thin cloth between the iron and the print. Steaming is even safer - hang the tee in the bathroom during a hot shower.Why is my Huberman Lab mug design fading?
Fading is usually caused by dishwashers or abrasive cleaners. Hand wash with a soft sponge and mild soap. Avoid soaking for long periods.Can I use a hairdryer to speed up drying my hoodie?
It's not recommended. High heat from a hairdryer can crack the print and shrink the fabric unevenly. Stick to air drying or a low-heat dryer cycle.How often should I wash my Huberman Lab hat?
Only when visibly dirty or after heavy sweat. Spot clean with a damp cloth. Machine washing should be rare - hand wash cold and reshape if needed.Key Takeaways
- Turn garments inside out, wash in cold water on gentle cycle, and skip fabric softener.
- Air dry flat to prevent shrinkage and print cracking. If using a dryer, low heat only.
- Store tees folded, hoodies on padded hangers, and accessories (hats, mugs, journals) with gentle cleaning methods.
- Rotate your gear to reduce wear and washing frequency.
- Treat stains gently and avoid high heat at all stages.
Apply these Huberman Lab merch care tips to keep your collection looking podcast-ready. Your future self - and your favorite outfit - will thank you.
