Common Mistakes to Avoid When Caring for Screen-Printed Home Decor Items

Screen-printed home decor—whether it’s printed pillow covers, wall hangings, table linens, or fabric art—adds that perfect touch of personality and charm to any space. But while these items can be both functional and stylish, they do need a little extra care to keep their colors bold and designs crisp.

Unfortunately, a lot of people unknowingly make small mistakes that can damage or fade their beautiful screen prints over time. Let’s talk about the most common mistakes to avoid—and how you can keep your decor looking fresh and fabulous for years to come.

1. Washing Too Harshly (or Too Often)

One of the fastest ways to wear out a screen-printed item is to throw it into the wash with your regular laundry—hot water, heavy detergent, and all. I learned this lesson the hard way with a gorgeous set of screen-printed napkins that faded dramatically after just two regular wash cycles.

What to do instead:

• Wash screen-printed items gently, preferably by hand or on a delicate cycle with cold water.
• Use mild, non-bleach detergent and skip the fabric softener—it can break down the ink bonds.
• Only wash when truly needed—spot cleaning is often enough for decor that doesn’t see a lot of wear.
• For delicate pieces, consider using a mesh laundry bag as an extra layer of protection.

A designer friend of mine swears by a gentle soak method: filling a basin with cold water and a touch of wool wash, letting items sit for just 10 minutes, then rinsing without agitation. Her collection of vintage screen-printed table linens still looks vibrant after decades.

2. Scrubbing the Design Directly

Let’s say there’s a spill on your screen-printed table runner or upholstery—scrubbing it aggressively might feel like the right move, but it can damage the ink and cause fading or cracking.

Try this:

• Dab or blot the spot gently with a soft cloth and mild soap.
• Avoid using brushes or anything abrasive directly on the design.
• Let it air dry afterward—don’t rub it dry with a towel.
• For tougher stains, try a stain remover on the back side of the fabric rather than directly on the print.

I once watched in horror as a well-meaning friend scrubbed a wine spill on my screen-printed cushion cover, taking off bits of the design in the process. A gentle approach would have saved both the fabric and the friendship!

3. Using the Dryer

This is a big one: high heat breaks down screen-printed designs. Even if the item looks okay after the first few rounds in the dryer, over time the heat can cause the print to crack or peel. The constant tumbling doesn’t help either, as it creates friction against the print.

Better option: Air dry. Lay the item flat or hang it in a shaded, well-ventilated spot. If you must use a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting and remove the item while it’s still slightly damp.

For items like wall hangings or tapestries, never put them in the dryer at all—the risk is simply too high. Instead, lay them flat on a clean towel away from direct heat sources, and gently reshape while damp if needed.

4. Ironing Directly on the Print

Ironing can be necessary for some fabric decor, but placing a hot iron directly on a screen-printed design? That’s a recipe for melting or smearing the ink. I’ve seen beautiful hand-printed tablecloths ruined this way—the iron essentially “re-melted” the ink, causing it to blur or stick to the iron itself.

Safe approach:

• Turn the item inside out if possible.
• Or place a thin cloth or a piece of parchment paper over the design before ironing.
• Always use a low heat setting—start cooler than you think necessary and work up gradually if needed.
• Consider using a steamer instead of an iron for particularly delicate or valuable pieces.
• If the fabric is wrinkle-resistant, skip ironing altogether!

Pro tip: Test your method on an inconspicuous corner first, especially if you’re dealing with an heirloom piece or something particularly precious.

5. Exposing Items to Direct Sunlight for Too Long

Sunlight might make your living room glow, but it’s not always friendly to printed fabrics. UV rays can cause fading—especially on bold or dark prints. The difference can be striking: I’ve seen screen-printed throw pillows that were vibrant on one side but noticeably faded on the side that faced a sunny window for just a season.

Quick tip:

• Rotate or reposition your decor items from time to time.
• Use sheer curtains or UV-protective films if your prints are near a sunny window.
• Or simply place more delicate prints away from direct sun.
• Consider UV-protective sprays specifically designed for fabrics (test on an inconspicuous area first).

The damage from sun exposure is cumulative and irreversible, so prevention is your best strategy here. Some homeowners I know have a seasonal rotation system—moving more delicate pieces to shadier spots during the brightest months of the year.

6. Improper Storage

When storing printed pillow covers, table runners, or seasonal decor, folding the fabric with sharp creases right through the design can lead to cracks in the print over time. This is especially true for items stored away for months at a time.

Better idea:

• Store flat or rolled when possible—an old cardboard tube wrapped in acid-free tissue paper makes a perfect roller.
• If folding, try to fold around the print or insert soft tissue between the folds.
• Store in cool, dry, and breathable containers—avoid plastic bags that trap moisture.
• Allow items to “breathe” occasionally during long-term storage by unpacking them every few months.
• Consider hanging particularly special pieces instead of folding them at all.

A friend who collects artisanal screen-printed textiles stores her seasonal table runners rolled around pool noodles covered in muslin—an inexpensive but effective solution that prevents permanent creasing.

7. Skipping the Care Label

We get it—care labels aren’t exciting. But they hold valuable info. Different types of fabric and print methods (like water-based ink vs. plastisol) might need slightly different care routines.

So, before cleaning or storing anything, give that tag a quick look. It might save your decor item from an early retirement. If the item doesn’t have a care label (common with artisanal or handmade pieces), don’t hesitate to ask the maker for guidance—they’ll usually be happy to advise.

8. Using Harsh Cleaning Products

Many household cleaners contain chemicals that can react with screen-printing inks. Bleach, alcohol-based cleaners, and even some “all-purpose” sprays can cause fading, discoloration, or damage to the print itself.

What works better:

• Mild soap and water for most cleaning needs
• Specialized textile cleaners for tougher jobs
• Natural solutions like diluted white vinegar for odors (but test first!)
• Professional cleaning for truly precious or heavily soiled items

I once made the mistake of using a bleach-based cleaner on a surface near my screen-printed wall hanging. Just a few droplets of overspray caused permanent spotting on the fabric—a harsh reminder that chemicals can affect prints even indirectly.

9. Neglecting Preventative Care

Sometimes the best care is preventative. For frequently used items like table linens or cushion covers, a little forethought can save a lot of heartache later.

Smart prevention tips:

• Use clear tablecloths over printed ones during messy meals
• Rotate decorative pillows regularly to distribute wear evenly
• Apply fabric protector sprays to items in high-traffic areas (test first!)
• Keep pets with sharp claws away from delicate prints
• Consider the placement of items—keep prints away from areas prone to spills or heavy wear

An interior designer I know always suggests having “everyday” and “special occasion” versions of screen-printed decor items—this way, the more precious pieces stay beautiful longer while similar-looking items handle daily use.

10. Assuming All Screen Prints Are Created Equal

Not all screen prints have the same durability. Hand-printed artisanal pieces might use different inks than mass-produced items. Water-based inks behave differently than plastisol. Prints on cotton require different care than those on polyester blends.

What to remember:

• Ask about the specific printing method when purchasing
• Consider the fabric type when planning your care routine
• Higher-quality prints generally last longer but may still need gentle treatment
• Vintage or antique screen prints need extra TLC compared to modern ones

My mother has a collection of screen-printed tea towels from the ’70s that still look amazing—not because she never used them, but because she understood their specific needs and cared for them accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Caring for screen-printed home decor doesn’t have to be complicated—it just takes a little mindfulness. Avoiding the common mistakes above can help your pillows, runners, tapestries, and more stay beautiful and last much longer.

At the end of the day, screen-printed decor is a lovely mix of function and art—so treat it like both. Gentle hands, a little extra attention, and some smart storage can go a long way.

The effort is worth it—there’s something special about having unique, vibrant textiles in your home that continue to bring joy year after year. Some of my most treasured possessions are screen-printed pieces handed down through generations, still vibrant because someone took the time to care for them properly.