Keep Your Patches Looking Great: Care and Cleaning

Custom patches are among the most popular clothing accessories available. They can identify team members, workers or club members. In addition to identification they are symbols of teamwork and camaraderie. Whether you wear them on uniforms, caps, jackets, vests or backpacks, you want to keep them looking their best.

Fortunately, that’s easy to do. With the proper care, your patches can last for many years in pristine condition without fading or fraying. Let’s take a look at some ways to keep your patches in great shape.

Patch Care Made Easy

Whether you have embroidered, woven, PVC, printed or even chenille patches, caring for them doesn’t have to be complicated. Any patch from a reputable provider such as Patches4Less.com will be rugged enough to stand up to regular wear. With just a little bit of maintenance and occasional cleaning, you can keep them looking their best for many years.

It’s important to match the appropriate cleaning method to each specific patch type. The right way can prevent thread damage, keep your colors bright and even extend the lifespan of your garment. The wrong way can damage and shorten the life of your patch.

General Tips

Generally speaking, custom patches of all types should be cleaned by hand whenever possible, using cold water. Never use bleach, fabric softeners or other harsh chemicals when washing them. Air dry whenever possible, especially with iron on patches.

Patch Care by Type

Embroidered

Embroidered patches are the classic patch style featuring a design embroidered on a twill backing. These are rugged, durable patches, and many people simply toss the garment they’re attached to into a washing machine. While that’s acceptable, it’s less than ideal. If you want to keep your embroidered patches looking their best, consider cleaning them separately before laundering the garment.

Here's how to do that. Use mild soap and lukewarm water, and scrub gently with a soft brush as needed. If you do choose to machine wash, turn the garment inside out, and use cold water and a mild detergent. Never add bleach or liquid fabric softener.

We can’t emphasize enough the importance of air drying only. The heat of a dryer can weaken the threads. It can also loosen the adhesive on iron-on patches. Your garment also benefits from air drying and will last longer, with more vibrant colors, as a result.

Woven

For woven patches, observe the same basic precautions as for embroidered patches, but remember, they use thinner threads and are slightly more delicate. When cleaning them, use a soft microfiber cloth and mild soap. Don’t scrub – wipe in one direction only. Let them air dry.

Chenille

Chenille patches are the classic soft, fuzzy patches most often found on sports jackets such as letterman jackets. The most important thing to remember about chenille is not to get it too wet. This is definitely NOT a patch to toss in the washing machine. It can get waterlogged and lose its fluffy texture. A light brushing in the direction of the fabric can help restore the texture.

Start by cleaning the patch with a lint roller to get loose debris off. Then wipe gently with a little cold water. Blot, don’t scrub. Air dry on a flat surface.

PVC

PVC patches are the heavy duty SUVs of the patch world. They’re rugged, durable and ideal for tactical gear and uniforms. They can withstand a lot of punishment, and are the easiest to clean of any patch style. Just wipe them down with a cloth and cold water. If needed, add a drop of mild soap, and rinse again with cold water.

Remember, PVC patches are allergic to irons! Don’t try to press them, or you risk ruining the patch. If you do put them in the dryer (not recommended), use low heat.

Patch Care by Attachment Method

The way your patches are attached to garments also affects the way you care for them. Here’s how to deal with the most common types.

Sewn On Patches

These are the easiest to deal with. The patch is permanently sewn onto the garment, and will last as long as the garment itself.

Iron On Patches

Iron on patches attach to your garment with a heat-activated adhesive. Avoid washing in hot water, or putting them in the dryer, if possible. Either can weaken the bond of the adhesive to the fabric. If they do begin to loosen, re-press them with an iron, using a pressing cloth or light towel between the iron and the patch.

Velcro®

Velcro® (hook and loop) fasteners make patch care easy. Just take the patches off before laundering. That prevents the patches from coming loose and attaching to something else in the wash, and also preserves the patch color and integrity. You can follow the hand-washing procedures we outlined above for the patches.

As you can see, the best general rule for cleaning and maintaining your patches is to follow the rule of “less is more” – less water, less chemicals, less heat. Those will keep your patches in good shape and looking their best for years to come.

Storing Patches

Keeping patches in pristine condition when in storage isn’t hard if you follow a few simple guidelines:

• Store them flat, out of direct sunlight. This will prevent folding or bending that could damage the embroidery or backing, and will help prevent fading.
• Separate PVC patches from other types. PVC patches can leave marks on woven, embroidered or chenille patches. To prevent this, store them separately.
• Use Storage Bags. Placing your patches inside reclosable storage bags (such as Ziploc bags) helps keep them safe from dust, moisture or spills. It also helps prevent color fading.

Start With Quality Patches

If you want great-looking patches that last, the place to start is by choosing the right supplier. At Patches4Less.com, we specialize in top quality patches made with first rate materials and craftsmanship. We stand behind what we sell, too. If you find a defect in either workmanship or materials in any product you buy from us, we’ll replace it at no additional cost to you.

If you’d like to find out more about custom patches of all types, or if you’re ready to order, email us or call us toll free at (866) 847-2824. If you already have a design in mind, fill out our no-obligation free quote form and we’ll reply promptly with a free digital proof of your design. We’re here to serve all your custom patch needs.