Caring for iron-on transfers on shirts?

Question

I've never worked with iron on transfers for stuff that I actually plan on wearing (I've used them on crafts only). I have 3 cute iron-on transfers for my 2 yr old which I plan on putting on 100% cotton shirts. The iron on transfer instructions say I should hand-wash the articles of clothing once the transfer is on. What !?! Is that a "suggestion" or can I really throw it in the washer, just like I do with everything that says "hand wash only" (and it comes out just fine). Also, is the dryer out of the question too ? Looking for your own experience with these.

Answer 1

If you put them in a washer/dryer the image will probably crack.  If you really need to turn the clothes inside out

Answer 2

You can machine wash, but gentle cycle only, and gentle soap, not the kind you use to get tough dirt off of clothes. Turn it inside out before you wash it. The dryer is a no-no. These are a high maintenance item.

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Answer 3

You can wash and dry them, but they last longer if you hang them dry.

Answer 4

I took great care with mine in the beginning to preserve the ink.  I hand washed in cold/coolish water, and hung outside on the clothesline to dry.  Now they go in the washer and dryer.  Mine had a lot of green ink (grass in the pic) and it bled even in cold water.  The more care, the longer they'll last.  I still wear mine, and I did the transfers years ago.