Before the spin cycle
Turn the tee inside out. This keeps the printed surface from rubbing against zips, denim hardware and the one mystery object that appears in every load. Wash with similar colours and close every zip that chose violence.
Cold is a personality trait
Use cold water, a gentle cycle and a mild detergent. Skip bleach, even the ‘colour safe’ kind unless the care label specifically permits it. Heavy cotton does not need punishment to become clean; it needs enough room to move and fewer dramatic chemicals.
Air dry the evidence
Reshape the tee while damp and dry it in shade. High tumble-dryer heat can shrink cotton and age a print faster than a public apology. If a dryer is unavoidable, choose the lowest heat and remove the tee promptly.
Iron around the punchline
Never place a hot iron directly on the graphic. Keep the tee inside out, use low heat and avoid steam on the printed area. Fold only when fully dry. Follow the garment's sewn-in care label whenever it differs—it is the final authority and, unusually, is trying to help.