How to Clean and Care for Your MUD\WTR Apparel

Quick Answer

Wash your MUD\WTR apparel in cold water on a gentle cycle and air-dry flat to preserve the cotton fabric and fit. Always check the care label first, and avoid high heat to prevent shrinking and fading.

Your MUD\WTR t-shirt or hoodie is more than just merch—it's part of your daily ritual. Keeping it clean and well-cared-for means it stays soft, maintains its shape, and looks sharp every time you wear it. With a few simple habits, you can extend the life of your favorite pieces.

Whether you're rocking the Leary Short Sleeve T-shirt or cozying up in the Chai Believe Hoodie, the right care routine makes all the difference. In this guide, we'll walk you through the best practices for washing, drying, and storing your MUD\WTR apparel so it keeps that fresh-out-of-the-bag feel.

Read the Care Label First

Before you toss your new tee or hoodie into the wash, take 30 seconds to read the care label. It tells you the fabric blend and any special instructions. For example, the Leary Short Sleeve T-shirt is made from 100% combed ring-spun cotton (Heather Grey is 90% cotton, 10% polyester), and the Chai Believe Hoodie is a 50% cotton, 50% polyester blend. These different fabrics may have slightly different care needs.

The care label is your best friend—it's the manufacturer's recommendation for keeping the garment in top condition. If the label says machine wash cold, don't ignore it. Hot water can shrink cotton and set stains, so always default to cold unless the label says otherwise.

• Check the label before every first wash to catch any surprises.
• If the label is missing or unclear, cold water and gentle cycle are safe bets for cotton blends.

Sort and Prep Your Laundry

Sort your MUD\WTR apparel by color and fabric weight. Wash dark colors together and light colors together to prevent dye transfer. This is especially important for vibrant or dark garments like the all-black Chai Believe Hoodie or Sunrise Hoodie—you don't want them fading or leaving marks on lighter pieces.

Turn your garments inside out before washing. This protects the exterior fabric from friction and helps preserve any embroidery or prints, like the embroidered designs on the hoodies. Fasten any zippers or buttons to prevent snags, and avoid washing with heavy items like jeans that can cause abrasion.

• Turn garments inside out to protect the outer surface.
• Wash with like colors to avoid color bleeding.
• Zip up hoodies to prevent zipper damage to other clothes.

Wash with Care: Water Temperature and Cycle

Use cold water (below 85°F/30°C) for all MUD\WTR apparel. Cold water is gentler on cotton fibers, prevents shrinking, and helps maintain the vibrant color of your garments. Hot water can cause cotton to shrink and may damage the fabric's softness over time.

Select a gentle or delicate cycle on your washing machine. This reduces the mechanical stress on the fabric, which can cause pilling or stretching. Use a mild detergent that's free of bleach and optical brighteners, as these can weaken fibers and fade colors.

• Cold water touch is the safest for cotton and cotton-blend apparel.
• Gentle cycle minimizes wear and tear.
• Skip the bleach and fabric softeners—they can break down fibers.

Drying: Air Dry Is Your Best Bet

Air drying is the most gentle way to dry your MUD\WTR apparel. Lay the garment flat on a clean, dry towel or a drying rack, reshaping it to its original dimensions. This prevents stretching and shrinking that can happen in a tumble dryer.

If you're in a hurry, you can tumble dry on a low heat setting, but be aware that even low heat can cause slight shrinkage over time. To be safe, take the garment out while it's still slightly damp and let it finish air drying. This helps maintain the fit, whether it's the form-fitting Leary tee or the relaxed hoodie silhouette.

• Lay flat to dry to keep the garment's shape.
• Avoid high heat in the dryer—cotton shrinks.
• Remove from dryer while slightly damp if you must machine dry.

Storing and Maintaining Your Apparel

Once your MUD\WTR apparel is dry, store it properly to keep it looking new. Fold t-shirts and hoodies rather than hanging them, especially for heavier garments like hoodies, which can stretch out on hangers. If you do hang them, use wide, padded hangers to distribute the weight.

Keep your apparel in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can fade colors over time. Avoid storing in damp areas like basements to prevent mildew. With these simple habits, your MUD\WTR gear will maintain its softness and shape, ready for your next ritual.

• Fold heavy knits like hoodies to prevent stretching.
• Store away from sunlight to prevent fading.
• Keep in a dry environment to avoid mildew.

Step-by-Step Care Routine for Long-Lasting Apparel

1. Check the care label and sort: Read the care label and sort by color and fabric weight. Cold water and gentle cycle are safe defaults for cotton blends.
2. Prep your garments: Turn garments inside out, fasten zippers, and zip hoodies. This protects embroidery and prevents snags.
3. Wash in cold water on gentle: Use a mild detergent, no bleach, no fabric softener. Cold water prevents shrinking and fading.
4. Dry flat or air dry: Lay flat on a towel or drying rack. If using a dryer, use low heat and remove while slightly damp. Air drying maintains shape and prevents shrinkage.
5. Store properly: Fold heavy garments, keep away from sunlight and moisture. Proper storage keeps your apparel looking new.

Care Considerations for Your MUD\WTR Gear

• Leary Short Sleeve T-shirt: 100% combed ring-spun cotton; Heather Grey is 90% cotton, 10% polyester. Fabric weight: 4.3 oz/yd2 (145.8 g/m2). Pre-shrunk. The pre-shrunk fabric is less likely to shrink, but you should still wash in cold water to maintain its softness and form-fitting shape over time.
• Chai Believe Hoodie: 50% cotton, 50% polyester. Double-lined hood. Double-needle stitching throughout. The cotton-polyester blend is durable and resists shrinking, but the double-lined hood can trap moisture, so make sure it's fully dry before storing.

With these simple care steps, your MUD\WTR apparel will continue to fit well, feel soft, and look great wear after wear. Treat your gear with the same care you give your morning ritual, and it will serve you well for a long time.