Why does my T-shirt smell like vinegar?

If your freshly printed T-shirt has a slight vinegar smell, don’t worry—this is completely normal and part of the production process. The smell comes from the pre-treatment solution used in direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, which is an essential step to ensure a high-quality and long-lasting print.

What is the pre-treatment solution?

In the DTG printing process, we apply a pre-treatment solution to the T-shirt before printing. This solution helps the ink bond properly with the fabric, so the colors are vibrant and durable over time. Pre-treatment is essential to achieve an even, high-quality print, especially on dark-colored garments.

How do I get rid of the smell?

The good news is that the vinegar smell disappears quickly! All you need to do is follow these simple instructions:

• Wash the T-shirt before wearing it: A quick wash in the washing machine at the recommended temperature (usually 30°C) is enough to eliminate the smell.
• Air out the T-shirt: If you don’t want to wash it right away, you can leave the T-shirt to air out for a few hours, and the smell will gradually fade.

Why is pre-treatment necessary?

The pre-treatment solution not only helps fix the ink, but also ensures that the print remains vibrant and resistant to repeated washing. Without pre-treatment, the colors might not adhere evenly to the fabric, and the design could lose its intensity much more quickly.

Pre-treatment is an essential step to make sure you receive a high-quality product, with a design that will continue to look great even after many wears.

Updated on: 14/01/2026