I never do, but is not a bad idea to wash first. Many of the designs (though not all) are washed and steamed to fix the designs before they are sent out and so for these it is not strictly necessary. Wash gently on a cool wash (30 degrees C) and use very mild detergent, no bio type powders. Turning the garment inide out also protects the print from excessive abrasion. Hope this helps!