Cooler weather puts us in the mood to break out our cozy flannel sheets! This article explains how to wash and care for your flannel sheets to keep them soft and supple while preventing problems like pilling, fading, and shrinkage.
Inside this Article:
Flannel Sheets: Cozy Warmth for Chilly Weather
There's something about that first whisper of autumn that brings us joy every year. Crisp, clear mornings. Cool nights that mean we can sleep with our windows open for the first time in months. And of course, cozy flannel bedding that's perfectly soft and super inviting. As the seasons change, we are absolutely reaching for the warmth and comfort of our beloved flannel sheets.
So Much to Love About Flannel Sheets
Flannel sheets are a great alternative to percale and sateen that really stand out in the colder seasons. Percale cotton is crisp and breathable like a classic hotel sheet, while sateen weave sheets are silky with a slight sheen. Flannel, on the other hand, is brushed to create a soft napped weave that can be described as fuzzy; it is definitely a warm sheeting option.
Over the years, our personal flannel sheet collection has grown to include classic Luxe Supima Cotton flannel from Lands End; heavy-duty Heritage Chamois flannel sheets from LL Bean; and even a set of luxury SDH Purists flannel sheets. It's fair to say the Heritage Park team are big flannel fans. That's why we're happy to share our tips for taking the very best care of your flannel sheets this season.
Why Flannel Needs Special Care
Flannel is wonderfully durable and easy to care for. However, there are a few issues to keep in mind when laundering flannel that highlight why the proper care protocol is a must:
- Pilling Prevention: The brushed surface can lead to pilling, so gentle washing is crucial.
- Maintaining Softness: Harsh detergents or incorrect washing can diminish the soft, fuzzy texture.
- Shrinkage: Flannel is more prone to shrinking than percale or sateen, especially if exposed to high heat (most flannel sheets are pure cotton, although occasionally you will find cotton blend or synthetic flannel sheets which are less likely to shrink).
- Color Retention: The brushed surface can make flannel sheets more susceptible to fading.
- Lint: Flannel sheets tend to produce more lint, especially when new.
Understanding these unique characteristics of flannel sheets helps us appreciate why they require a bit more attention when it comes to washing and care. By following the right methods, we can ensure our flannel sheets remain soft, cozy, and inviting for many autumn and winter seasons to come.
Heritage Park All-Purpose Laundry Detergent: Best for Washing Your Flannel Sheets
Choosing the right detergent for washing your flannel sheets is essential. You need a mild detergent that cleans effectively without harsh chemicals that can damage fabric. Heritage Park All-Purpose Laundry Detergent perfectly fits the bill. It is made with natural, plant-based ingredients, is pH-neutral, and cleans with a powerful blend of natural cleaning enzymes that break down and remove dirt, stains (including sweat and other body fluids) and odors without heavy chemicals. Our fragrance-free formula is lab-certified hypoallergenic and is pediatrician- and dermatologist tested. If you prefer a subtle scent to your detergent, choose one of our lightly fragranced options, including Spring Magnolia, Lavender Mist, or Shore Breeze.
Supplies You’ll Need to Wash Your Flannel Sheets
Get ready to wash your flannel sheets with the following supplies:
- Heritage Park All-Purpose Laundry Detergent in Fragrance-Free/Hypoallergenic (or one of our lightly scented formulas)
- A generously sized washing machine
- Enzyme stain remover or a spray bottle for making your own stain treatment with a 1:1 ratio of Heritage Park All-Purpose Detergent and water
- A dryer
- Wool dryer balls
Not Sure Which Detergent to Use?
Not Sure Which Detergent to Use?
Steps for Machine Washing Your Flannel Sheets
Follow these washing instructions to launder your flannel sheets.
1. Read the Care Instructions
Read the contents label and care guidelines and follow the directions. Always wash your flannel sheets before the first use.
2. Wash Your Flannel Sheets in a Separate Load
We always recommend sorting laundry by color, weight, and care guidelines. When it comes to a flannel sheet set–especially if there is a potential for fading–we recommend washing sheets by themselves in a dedicated load. Flannel sheets can be quite bulky, so it is reasonable to wash them in their own load.
3. Pretreat and Presoak Stains Immediately
Pre-treat or pre-soak any stains as soon as possible. We recommend using an enzyme stain remover, or making a solution of a 1:1 ratio of Heritage Park All Purpose Laundry Detergent and water in a spray bottle. You can also pre-treat stains with a small amount of All-Purpose Detergent directly applied to the fabric.
4. Use A Gentle or Normal Cycle and Lukewarm Water
Warm water and a normal cycle are the best practices to prevent flannel from pilling. Warm water is also effective at removing dust mites, bacteria, and body oils and it maximizes the cleaning power of laundry enzymes by allowing them to circulate most effectively. Hot water, on the other hand, will damage the flannel by causing it to pill and shrink; the friction of a heavy duty wash cycle can also cause pilling and extra lint.
5. Use Detergent Only: Skip the Bleach and Fabric Softener
Use the recommended amount of detergent. Bleach and fabric softener will damage your sheets, cause them to fade, and cause build up on the fabric and inside your machine. Read more about why fabric softener and dryer sheets are bad for fabric.
6. Tumble Dry on Low with Wool Dryer Balls
Shake your sheets out after the wash cycle to remove excess moisture. Dry on the lowest temperature possible to prevent shrinkage; use a set of natural wool dryer balls to speed the drying process.
There is no need to iron flannel sheets; any wrinkles will release on the bed. If you’re not making the bed immediately, store flannel sheets in a cool, dry spot away from direct sun to prevent fading.
We hope you’ve learned all you need to know about washing your flannel pad. As always, the Heritage Park team is here to answer questions about our products and laundry care. Feel free to give us a call or drop an email; we are happy to assist you!
Our Clients Also Ask These Questions
Can you wash flannel sheets in the washing machine?
Yes, you can easily wash flannel sheets in the washing machine. Use a gentle detergent made to clean and care for home textiles. Wash on a regular cycle in lukewarm water; tumble dry on medium with wool dryer balls.
Can you put flannel in the washer and dryer?
Yes, flannel can be put in the washer and dryer. The key is to wash with a gentle detergent and a regular -- not heavy-duty–cycle and to dry on medium heat. Use wool dryer balls to soften and speed drying time.
Do flannel sheets get softer after washing?
Flannel sheets will naturally soften on their own with repeated washing and drying, provided you wash them with a gentle detergent, on a regular cycle, and in lukewarm water and dry them on regular heat.
How do you wash flannel so it stays soft?
Wash flannel in warm to cool water to keep it soft. Hot water and a hot dryer will reduce the softness of the flannel and cause it to shrink. Never use any type of fabric softener on flannel (or any other home linens like towels, percale or sateen sheets, or table linens). Fabric softener and dryer sheets are filled with chemicals that coat fabric and degrade the feel.
Can you tumble dry flannel?
Flannel sheets can be tumbled dry on medium heat. We recommend using a set of wool dryer balls to naturally soften and speed the drying time.
Do flannel sheets shrink?
Cotton flannel sheets will absolutely shrink if you wash them in water that is too hot or dry them on high heat. New flannel sheets will naturally shrink a bit during the first wash; this is to be expected and is accounted for during the manufacturing process. To prevent ongoing shrinking, wash your flannel sheets in warm water and a normal cycle and dry on medium heat.
How often should you change flannel sheets?
You should change flannel sheets at the same interval you would change any sheet set: at least every two weeks, more frequently if they are dirty or stained.
